Responsibility – Exchange – Integration – Development: International Workshop on Sustainable Development of China Outward Mining Investments | 2015
Archive Emerging Market Multinationals Network for Sustainability
Description
In the afternoon of the 29 April 2015, an International Seminar on Sustainable Development on China’s Outbound Mining Investments was conducted in Beijing. It was organised by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemical Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) and the EMM Network. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) acted as a supporting organisation.
More than 90 representatives from governmental organisations, associations and chambers, NGOs, research institutes and companies participated in the workshop.
Report
The workshop was moderated by Mr. Sun Lihui, Director, External Communication Department, CCCMC. Opening remarks were hold by Mr. Chen Feng, Chairman of CCCMC and Dr. Jürgen Steiger, GIZ.
Mr. Guo Zhouming, Vice Chief Editor of Journal of International Trade, elaborated on the challenges and solutions for sustainable development in outbound mining investments. Mr. Richard Desgagnè, Regional Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) shared experiences of his organization in conflict areas. Mr. Qian Song, Director, Investment Management Department, China Minmetals Group, introduced best practices of his company. Zhang Guojun, Senior Director at WWF elaborated on the environmental impact and risk assessment in the mining industry from an African perspective. Ms. Yi Yimin, Advisor, Global Witness presented the implications of due diligence and payment transparency in responsible mining supply chain.
In the second half of the workshop Mr. Chen Sai, Technical Coordinator, EMM Network and Mr. Tristan von Balluseck, Consultant, EMM Network introduced the EMM Network and the benefits it can bring to Chinese companies in the mining sector that are investing abroad. Chinese companies were encouraged to join in the network either personally or on behalf of companies. Mr. Sun Lihui, Director, External Communication Department, CCCMC echoed the call of the EMM Network and presented CCCMC’s three-year implementation planning of the Guidelines for Social Responsibility in Outbound Mining Investments, as well as its draft training scheme with a strong focus on four prioritized topics namely: organizational governance, environment, occupational health and safety and community engagement.
In the following panel discussion, representatives from the public and private sector discussed sustainability issues, such as the roles and ways of communication to stakeholders when pursuing outbound mining investments, as well as the importance of biodiversity. The highly interactive panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Yu Zhihong, Chief Editor, WTO Tribune and included Dr. Erfa Iqbal, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan, Mr. Gu Shuzhong, Deputy Director, Research Center for Resources and Environmental Policy, Development Research Center of the State Council, Mr. Zhao Xiufu, Deputy Director, Research Centre at Aluminum Corporation of China, and Mr. Zhang Changwen, Customer and Industry Sales Operation Manager, Volvo Construction Equipment as panelists.
The workshop marked another important milestone in the implementation of the CCCMC guidelines for outbound mining investments. The EMM Network will continue to support the coordination and implementation of the 3 year implementation plan of CCCMC.
