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International development non-governmental organisation (NGO) the Fred Hollows Foundation today (November 3) announced the opening of its regional office in Hong Kong to further its efforts to save sight throughout Asia.
The Fred Hollows Foundation was founded in 1992 after the noted ophthalmologist Professor Fred Hollows had dedicated his life to ending avoidable blindness in developing countries. The Foundation first started delivering sight-saving programmes for indigenous Australians and now works in more than 25 countries across Asia and Africa.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Foundation, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, said, "Hong Kong is a perfect place for international NGOs such as the Fred Hollows Foundation to establish regional offices. Geographically, with a central location in Asia-Pacific, Hong Kong is recognised as a springboard to and from Asia. Socially, we are a dynamic city with a strong culture of philanthropy and charitable giving."
The CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Mr Brian Doolan, said, "Having the Foundation's new regional office in Hong Kong will allow us to reach the increasing number of needlessly blind people in Asia, especially in Mainland China, where 20 per cent of the world's blind live."
Mr Doolan is also positive about the growing awareness of corporate social responsibility in Hong Kong, and the approaches leading companies are taking to integrate their long-term strategies of business growth and social outcomes.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Dr Jimmy Chiang said, "Hong Kong has a unique geographic position close to Mainland China, while the city has a strong culture of philanthropy which will assist the Fred Hollows Foundation to raise funds to support its cause. We wish the Foundation every success."
About the Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation is focused on ending avoidable blindness caused by cataracts, trachoma and diabetes. It helps people to help themselves by building capacity at all levels - from village health centres to regional hospitals and national ophthalmological networks. The Foundation trains local doctors and health workers, builds and upgrades facilities and provides equipment to achieve long-term and sustainable eye health care. For more information, please visit www.hollows.org.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As at June 2015, InvestHK had assisted over 3,700 companies which created more than 40,200 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over $99 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:06
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