[Press Release] Socially Responsible Business Practices in the Automotive Sector in Asia

On 22 July 2021, Thai-European Business Association (TEBA), European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and International Labour Organization (ILO), through the support of the EU-funded “Responsible Supply Chains in Asia” (RSCA) programme, co-organised Business Roundtable on “Socially Responsible Business Practices in the Automotive Sector in Asia”.
More than 40 participants from leading European automotive companies based in Thailand, suppliers, participants from other business sectors, as well as officials from the EU and ILO attended this event.
This business roundtable was a successful platform for companies and suppliers in the automotive sector in Thailand to hear about the latest policy and regulatory trends on sustainable development, socially responsible business practices, and upcoming due diligence legislation of the EU and internationally, as well as to share their best practices in socially responsible business practices through their supply chains.
Mr. Fredy Guayacan, Programme Manager, Responsible Supply Chains in Asia Programme, ILO noted in his opening remarks that “In today’s difficult economic environment, responsible business practices are no longer an option for businesses, but a market requirement and an opportunity for businesses to become more competitive, productive and resilient. The ILO principles and standards agreed by the governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations have become a reference point for companies to address labour related issues”.
Mr. Joseph Hong, Vice-President, Thai European Business Association (TEBA) and Managing Director of Robert Bosch (Thailand) shared that “Among many initiatives related to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), automotive companies are focusing on the principle of reusing and recycling resources and to implement innovative solutions such as a circular economy, battery recycling, biodegradable components and sustainable processes in research, development and manufacture. TEBA has a strong Automotive Working Group and we work to support Thailand in becoming more environmentally friendly, lower emission and achieving a future mobility goal.”
Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Head of Trade and Economic Section, European Union Delegation to Thailand, shared the latest developments in the EU on sustainable development trends. He noted that “Sustainable development is an integral and ever more central part of the EU trade policy. The EU promotes high environmental and human rights standards and supports responsible business practices, good labour practices and due diligence by companies. Any future EU-Thailand Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations would have to include a strong and enforceable Sustainable development chapter”.
Ms. Githa Roelans, Head of the Multinational Enterprises and Enterprise Engagement Unit, ILO stressed “the importance of international labour standards and the distinct but complementary roles and responsibilities of government, social partners (employers’ and workers’ organizations) and enterprises in promoting socially responsible labour practices. She highlighted the importance of compliance with national law and observance of the principles of the ILO MNE Declaration especially the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, as well as of dialogue between these parties to encourage the positive contribution of business to socio-economic development and decent work”.
This event is jointly organised by the Thai European Business Association (TEBA), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) (through the RSCA programme).

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https://mailchi.mp/thaieuro/pressrelease_bizroundtable_17082021