In collaboration with the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), Partners in Transformation has developed a practical training programme. The training series
- provides information about relevant EU laws and international standards established by the UN and OECD;
- offers support with the introduction of environmental, social and management standards;
- prepares participants for the growing expectations of consumers and investors.
It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Module 1: Introduction to European due diligence requirements
The key requirements of sustainability legislation in Europe (in particular the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)) and their practical significance
Speakers: Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights
Location: Online
Participants: Open to all interested companies
Module 2: In-depth training with individual coaching
Practical support with implementation for your company
Speakers: sequa/Import Promotion Desk
Location: Online
Participants: Participants in module 1 (maximum of 25–30 participants)
You have more time during module 2. Between sessions, you will work independently on tasks such as sector scans and a self-assessment. You will also develop your own action plan and code of conduct.
Module 3: Sharing experiences in person
You will take part in a round table discussion with other participants to explore real challenges and practical solutions.
Speakers: The Alliance for Integrity, the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad, and Business Scouts for Development from the Agency for Business and Economic Development
Location: Held locally in the focus region of each training programme (Europe, Africa, South America, Asia)
Participants: Participants in modules 1 and 2
Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate.
We´re here for you!
Katrin Oehlkers
Agency for Business and Economic Development
- Phone
- +49 17661917563
- Send Email
- Location
- Germany
Anna Peter
Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services
- Phone
- +49 30 59 00 99 597
- Send Email
- Location
- Germany
The supplier training is aimed at local suppliers and SMEs in BMZ partner countries which are part of global supply chains – especially production managers and quality and compliance staff at export-oriented companies.
The aim is to support them in understanding and implementing international requirements regarding quality, sustainability and social standards.
- For suppliers in partner countries: Established due diligence processes within the company help suppliers to better meet the requirements of European business partners and improve their chances of stable business relationships and market access.
- For German companies: Working with suppliers who are familiar with European standards makes cooperation easier and is an important basis for viable partnerships.
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BMZ has consolidated its programmes for cooperation with the private sector within a network initiative branded as Partners in Transformation – Business & Development Network. The seven programmes, which include the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), support the countries of the Global South in developing a fair, sustainable and resilient economy. This also benefits German companies.
The Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) represents the interests of companies in the wholesale, foreign trade and business-to-business service sectors at the national, European and international levels.
We are continuously developing our training opportunities. Details of upcoming supplier training programmes and Training-of-Trainers programmes, including dates and application periods, will be published here as soon as they are confirmed.
If you are already interested in training for supplier companies or Business Support Organisations (BSOs), please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What training programmes are offered by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) and Partners in Transformation?
Our services are intended, above all, to be practical and closely tailored to the needs of the private sector and development cooperation. Our training sessions and courses therefore deal with key issues, such as sustainable supply chains, digitalisation and the training of qualified specialists.
Who are our training sessions and courses aimed at?
In general, our training is aimed at key stakeholders in economic cooperation:
- Companies (especially SMEs) which operate internationally or wish to do so
- Associations and chambers which want to provide information to their members
- Investors who want to support sustainable projects
- Advisors and service providers who support companies with regard to sustainability and compliance
We therefore mainly provide training to multipliers. However, the focus is always on local people, who should benefit from fair working conditions and skills development.
Why are training courses so important in development cooperation?
Development cooperation stopped being solely about giving money long ago. Today it focuses on knowledge transfer and partnerships on an equal footing between countries and economic actors. Training courses therefore achieve a key objective of development cooperation and help to address global challenges. For example, while a sustainable supply chain helps to minimise risks (such as production downtime or low-quality goods), supporting equal opportunities can boost global gross domestic product.
Do the training courses result in financial benefits for companies?
Development cooperation, like economic cooperation, is designed for the long term and aims to resolve fundamental problems. That said, the training courses also offer short-term benefits. Clarity on legal issues not only ensures streamlined bureaucratic processes, but also avoids fines for inadvertent compliance violations. At the same time, familiarity with local conditions, risks and support programmes reduces market entry costs.
How do I go about arranging to take part in a training course?
Some of our courses are offered online, free of charge. We can work together to find the right training course for your company. For tailored advice, please contact beratung@wirtschaft-entwicklung.de.
