This global engagement increased demand for free trade and puts pressure on companies to improve global labor conditions.

As an immigrant millennial, I understand free trade as a key link to my native Bulgaria. My excitement when I find Bulgarian products is enough to make me buy them. I also introduce these products to my American friends, driving up their demand. Just ask anyone I have introduced to rakia, Bulgaria’s national brandy.

Primarily through free trade, we immigrants help folks in our native countries. By purchasing Bulgarian products, more people I grew up with will have good work and can support their families. Because of this close connection, my spending is driven in part by companies providing fair wages and working conditions.

This trend figures into the broader movement towards sustainable sourcing and development. Companies are already seizing upon it, implementing responsible sourcing practices, and creating advantages for themselves. The leaders among them are featured by Forbes in the annual Best CSR Regulations in the World. Companies on the list with supply chains in Bulgaria include Ikea, Nestle, HP and Daimler.

Read Full Article