Short Abstract

South-South regional value chains (RVCs) are increasingly led by Southern firms governing via private standards.The panel examines whether RVCs incorporate social standards (covering decent work and fair trade). Or whether RVCs facilitate more effective state regulation of social standards and trade

Long Abstract

The recent rise of South-South trade and shifting consumer end-markets has dramatically changed the geography of production (Horner and Nadvi 2018). It has spurred expansion of domestic and regional value chains (RVC) in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Southern firms now play a leadership role in the governance of RVCs, setting private standards for supplier compliance, sometimes including environmental and social standards (covering decent work and fair trade) (Pickles et al 2016; Krishnan 2017). However, we know little about whether Southern lead firms, who face limited civil society pressure and increasing South-South competition, pursue private governance of social standards? Alternatively, could the expansion of RVCs open up new channels for more effective state regulation of trade and social standards?

We welcome submissions focused on the impact of trade in regional and domestic value chains for the governance of social standards in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Abstract submissions are invited on questions that include but are not limited to:

How does participation in RVCs led by Southern firms affect suppliers and workers in Africa, Asia and Latin America?

Has the expansion of South-South RVCs enhanced or undermined social standards?

To what extent are private social standards in South-South RVCs influenced by national laws and government regulation and/or social clauses in trade agreements?

Can civil society actors and multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) in the global South shape public-private governance of social standards in RVCs that overlap with GVCs?

Can the governance of RVCs support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals?