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.

BSR

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, with offices in Europe and China, 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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