ILO and Chinese employer organizations promote Responsible Business Conduct in overseas operations

Shanghai (ILO News) – As expectations for responsible business conduct continue to grow across global supply chains, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the China Enterprise Confederation (CEC), and the Shanghai Enterprise Confederation brought together enterprises in Shanghai on 20 October 2026 to strengthen labour compliance in overseas operations. The training focused on evolving expectations in global supply chains and explored practical approaches for aligning business practices with international labour standards.

Building on the Guide on Labour Compliance for Chinese Enterprises in Overseas Operations, jointly released by the ILO and CEC in 2025, the training provided practical guidance grounded in international labour standards and responsible business conduct frameworks. It also served as a platform for enterprises to strengthen their understanding of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and emerging sustainability expectations across global supply chains.

Opening the event, Mikhail Pouchkin, Director of the ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia, highlighted the growing contribution of Chinese enterprises to employment creation, investment and economic development worldwide. He noted that respect for workers' rights, safe and healthy working conditions, and social dialogue are not only fundamental labour principles but also drivers of productivity and business resilience. He encouraged enterprises to play a leading role in advancing decent work, supporting the social and economic development of host countries, and contributing to more sustainable, responsible, and resilient global supply chains.

CEC plays a pivotal role in bridging international labour standards and enterprise practice, providing Chinese enterprises with practical guidance and capacity-building support on labour compliance, labour relations, and responsible business conduct as they expand globally.

Mr Mikhail Pouchkin, Director of the ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia

In his remarks, Zhu Hongren, Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CEC, noted that China's overseas investment continues to make important contributions to job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth in host countries. At the same time, enterprises face increasing expectations from governments, business partners, and other stakeholders to demonstrate responsible business conduct throughout their operations and supply chains. Drawing on the ILO's expertise, tools, and global experience, the training was designed to help enterprises translate international labour standards and responsible business conduct principles into effective management practices.

The longstanding partnership between CEC and the ILO has provided valuable guidance and capacity-building support for Chinese enterprises operating internationally.

Mr Zhu Hongren, Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CEC

Liu Jiaping, President of the Shanghai Enterprise Confederation, noted that Shanghai-based enterprises have long been at the forefront of China's international business engagement. Amid rapid changes in global trade and investment patterns, he emphasized that labour compliance has become an increasingly important factor influencing business continuity, supply chain resilience, market access, and corporate reputation. He also underscored the role of employer organizations in supporting enterprises through legal services, compliance assistance, and business-government dialogue.

More than 140 representatives participated in the training programme, including representatives from the Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions, the Shanghai Enterprise Confederation, the Shanghai Entrepreneurs Association, district-level enterprise confederations and their member enterprises, Shanghai Business Environment Experience Officers, experts in labour relations and labour law, as well as ESG and sustainability professionals from enterprises engaged in overseas operations.

Throughout the training, the participants exchanged experiences and explored practical approaches to promoting international labour standards within enterprise operations. Discussions also focused on integrating these principles into management systems and supply-chain sustainability processes.