The ILO Governing Body has decided to create an InFocus Initiative on export processing zones which will draw on work in different parts of the Office focused on specific economic sectors. The key issue is the examination of what constitutes the most appropriate policy package to encourage a steady improvement in the quality of production and employment in manufacturing sectors competing on global markets. Using social dialogue and a rights-based approach, the Initiative will seek to foster effective, coordinated national policies on decent work, which encourage investment and trade and promote core labour standards and adherence to national laws. Specific attention will be paid to the gender dimension of decent work. Lessons can be learned from both good practices and those where basic rights and conditions have not been respected. The aim will be to develop advisory services to governments and others that foster an upgrading of the quality of both employment and production in EPZs and their integration into broader national and international development strategies.

In 2006 and early 2007, the ILO conducted a wide survey of available sources. The results are found in a database (pdf, 971k) which reflects and updates the information received with the respective sources, most of which are Internet-based.