Responsible Supply Chains in Asia - Myanmar

About the programme.

In Myanmar the responsible supply chains in Asia project is targeting the agricultural and seafood sectors. By working to promote a culture of respect for worker’s rights and environmental standards in these industries the project aims to enhance the reputation of Myanmar as a responsible sourcing destination to encourage international investment and open access to markets.

The project’s operations are active in four areas: Research, to produce a map of current policies and practices as well as potential improvements; Outreach, to provide a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders to share experiences and peer learning. Policy advocacy to address government and business approaches to labour issues in supply chains, and; Training courses to strengthen the institutional and operational quality of CSR and help stakeholders implement responsible business principles to all levels of Myanmar’s supply chains.

Principles and guidelines.

As a platform for this work, the project is based on internationally agreed principles and guidelines on corporate responsibility, principally the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.

Expected Outcomes

The project will contribute to decent work opportunities for women and men in the agricultural and seafood industries in Myanmar as responsible business practices are implemented. The project also aims to:

• Increase awareness and strengthen capacity of all relevant actors, particularly businesses and public authorities in relation to CSR/RBC through development and dissemination of best practices, case studies, tools and lessons learned;
• Improve coherence on CSR/RBC between the EU, other trading partners and Myanmar and the encouragement of sound industrial relations in line with internationally agreed principles and guidelines;
• Enhance contributions of businesses operating in Myanmar to environmental protection, decent working conditions, and the respect for human rights and strengthened coherence with relevant regulatory frameworks.

Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) are ways in which enterprises consider the impact of their operations on society. They are rooted in the UN principle that businesses have a responsibility to uphold and protect human and labour rights, even in environments where there are gaps in the relevant national law. Through CSR and RBC, firms affirm their principles and values in their internal and external methods and processes. The Responsible Supply Chains in Asia programme believes that CSR/RBC are an integral part of corporate management that can help businesses manage risk, promote inclusive growth and ensure decent work in international supply chains.

For more about the programme’s activities, please visit our regional programme overview.