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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, chaired the first meeting of the newly established Social Enterprise Advisory Committee this afternoon (March 5).
At today's meeting, members were briefed on the Government's existing policies and measures in the development of social enterprises. Members actively exchanged views on their expectations of the work of the Advisory Committee and key issues to be considered at the coming meetings.
"The meeting was very useful," Mr Tsang said.
The Secretary added that the Government has been advocating co-operation with all relevant stakeholders in the development of social enterprises. "Members of the Advisory Committee with their diverse backgrounds can make different contributions and work jointly towards furthering the development of social enterprises in Hong Kong. I am glad to see that we all share the common vision of promoting social enterprises in Hong Kong to help forge social harmony," Mr Tsang said.
"I look to members' advice when we promulgate our policies and formulate programmes in furthering the development of social enterprises in Hong Kong," he said.
In his Policy Address 2009-2010, the Chief Executive announced that the Secretary for Home Affairs will set up a Social Enterprise Advisory Committee to advise the Government on the development of social enterprises. Members of the Advisory Committee were appointed on January 15, 2010, for a term of two years. While the Secretary for Home Affairs is the Chairman, the Advisory Committee comprises one ex-officio member (the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on the Enhancing Self-Reliance through District Partnership Programme), 12 non-official members who are social enterprise operators, businessmen, academics or persons aspiring to promote social enterprises, as well as four official members from the Home Affairs Bureau, Labour and Welfare Bureau, Commercial and Economic Development Bureau and Home Affairs Department.
The terms of reference of the Advisory Committee are:
(1) To advise the Government on the formulation of policies and strategies for supporting the sustainable development of social enterprises in Hong Kong.
(2) To advise the Government on programmes/activities that promote the development of social enterprises and to monitor their implementation.
(3) To foster better understanding and encourage closer co-operation among relevant stakeholders in the development of social enterprises.
(4) To undertake research studies on matters pertaining to the development of social enterprises.
Ends/Friday, March 5, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:51
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