CSR Europe investigates what sustainable trade means for business

• Supporting non-governmental initiatives, including the launch of a European Sustainable Trade and Innovation Center (a private initiative, whose aim is to bring together private and public sector partners looking for sustainable development solutions worldwide);
• Setting up a "trade helpdesk", an Internet-based starting point for exporters of sustainably produced goods to find information on relevant legislation, suppliers, etc.
• Devising action against illegal logging through a voluntary licensing system (to prevent the export of illegally produced wood into the EU);
• Working with the ILO on social issues;
• Conducting sustainability impact assessments (a tool used by the EU to factor sustainability considerations into its trade negotiations).

The speaker pointed out that, ultimately, the most important factor determining the success of sustainable (or fair) trade initiatives is consumer choice.