About the Programme
A partnership between the European Union (EU),the International Labour Organization (ILO) andthe Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD), with 9 million EUR funding by theEuropean Union, the programme works with partners
in Asia to promote respect for human rights, including
labour rights, and responsible business standards inglobal supply chains.

The Responsible Supply Chainsin Asia Programme in action
The regional programme is making an impact in a numberof areas, including through:Fostering policy dialogue between the private
sector and government institutions on strategiesto establish an enabling environment for theimplementation and promotion of socially responsible
business practices.
Train the trainer sessions – leading representatives
from employer organisations, academia and worker’sorganisations have been brought together and trainedas ‘champions’ in responsible business practices.
Establishing forums for dialogue between
suppliers and buyers to share goals and expectations
on incorporating responsible business practices into
their supply chains.

Responsible Supply Chains in Asia
Global supply chains have rapidly expanded in recent
decades. They are an integral feature of international
production, trade and investment, and have contributed
to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.
Asian economies play a crucial role in many global supplychains.
This growth, however, has brought its own challenges.
Working conditions in supply chains have often fallen
short of international standards, and there has beena significant impact on the environment. Consumers,
businesses and governments around the world areincreasingly conscious of the importance of sustainability
and inclusivity in global supply chains.
The Responsible Supply Chains in Asia Programme aims
to address decent work and environmental challenges
through promoting responsible business practices in
the operations of enterprises, including multinational
enterprises, and their supply chains.

The three-year programme (2018-2020), carried out incollaboration with Japan, China, Myanmar, Philippines,
Thailand and Vietnam, has two broad objectives to:promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth byensuring that investors and businesses have a better
understanding of corporate social responsibility;
create policy environments conducive to promoting
responsible business conduct and increasedopportunities for dialogue

Target industries

Electronics

Vehicle Parts

Agriculture

TextilesSeafood

Wood
Processing

Developing joint research with policymakers tomap existing labour and environmental practices andfocus attention on areas where change will have thegreatest impact.
Engaging business associations in discussions toidentify the challenges of implementing good labour
practices in supply chains and canvas opportunities
to make companies more competitive, productive
and with better access new markets.

Who benefits?
The programme aims to directly improve the welfareof people working in global supply chains. Consumers
enjoying products made in a responsible and ethicalmanner also stand to gain, as will citizens living incommunities that value environmental protection andrespect for human rights. Companies will benefit fromincreased productivity, new competitive advantages,and sustainable growth.

A unique collaboration
The programme represents the first time that theILO, OECD and the EU have joined forces to promoteresponsible supply chains on a large scale. Eachorganisation contributes to the programme with theirexpertise and tools.
European Union (EU)This initiative is a part of the EU’s long-standing
commitment to promote human rights, decent work andsustainable development, a pledge underpinned by EU
Treaties and reinforced in the European Commission’s
trade policy strategy of 2015 “Trade for All”, under theCommission’s commitment to identify opportunities forresponsible supply chain partnerships.
International Labour Organisation (ILO)The UN’s oldest agency, the ILO, brings together
governments, employers and workers of 187 member
States, to set labour standards, develop policies anddevise programmes promoting decent work and social
justice for all women and men.

Funded by the European Union

Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD)The OECD is an intergovernmental organisation witha mission to promote better policies for better lives ofpeople around the world. Its member countries span
the globe and include many of the world’s advanced andemerging economies. The goal of the OECD is to build astronger, cleaner and fairer world.

Contact us:
Rsca@ilo.org
rbc@oecd.org

ILOOECD

Join the conversation:@Trade_EU@ILOA@OECD_BizFin

EUResponsible
Supply Chainsin Asia