ILO-CNTAC-PAGE Just Transition in the Textile and Garment Sector in Asia – Discussion series: China

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing immense humanitarian and economic consequences for businesses and workers of the textile and garment sector. The on-going crisis provides an opportunity for the industry to rethink the weaknesses of the current supply chain model, and to step up efforts to restructure the sector in a way that gives greater value to the interdependence between social, environmental, technological and economic conditions.

Languages: The online discussion is conducted in Chinese and English using the application Zoom. Simultaneous interpretation is provided during the session.

The process of ‘Just Transition’ – achieving sustainability transitions in a way that is ‘just’ to the enterprises, workers and communities involved, ensuring that no one is left behind, is a highly relevant framework in this current situation and provides a useful guide for structuring discussions, recovery actions and investments in the sustainable recovery process.

China is the biggest garment processing base in the world. The textile and garment sector is a key industry that engages 20 million workers. While the national supply chain has basically returned to normal, Chinese textile enterprises face problems such as overseas order cancellations, weak demand and tight access to capital due to the global impact of the pandemic and its uncertain development trend. A green and just recovery from the pandemic will depend on strengthened communication, partnership and cooperation among all stakeholders to build back better across the global supply chain.

Objectives

The Just Transition in the Textile and Garment Section (TAGS) Discussion series contributes towards two projects of the ILO: (i) the Decent Work in Garment Supply Chains in Asia (funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency-Sida); and (ii) the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) funded Initiative.
 
  • Gather actionable data on the impact of COVID-19 on the sector;
  • Offer a forum for identifying and prioritizing actions and interventions for recovery and re-structuring in the sector;
  • Develop a process for stakeholder engagement and capacity building for a Just Transition in the sector with constituents and stakeholders.

Speakers include representatives from:

  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC)
  • Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS)
  • China Enterprise Confederation (CEC)
  • Local textile enterprises
  • All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU)
  • Local trade union
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
  • Textile Eco-innovation Network in Asia (TERN)

Additional online discussions in this series is held in:

  • Bangladesh
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Viet Nam