Beyond Ideological Straight-Jackets

Are expanding trade, globalization and corporate responsibility compatible? Do multinational corporations have an economic interest and/or moral obligation to operate in a responsible manner? Should consumers expect multinationals to operate in a responsible manner? Are governments powerless to encourage responsible corporate behaviour, given the competitive nature of the global marketplace?

The OECD recently adopted Guidelines to help multinationals operate in harmony with government policies and societal expectations. 33 governments adhere to these Guidelines. The Netherlands Parliament recently asked the Netherlands Trade Minister to report on how government policy could further stimulate and promote Corporate Responsibility. The Minister submitted specific policy proposals on this topic to the Cabinet and Parliament, and the proposals were adopted with consensus. Please join Mr. Gerrit Ybema, Minister for Foreign Trade for the Netherlands, to discuss this forward-looking policy development undertaken by one of the world's leading trading nation.

Participants

• Gerrit Ybema
  Minister for Foreign Trade, The Netherlands