Integration in value chains
SECO promotes private sector integration in global value chains and strengthens the relevant dimensions of sustainability in the process.
More and more companies and producers from developing countries are integrated into global or regional value chains. These are crucial for agricultural and mineral commodities exports as well as for industrial sectors like textiles, and for information technologies. Likewise, tourism has grown fast in developing countries and has become one of the key drivers of their economies.
Strengthening exporters and their organisations
SECO supports businesses to deal with certifications, logistics, customs procedures and in communicating with international buyers. It works with local producer organisations to improve product quality, increase productivity and strengthen the local ecosystems of, for example, business support organisations or industry associations.
Integration in global value chains leads to higher incomes, better jobs and a diversified economy.
Using sustainability as a competitive advantage
Today, global value chains are perceived as both a cause of and a solution to urgent challenges in the areas of climate, poverty, biodiversity, migration and food security. In order to tackle these challenges, SECO consistently includes sustainability criteria in its value chain projects and programmes.
Private, voluntary sustainability standards, known as «labels», are key market-based instruments to strengthen the three dimensions of sustainability (society, the economy and the environment) along global value chains. Consumers and professional buyers nowadays want to know the conditions under which a product has been produced. Standards help to minimise risks and abuses such as child labour, the improper use of chemical substances or illegal deforestation. They improve employment conditions and promote the efficient use of environmental resources and, eventually, increase the productivity and market access of businesses.
In addition to voluntary approaches, governments are increasingly regulating sustainable production processes and compliance with due diligence. SECO promotes a good mix between regulation and voluntary sustainability standards.