The China Enterprise Confederation (CEC), together with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the support of the European Union (EU) through the RSCA programme, have organised a workshop on advancing International Labour Standards and socially responsible labour practices in investment initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge of employers’ organisations and enterprises on international labour standards (ILS), and strengthen the application of ILS at the enterprise level and in the supply chains; raise awareness on the importance of socially responsible labour practices for the competitiveness, productivity and access to new markets. The workshop also discussed opportunities and challenges for international cooperation under the BRI, and how to mainstream international labour standards and responsible business conduct (RBC) from the perspective of labour.

The sessions covered:

• Overview of International Labour Standards and supervisory mechanisms
• International cooperation within the framework of BRI: Labour relations building opportunities and challenges
• Socially responsible labour practices in global supply chains
• Fostering harmonious labour relations: workers’ participation and collective negotiation
• Gender equality at work
• Enterprise labour disputes cases analysis and reflection

Over 80 enterprise representatives participated in the workshop. Participants actively joined the discussions on the related topics to better understand international labour standards, international policy frameworks and responsible labour practices. The workshop helped enterprises with their overseas operations and sustainable development.