Launch of the Training Program for the Promotion of Responsible Business Conduct in Vietnam

 

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), as a part of its commissioned projects with the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), organized a training program in Japan to promote responsible business conduct (RBC). This program invited executives and managers from Vietnamese companies as well as representatives from industry associations.

Overview

Recently, as the discussion around business and human rights has gained global momentum, the Government of Japan released the Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains. The government has been actively working to raise awareness and promote corporate initiatives on business and human rights among businesses.

As it becomes increasingly necessary for Japanese companies to strengthen their initiatives for respecting human rights through their supply chains, including in Southeast Asia, we conducted a training program aimed at executives and managers from Vietnamese companies and representatives from industry associations. This initiative seeks to develop and enhance the trustworthy cooperation mechanisms between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses.

In cooperation with Japanese business and industrial associations, relevant organizations, and an international organization, the training provided an opportunity to introduce Japan’s initiatives on business and human rights, as well as responsible business conduct. It also showcased practical cases from Japanese companies, deepening participants’ understanding of these topics, including practical approaches to human rights due diligence in supply chains.

(Comments from the training participants)
●Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), HCMC Branch, Deputy General Director
“Through this training, we have come to recognize the importance of early engagement in responsible business conduct as a long-term investment, regardless of the size of the company. Taking this training as an opportunity, we would like to further enhance collaboration with Japan and Vietnam to build sustainable supply chains.”

●Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), Director of Textile-Garments Enterprises Supporting Center
“Promoting RBC is not just a trend. It is something that companies must engage in for deep integration into global business, or be left aside.”

METI continues to work towards creating an environment that enables businesses to proactively respect human rights.

Training Program

Period：　Thursday, February 27, to Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (5 days)

Participants：　A total of 21 participants from Vietnam

Company Representatives: １6 participants
Executives and managers from Vietnamese companies in sectors such as textiles, apparel, and electronics, who are currently engaged in or seeking to be engaged in business with Japanese companies and who are involved or are expected to be involved in the implementation of RBC within their organizations.

Industry Association Representatives: 5 participants
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS)

Main Content：

• Lectures on key knowledge of RBC, including relevant international standards and global trends.
• Introduction to initiatives on business and human rights and responsible business conduct, along with practical cases from Japanese companies 
• Presentations by participants on action plans they have developed

              
(Photo provided by Keidanren) 

Division in Charge

For inquiries about this page:
Business and Human Rights Policy Office, Trade Policy Bureau（+81-(0)3-3501-1511）bzl-business-jinken@meti.go.jp