Decent Work and Industrial Upgrading in Global Production Network: a Case of China Apparel Industry

China apparel industry,which is deeply embedded in the global production network (GPN),faces two urgent issues,social upgrading and economic upgrading.The study of GPN places great emphasis on the two issues.Based on the survey of Ningbo apparel industry,four key components of decent work in China apparel industry are discussed.The role of buyers in promoting decent work in suppliers can't be neglected.There are significant correlations between business type and some indicators of decent work.Though the majority of the apparel firms are engaging in processing,more and more firms are involved in marketing and branding.The upgrading trajectory of China apparel industry leads to the economic and social performances.