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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
10.16.2007 - 11:59pm ET
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BSR Awarded $2 Million Grant to Promote Responsible Competitiveness in Central America
(CSRwire) SAN FRANCISCO, CA – October 16, 2007 – Business for Social
Responsibility (BSR), in partnership with the Center for Latin American
Competitiveness and Sustainable Development (CLACDS) at the INCAE Business
School, has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of
State to launch a "responsible competitiveness" initiative in CAFTA-DR
countries. The 36-month program, funded by the State Department's Bureau
of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, will focus on key industries in
Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and
Nicaragua, with an emphasis on agricultural, apparel and electronics
products.
BSR and INCAE will apply their expertise in the fields of sustainable
development to help countries realize the benefits of the Central American
Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) between the United States and the CAFTA-DR
countries. Ultimately, the long-term outcomes of this project are to:
1) Create and promote a robust "CSR infrastructure" at regional, country
and industry levels
2) Elevate the status of CAFTA-DR countries as originators of responsibly
produced products for international buyers
To realize these goals, BSR and INCAE will work together in a coaching
capacity with identified enterprises, create targeted pilot projects
around key issues, and deliver customized trainings in key industry
sectors. BSR will also establish an "International Buyers Initiative" to
coordinate outreach with multinational companies sourcing from the
CAFTA-DR region.
"This project is a reflection of BSR's commitment to the region and is a
continuation of our work with companies and local industries to improve
labor standards and practices both in this region and throughout the
world," said Aron Cramer, President and CEO of BSR. "We are thrilled at
the opportunity to build upon our past work and further the
competitiveness of the region."
The initiative is based on the idea that successful and sustainable change
in business culture and priorities is dependent upon individual champions
working at the enterprise, industry and national levels to advocate for
and advance corporate responsibility. "BSR and INCAE will implement a
program that creates a network of CSR champions in the region," explained
BSR communications director Amon Rappaport. "This is a key component of a
time-tested strategy of identifying advocates from within strategic
organizations to foster sustainable change."
According to Dr. Arturo Condo, Rector of INCAE, "Higher labor standards
will enhance the competitiveness of Central American firms. This new
project offers an exciting opportunity to engage the private sector in
strengthening the region’s competitive capacities."
For more information, contact Tara Rangarajan, BSR Managing Director,
Advisory Services, at trangarajan@bsr.org or
+1-619-546-8549.
About BSR
Since 1992, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) has been providing
socially responsible business solutions to many of the world's leading
corporations. Headquartered in San Francisco and with offices in Europe,
China and Hong Kong, BSR is a nonprofit business association that serves
its 250 member companies and other Global 1000 enterprises. Through
advisory services, convenings and research, BSR works with corporations
and concerned stakeholders of all types to create a more just and
sustainable global economy. For more information, visit www.bsr.org.
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