Compliance management: ILO and tripartite partners support “Going Global” enterprises in achieving sustainable development

SHANGHAI and SUZHOU(ILO News) - As Chinese enterprises play an increasingly active role in global development—contributing to infrastructure, employment, and local economic growth—the importance of responsible business conduct and labour compliance has come into sharper focus. In response to growing expectations around environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has supported the Chinese constituents the development and launch of two new resources to help Chinese enterprises navigate labour-related risks and promote decent work in their overseas operations.

On 20 October 2025, the China Enterprise Confederation (CEC) and Shanghai Enterprise Confederation officially launched the Labour Compliance Guide for Chinese Enterprises Operating Abroad in Shanghai, with support from the ILO. The event gathered over 120 participants, including representatives from enterprises and key stakeholders. The guide integrates international labour standards with practical experiences from Chinese enterprises abroad, offering actionable recommendations to help companies meet global expectations and achieve sustainable development.

“The guide provides a roadmap for enterprises to achieve labour compliance,” said Liang Yan, Executive Vice President of CEC, "it aims to clarify international norms and expectations, promote responsible business practices, and offer practical guidance for Chinese enterprises operating globally."

The guide outlines common compliance risks and mitigation strategies, helping enterprises understand and respect both host country laws and international labour standards. It is designed as a “living toolkit” that companies can adapt and update as their operations evolve. The ILO will continue working with CEC to promote the guide’s application and provide ongoing capacity-building support.

On 21 October 2025, the ILO and the China Academy of Labour and Social Security (CALSS) co-hosted the Seminar on Building the Labour Compliance Capacity of Overseas Chinese Enterprises in Suzhou, bringing together over 50 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, law firms, and enterprises. The seminar focused on presenting the Training Guide on Labour and Employment Practices for Chinese Enterprises’ Overseas Investment, developed by CALSS with support from the ILO, and strengthening enterprise capacity on key aspects of labour compliance in overseas operations.

The training guide is tailored for enterprise managers, HR professionals, industry associations, and local governments. It provides clear and practical guidance to identify, prevent, and manage labour risks in overseas projects, with the aim of improving working conditions, safeguarding labour rights, and building more resilient supply chains.

The seminar covered the core topics on labour rights and compliance, and served as a platform for dialogue and learning among stakeholders. The ILO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) and CALSS to develop follow-up training programmes, online learning tools, and case studies. These efforts aim to help enterprises translate international labour standards into practical, day-to-day business practices and establish systems for prevention, dialogue, and continuous improvement.

These initiatives reflect the ILO’s ongoing commitment to supporting Chinese enterprises in promoting decent work and responsible business conduct throughout their global operations. To assist companies in navigating international labour standards and integrating them into business practices, the ILO has developed a range of practical tools and resources. Among them, the ILO Helpdesk for Business serves as a one-stop platform offering guidance, case studies, and access to key instruments that help enterprises understand and apply international labour standards in diverse operational contexts.