NL – Textiles

Pillar I

Development cooperation

Sustainable trade with and investment in developing countries

“Further strengthening cooperation between ministries and between Dutch government and other stakeholders can help ensure that the establishment of national, European and international sustainability frameworks and standards and their impact on and support of developing countries mutually reinforce each other even more (learning capacity for coherence). This is particularly important in specific risk sectors and value chains such as cacao, textiles and palm oil which have a significant Dutch footprint. In addition to a separate, permanent interministerial dialogue to be established, the focus will be on lastingly improving learning capacity regarding these activities, so that risks are addressed and mitigated.” pp. 46 and 48.

Pilllar II

Improving the provision of information to businesses

“… the Sustainable Clothing and Textile Agreement has set up an independent joint complaints mechanism. … Internationally the government will participate in the benchmarking efforts of the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) on access to remedy by large enterprises in the agricultural, textile, mineral and ICT producing industries. These benchmarks are published annually by the WBA and indicate to what extent multinational enterprises offer remedy. Knowing and showing plays a role in stimulating businesses to get active in providing access to remedy.” pp 64 and 65.