Lahore: Helvetas Germany, in collaboration with the European Union, has officially unveiled the Capacity-Building for Socially Diligent Agribusinesses (CSDA) initiative during a high-profile event held in Lahore on Thursday. The launch brought together prominent figures from the government, private sector, civil society, international development organizations, implementing partners, and associated stakeholders.
The CSDA initiative is designed to reinforce human rights due diligence and promote responsible business practices within Pakistan’s cotton and rice supply chains. This aligns with the nation’s GSP Plus responsibilities and recent European Union regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Forced Labour Regulation.
Ethical and lawful conduct in business is both a moral responsibility and a growing global requirement. Moreover, compliance enhances financial performance by reducing legal risks, avoiding penalties, and attracting investors and customers who are increasingly drawn to sustainable and legally compliant operations.
“The CSDA project demonstrates our shared dedication to cultivating transparent, ethical, and globally competitive supply chains that uphold international benchmarks and safeguard labour rights,” stated Dr. Asad Salim, Country Representative, Helvetas Germany.
Ms. Marta Ubeda, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, remarked, “The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding human rights in business activities within and outside the Union. A crucial part of this effort is equipping local stakeholders with the tools to navigate changing regulatory landscapes. We are pleased to be working alongside such an essential coalition to achieve this.”
The inauguration included expert panel sessions addressing Pakistan’s preparedness for new EU trade compliance standards, the business sector’s role in facilitating adherence, and the significance of inclusive collaboration in advancing social responsibility and fair labour conditions.
Backed by European Union funding, the CSDA programme aims to empower enterprises, farming communities, and workers engaged in Pakistan’s export-focused rice and cotton industries to uphold human rights and core labour values.
