[This is my Trail] What is Fair Trade? 什么叫公平贸易？

[Rachelle]

I recently created a Facebook page for Threads of Yunnan, the fair trade company that I am working for. This is an intro to fair trade that I wrote for that page. Just thought I'd share it. You can check out the Threads of Yunnan page and become a fan here. Oh, and no, I did not write the Chinese part. That was translated by my good friend Xiong. :)

Fair Trade is a different way of doing business - partnering with disadvantaged producers to bring benefits to the company and the community. It strives to make international trade beneficial to everyone.

Fair Trade contributes to sustainable development by giving disadvantaged producers the chance to learn new skills and bring change to their communities.

Profits are reinvested in the communities of the producers. It gives the people the chance to decide how to better their villages – through new roads, access to clean water, community centers, etc.

公平贸易是一种不一样的做生意的方式 – 通过与弱势生产者的合作，为公司和所在的社区带来利益。最终让所有参与到国际贸易的人能从中获益。

公平贸易为弱势生产者提供学习新技能的机会，提供改善他们所在社区的机会，从而带来可持续性的发展。

从贸易中获得的部分利润将会投入到生产者所在社区的发展建设上。这种方式可以让劳动者有机会参与决策，在如何更好地建设社区方面表达自己的想法– 比如修建新公路、接入干净的饮用水源、建立社区活动中心等等。

10 Principles of Fair Trade
公平贸易的10项原则

1. Creating Opportunities for Economically and Socially Marginalized Producers
   为经济和社会地位上处于弱势的生产者创造机会


2. Developing Transparent and Accountable Relationships
   构建透明和可靠的合作关系


3. Building Capacity
   能力建设


4. Promoting Fair Trade
   推广公平贸易理念


5. Paying Promptly and Fairly
   及时、公平地支付报酬


6. Assuring Gender Equity
   确保两性平等


7. Supporting Safe and Empowering Working Conditions
   提供安全和健康的工作条件


8. Ensuring the Rights of Children
   保障儿童合法权利


9. Cultivating Environmental Stewardship
   树立环保意识


10. Building Trade Relationships Based on Solidarity, Trust and Mutual Respect
    在团结、信任和互相尊重的基础上建立贸易关系

For more information about Fair Trade, check out the World Fair Trade Organization (formerly IFAT) website!

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Posted By Rachelle to This is my Trail at 5/11/2009 07:50:00 AM