Beijing(ILO News) -- Global supply chains are a central piece of current globalisation and the promotion of decent work in them is among the ILO’s top priorities. On September 18, the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MORHSS) and the ILO organised in Beijing a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss public and private initiatives geared toward responsible business conduct.

The meeting allowed in-depth discussions on the use of ILO’s instruments, including the two most recent ILO’s tripartite Declarations on Multinational Enterprises and on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work. The participants were also briefed on the various initiatives taken by the Chinese public authorities, including the measures promoted by the labour inspectorate and the guidance issued by different ministries on corporate social responsibility.

The meeting collected the views of a diversity of actors including the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the China Employers’ Confederation, the China National Textile and Apparel Council, as well as the EU delegation in China, governmental agencies responsible for CSR standard setting, multinational and national enterprises, business alliances, international organisations, embassies and national experts.

“ As China is the host country of so many suppliers, it is important to understand well each stakeholder’s perspective. Crossing lessons learnt and exchanging best practices will help the government and the social partners to strengthen the governance of supply chains both in China and abroad” said Claire Courteille – Mulder, the director of the ILO Office in Beijing.

The meeting was part of an EU funded project on responsible supply chains and an INDITEX supported initiative on fundamental rights and principles at work.