Annual Report 2019

16 // MATRADE Annual Report 2019 IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY In October 2019, MATRADE launched a new initiative called S.A.V.E (Sustainability Action Value for Exporters). It was a manifestation of MATRADE’s ambition as an international organisation to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth under the United Nations (UN) to contribute to the global sustainability agenda. From a trade perspective, a global consumer S.A.V.E is a five-year initiative. Its first step is to raise awareness among exporters which will be followed by certification, promotion and branding. The S.A.V.E initiative has also been introduced on an organisational level at MATRADE through various campaigns such as recycling, preservation of resources as well as employee welfare. To drive the sustainability agenda among MATRADE staff, a group of 25 MATRADE employees known as Eco Warriors have been appointed. study found that a total of 91% of consumers are now inclined towards green products where sustainability practices are preferred in terms of standards, manufacturing, processing, and subsequently production of goods. S.A.V.E was introduced with the aim of creating awareness among exporters on the importance of sustainability in their business practices while contributing to the SDGs agenda.