This information is derived from the State Department's Office of Investment Affairs, Investment Climate Statement. Any questions on the ICS can be directed to EB-ICS-DL@state.gov

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a well-known concept in the Republic of Congo and is viewed favorably by local communities. The oil companies have been the primary CSR actors, however telecommunication and transport companies, as well as banks, have increasingly been visible CSR actors with resulting positive public perception. All CSR actors appear to follow accepted CSR principles. The Republic of Congo government has promoted CSR, which has helped finance hospitals, schools, feeding programs, and road construction.

The government has promoted Responsible Business Contact by encouraging companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility programs and by publicly endorsing some initiatives undertaken by various companies. The government has not established a national contact point or ombudsman, or a National Action Plan for Responsible Business Contact (RBC). Nothing indicates that the government factors RBC policies into its procurement decisions.

There are no known high-profile, controversial instances of private sector entities negatively impacting human rights.  However, the Republic of Congo government has historically been unwilling to effectively and fairly enforce domestic laws related to human rights, labor law, and commercial law. 

There are no known corporate governance, accounting, or executive compensation standards to protect shareholders, and no independent NGOs, investment funds, worker organizations/unions, or business associations are known to promote or monitor responsible business conduct.

The Republic of Congo government does not encourage adherence to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Afflicted and High-Risk Areas. There are no domestic measures requiring supply chain due diligence for companies that source minerals that may originate from conflict-affected areas.

The Republic of Congo government has participated in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) since 2012, but only published reports in 2012 and 2013. There are no domestic transparency measures requiring the disclosure of payments made to governments and/or of RBC policies or practices.

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