WalMart’s new China model can benefit local workers

On a Christmas Day, I watched CNBC’s special documentary entitled “The New Age of WalMart,” which was hosted by David Faber. WalMart is regarded as the world’s biggest retailer and although they do not have stores here in the Philippines, they have expanded their reach to emerging markets particularly in China.

According to the documentary, WalMart is currently engaging their Chinese suppliers by letting them comply with their so-called sustainability index, which includes adhering to environmentallly friendly production methods and providing humane working conditions for their workers.

Although this is more of a public relations agenda just as it is a plan to impose their Western-based standards with their Chinese suppliers, this new program is certainly the right path to ensure better conditions especially for Chinese factory workers.