Asian Textile Industry Calls For Responsible Procurement During The Epidemic Period

Asia's Sustainable Textile Network releases appeal for epidemic period

Joint statement on responsible procurement

Recently, the China Textile Industry Federation (CNTAC) and eight other industry organizations of five other countries in the Asian Regional Sustainable Textile Network (STAR network) jointly issued a statement calling for the implementation of responsible procurement behavior during the epidemic.

Since January this year, unprecedented COVID-19 epidemic has swept the globe and has brought serious challenges and crises to the global textile industry chain. Members of the STAR network, nine textile and garment industry organizations in six production and exporting countries, hand in hand, pointing out that implementing responsible corporate behavior in this crisis is more important than ever before. In particular, the responsible purchasing behavior of Brand Company, retailers and traders on the global textile and garment supply chain will have a huge impact on the basic rights of millions of workers at the other end of the supply chain and their family livelihoods. It is now the critical moment for the global industry to abide by and fulfil its commitment to labour rights, social responsibility and sustainable supply chain.

According to this initiative, the industry organization of the STAR network has made nine concrete recommendations to the global textile and apparel Brand Company, retailers and traders to implement responsible procurement behavior during the epidemic. These suggestions include: seriously considering the potential impact on employees and small businesses in the supply chain when making major procurement decisions; respecting the terms and conditions of the established procurement contracts, fulfilling the contractual obligations, renegotiation of the fixed price or payment terms, and making practical plans for the suspension of delivery or shipment and the production or production being completed. The product assumes responsibility and continues to pay according to the agreement, and does not cancel the confirmed and production orders; if it is necessary to suspend or stop production or delivery, it will provide the supplier with fair compensation in accordance with the amount of 100% FOB (FOB), or directly pay wages to the supplier's workers, and shall not be held responsible for the delay in delivery or shipment of the supplier due to the epidemic situation. Line claims; no additional pressure should be imposed on suppliers due to additional costs, urgent orders or unnecessary factory visits and audits; every effort should be made to communicate with local stakeholders to better understand local situations and situations; always resolve disputes or disputes through dialogue and cooperation, and ensure a mutually acceptable dispute settlement plan; and do our best to support it. Business partners in the supply chain promote long-term strategies to achieve business continuity, supply chain integrity and social sustainability.

The STAR network was founded in 2016. It was jointly launched by nine textile and garment industry associations in Bangladesh, China, Kampuchea, Burma, Pakistan and Vietnam. As the first industry organization in Asia to promote sustainable development of regional textile and garment industry and supply chain producers, STAR is a platform to promote cooperation among practitioners, government agencies and employees of major textile and garment producers and exporters in Asia. It also discusses challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable development and develops closer relationships. The platform helps its members understand the latest developments in the industry, seek solutions to challenges, and share the good practices of factories in topics such as workplace health, women's equality and environmental management.

Up to now, STAR members include: Bangladesh garment manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh knitted garment manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), China Textile Industry Federation (CNTAC), Kampuchea Garment Manufacturers Association (GMAC), Burma Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), Pakistan hosiery manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), Pakistan towel manufacturers association (TMA) and Vietnam textile and Garment Association (VITAS). These industry organizations represent not less than 50% of global textile and apparel exports.