Through the increased integration of emerging economies into global value chains (GVCs), international trade and investment have proven to be powerful drivers of economic growth, supporting poverty reduction and improving living standards. However, the benefits of globalised trade are increasingly being questioned due to negative environmental and social impacts such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, forced and child labour, and poor working conditions. The European Union (EU) has developed regional programmes to promote Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) to address…