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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, visited Sha Tin District today (August 26) to learn about the operations of a social enterprise and a community area project, as well as the support provided by the business community and their collaboration.
Mr So first visited a community supermarket, Good Family, established by the Shatin Women's Association. It sells groceries and daily necessities sourced from the Internet directly and other channels to meet local market needs. The supermarket is operated by female employees in the local community. This not only provides them with working opportunities but also enhances their competitiveness through on-the-job training. Mr So chatted with the employees to understand the experience they had gained, and encouraged them to meet challenges at the workplace with a positive attitude.
Mr So then proceeded to the Sha Tin Rural Committee to learn about a community care project co-organised by the Committee and the business sector. Under the project, a market is set up at the Committee twice a week. Daily necessities such as food and clothes are sold at concessionary rates to people in need in the community. Mr So said he was glad that many food manufacturers have donated or provided their products at bargain prices to show support for the good cause.
"It is encouraging to see that the business community works hand in hand with social enterprises and local organisations to help people in need. I hope such successful operations could inspire the launch of more similar projects to cement closer ties in the community," he said.
Before concluding his visit, Mr So met with the Chairman of the Sha Tin District Council, Mr Ho Hau-cheung, and other District Council members to exchange views on district matters and policy issues under his portfolio.
Ends/Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:10
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