China ‘virtually free’ of major product scandals in Q4
04/02/2010
Hong Kong-based quality control body AsiaInspection has released a new report on the performance of manufacturig firms in China and across Asia.
With over 9,500 inspections performed during the fourth quarter of 2009 (up by 21% from the fourth quarter of 2008), the organisation believes it has identified some interesting trends.
Based on an end-of-the-year study conducted by the Chinese government, it says there is “plenty of cause for concern” over the way manufacturers there are operating. According to the study, nearly 80% of private Chinese firms violate employee rights and have not signed contracts with their employees. It reminds readers that China has the world’s largest labour force at approximately 800 million strong.
Social audits have risen, reflecting what AsiaInspection terms “the growing sentiment consumers are feeling regarding social responsibility in the workplace”. This growth also indicates that social pressure by consumers and international organisations results in direct action by importing companies. Inspections of clothing rose by 67% towards the end of the year.
Companies doing business in Asia are making quality assurance a priority in order to protect their brand, the report continues, and this attitude has resulted in a fourth quarter virtually free of major product scandals.
Share this story:
