We are delighted to announce a strategic partnership MoU signing between Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade NAPP) and the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) on 13 October 2025. This collaboration marks the launch of the Centre for Research on Ethical Trade and Sustainability Alliance (CRETSA)—a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening ethical trade, sustainable agriculture, and producer empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region.

About the Partnership

Through the establishment of the Centre for Research on Ethical Trade and Sustainability Alliance (CRETSA), Fairtrade NAPP and the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) formalize a long-term collaboration rooted in shared values of ethical trade, sustainable development, and social empowerment. This partnership brings together the academic strength of MSSW and the field expertise of Fairtrade NAPP to create a unique ecosystem that supports research, innovation, community impact, and producer advancement across the Asia-Pacific region.

Shared roles and vision of MSSW AND NAPP

Through this partnership, MSSW and Fairtrade NAPP come together to drive ethical trade, sustainability, and producer empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region. MSSW will anchor CRETSA by hosting the Centre on its campus, contributing academic expertise, nurturing student and faculty engagement, and leading research, impact evaluations, and capacity-building initiatives. Fairtrade NAPP will complement this by delivering training on ethical trade and sustainable production, offering field-based learning with its network of producer organizations, enabling resource mobilization, and supporting joint events and research. Together, both institutions aim to strengthen producer empowerment, promote socially responsible entrepreneurship, advance global sustainability practices, generate impactful research, and build a strong multi-stakeholder alliance for ethical trade.

This collaboration is supported under the Advanced Package of CRETSA, providing MSSW with priority access to global sustainability networks, research partnerships, strategic leadership roles, and institutional recognition within the alliance.

The inauguration/launch of CRETSA is planned to be on December 19th 2025 along with a conference organised by the institution.

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

This partnership reflects a significant step toward shaping socially conscious leaders, fostering sustainable business ecosystems, and uplifting farming communities through education, research, and collaborative innovation.

We look forward to building a strong and impactful journey together.