OVERVIEW

This two-day seminar cast its eye on the similarities, differences, and interconnections between labour relations and labour policies in Europe and Asia. Discussions centred on the following themes:

– Labour relations and core labour standards

– The role of trade unions in contemporary Asia and Europe

– Labour standards, social conditions, and international trade

Fifty-six participants from ASEM member countries, representing trade unions, employers’ federations, scholars, NGOs, and policy makers, attended the seminar. They identified areas where they shared common views, as well as areas where their views diverged, and a new network of Asians and Europeans interested in labour relations was established. More important, the discussions encouraged the Asian and European participants to foster mutual understanding in the areas of disagreement, and to continue to find common ground.