Voluntary Standards & the Chinese Reality Martin Ma Social Accountability International & Solidaridad Network Organization ISEAL Annual Conference Zurich June 2011

Impact of voluntary standards Immense & immeasurable:  Triggered national debate on China’s value system and the overall direction of national development (“Harmonious Society”)  Mobilized large number of local stakeholders to promote sustainability and responsibility  Changed the landscape of China’s manufacturing sector (factories along coast line v.s. those in interior China)

Existing challenges  Enormous social & environmental challenges make any standard powerless by itself  International standards as “parachuted” systems  Most int’l standards developed through rigorous stakeholder process, but little or no stakeholder approach in implementation on the ground (Party A + Party B)  Suppliers/Producers are supposed to stay “in compliance,” with little genuine support from other stakeholders (Many still in a state of “P. R. C.”)

Possible ways forward  Change “supply chain” into “value chain”?  Change “compliance” into “partnership”?  Switch focus on “performance indicators” to “measuring progress”?  Adopt a “holistic” approach to ensure bigger and long lasting impact?

Seek buy-in from Chinese stakeholders A. Strengthen collaboration among standards  Common tool/guide for producers to create stepping stones?  Showcase tangible benefits to producers (even b4 market links)?  Joint efforts to lobby the Chinese government (CNCA)? B. Ensure local stakeholder involvement in:  Developing implementation guide?  Offer oversight on audits?  NGOs to participate in audits to reduce costs?