China: The aim of the framework agreement is to support companies in reducing their risks in foreign business.

27 March 2019
China: The aim of the framework agreement is to support companies in reducing their risks in foreign business.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces signed a framework agreement on 27 March in Beijing. CC BY-NC-ND / Shanshan Zou/ ICRC

Beijing (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) signed a framework agreement on 27 March in Beijing.

As part of the agreement, the three organizations would pool and share their resources and experience with the aim of supporting Chinese companies operating in complex environments abroad.

Apart from extending technical support, the three sides will organize seminars and training sessions for these companies. The focus would be on enhancing the firms' capacities in security management and helping them improve engagement with host governments, public security forces, private security providers and local communities. The organizations will also work together to develop and promote good practices among Chinese companies operating abroad.

The ICRC and DCAF had previously developed a "toolkit" called "Addressing security and human rights challenges in complex environments". This kit supports companies in managing their security effectively and also makes them aware about the need to comply with human rights and international humanitarian law. The Chinese version was launched in July 2018.

Established in Beijing in 1988, the CCCMC boasts of a membership of more than 6,000 foreign trade companies. The organization plays an important role in the area of responsible business conduct and developing and promoting policies and tools. This includes the Chinese Due Diligence Guidelines for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains to help Chinese companies identify, reduce and avoid risks.

For further information, please contact:

Valery Mbaoh Nana, ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, Beijing, tel.: +86 186 0025 3392
Michael Zhang, ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, Beijing, tel.: +86 138 1003 5522
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