Developing Countries: Procurement

(asked on 23rd September 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Vulnerable Supply Chains Initiative in meeting that scheme's objectives; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 6th October 2020

The Vulnerable Supply Chains Facility seeks to enable vulnerable people and supply chains in agriculture and the garments sectors to recover from and remain resilient to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. It will leverage the reach and influence of responsible businesses through partnerships with expert organisations such as Fairtrade or the Ethical Trading Initiative.

In just under ten weeks the Facility established partnerships with 16 of the UK's largest retailers and wholesalers. We are already starting to see some of the results, such as the commencement of COVID-19 occupational health and safety training in over 20 garment factories in Bangladesh. Over the coming 12 months the portfolio will benefit over 800,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. I have every confidence the Facility will meet its objectives and ensure Britain is a force for good in the world.

Reticulating Splines