On 17 December 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing.

As the leading organization within the United Nations system on migration, IOM upholds the principle that safe, orderly and regular migration benefits both migrants and societies as a whole. The Organization has long been committed to addressing practical challenges throughout the migration process, enhancing global understanding of migration, promoting socio-economic development through migration cooperation, and safeguarding the human rights and well-being of migrants.

As a national-level industry organization, CNTAC has been deeply engaged in the development of the textile and apparel industry. With a strong focus on sustainable development, international cooperation and the fulfilment of social responsibility, CNTAC actively promotes pathways of high-end, intelligent, green and integrated development, and works to advance the high-quality transformation of China’s textile and apparel industry.

Building on the signing of this MoU, IOM and CNTAC will deepen cooperation to support enterprises in promoting responsible business practices, strengthening international emergency response collaboration, and protection of vulnerable migrants.

Ms. Li Wen, IOM Chief of Mission in China, stated that against the backdrop of the accelerating globalization of supply chains in China’s textile industry and the growing pace of enterprises “going global,” IOM stands ready to work closely with CNTAC through practical cooperation. This partnership aims to support enterprises in strengthening corporate social responsibility, ensuring compliance with global market requirements, enhancing competitiveness within international industrial chains, and advancing higher-quality sustainable development of the sector, thereby contributing positively to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. Yan Yan, Vice President of CNTAC, noted that China’s textile and apparel industry supports the livelihoods and aspirations of tens of millions of workers, including a large number of inter-provincial migrant “new urban residents” as well as a growing number of cross-border workers participating in global supply chains. These workers constitute the core driving force of the industry. The cooperation between CNTAC and IOM marks an important step forward in promoting responsible business practices, protecting the rights and interests of migrant workers, and building resilient supply chains. Taking the signing of this MoU as an opportunity, he expressed the hope that behind every product “Made in China,” there will be not only outstanding production efficiency, but also genuine human-centred care.