ISLAMABAD: Helvetas Germany, in partnership with the European Union, has officially launched the Capacity-Building for Socially Diligent Agribusinesses (CSDA) project at a high-level event in Lahore , bringing together leading representatives from government, industry, civil society, international development partners, co-implementers and affiliates.
The CSDA project aims to strengthen human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct in Pakistan’s cotton and rice value chains, in line with the country’s GSP Plus obligations and new EU legislations including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Forced Labour Regulation, said a press release issued here on Friday.
Responsible business conduct is an ethical and legal imperative, with increasing obligations worldwide. But also, compliance with it turns into higher financial profit for businesses too, avoiding fines and being more attractive for investors that are also bounded by legal imperatives, and for clients who are increasingly demanding sustainable products.
“The CSDA project reflects our joint commitment to build transparent, ethical, and competitive supply chains that meet international standards and protect workers’ rights,” said Dr. Asad Salim, Country Representative, Helvetas Germany.
Ms. Marta Ubeda, Programme Manager, European Union Delegation to Pakistan, said ‘The EU is committed to promoting respect for human rights by business both within and beyond our borders. For this, it is fundamental that the EU helps to build the capacity of local actors to adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape. We are glad to be partnering with such a key coalition of actors for this purpose’.
The launch featured panel discussions on Pakistan’s readiness for evolving EU trade requirements, the role of industry in supporting compliance, and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting social sustainability and decent working conditions.
Funded by the European Union, the CSDA project aims to support businesses, farmer, and worker communities across Pakistan’s export-oriented cotton and rice sectors, in supporting human rights and labour standards.
