“Convergence of corporate social responsibility standards between countries adhering, and those not adhering, to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises must be reached in order to create a true level playing field in the markets where multinational companies operate,” said Mr. Winand Quaedvlieg, chairman of the International Investment and MNE Committee at USCIB’s affiliate BIAC, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD.

Speaking on the occasion of the 2011 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, Mr. Quaedvlieg highlighted the OECD business community’s views on ministers’ adoption of the update of the OECD Guidelines. BIAC has been actively involved in the discussions since the beginning of the update. Many different stakeholder views have been expressed, and the final text represents a balanced outcome that BIAC can accept.

“The updated Guidelines introduce substantial new provisions in certain areas such as human rights, due diligence, and supply chains” said Mr. Quaedvlieg. “However, the nature of the Guidelines remain unchanged, namely, that they are voluntary recommendations from governments to companies,

“Naturally, it will take time and effort for companies to become familiar with all of the complexities the updated Guidelines, and then to implement them, but the business organizations in BIAC are committed to fulfilling our role in supporting this implementation process. The OECD needs to do its part by working closely with governments in order to promote in non-adhering countries the introduction of CSR standards comparable to the Guidelines.”

On this occasion, BIAC also issued a statement detailing its views on the updated Guidelines, available here.