./.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/CTE/W/93
22 July 1998
(98-2899)
Committee on Trade and Environment Original:  English
INDUSTRIAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Communication from Brazil
The delegation of Brazil has requested that the following "Industrial Principles for
Sustainable Development" from the National Confed eration of Industry of Brazil be circulated to
Members of the CTE for their information.
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1. Brazil's National Confederation of Industry (CNI) ranks the reconciliation of ecologically
balanced economic and social growth as top priority in today's world.
2. To meet this challenge, the CNI feels it is essential for industries to function on the basis of
firm commitments to environmental protection, healthcare and safety, in parallel to the well-being of
their workers and neighbouring communities, all grounded on sustainable development.
3. This prompts the CNI to urge Brazilian indus try to comply with the following list of
principles:
1. Foster effective, pro-active participation by the industrial sector, working closely with
society, members of parliament, the gove rnment and non-governmental organizations
to develop and fine-tune environmental laws, regulations and standards.
2. Exercise business leadership within society at large on environmental issues.
3. Hone the competitive edge of Brazilian industry, while respecting the concepts of
sustainable development and the rational use of natural resources and energy.
4. Encourage steady improvement and tailoring of environmental management systems,
that also focus on healthcare and industrial safety at the corporate level.
5. Urge the monitoring and assessment of environmental processes and parameters
within companies.  Foresee and bring forward analyses and studies of issues that
could cause problems for the environment and human health, while alsoimplementing actions designed to protect the environment.
6. Support and acknowledge the importance of permanent ongoing staff involvement,
with supervisors committed to ensuring that their workers have the necessary skills
and training with regard to environmental issues.
7. Support research and development activities focused on clean technologies designed
to reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment and community
well-being.
8. Strengthen alliances and partnerships between the private sector and the government
as well as society at large, working towards sustainable development with constant
improvement of communication processes.
9. Urge business leaders to work closely and ceaselessly with society on environmental
issues.WT/CTE/W/93
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10. Call for the development and supply products and services that avoid adverse effects
on the environment and community well-being.
11. Do everything possible to disseminate and publicize Agenda 21  and strive for its
implementation.
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