CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Keidanren's primary purpose is to find solutions to problems facing its member industries and businesses. One good way for members to share information and learn from each other is to attend Keidanren meetings held throughout the country. The meetings provide an opportunity for members to study the problems facing industry and commerce and to come to a consensus on what must be done. Solutions are then proposed to the Government and other influential bodies, with follow-up measures being taken to ensure results.
Keidanren's efforts extend beyond business concerns to many altruistic endeavors as well. The following is a list of some of the groups and activities with which Keidanren is involved.
The One-Percent Club, founded in 1989, is a group including both companies and individuals. Club members are committed to contributing 1% of their recurring profits(in the case of corporations) or 1% of their disposable income (in the case of individuals) to social causes each year. The Club receives strong backing from Keidanren, which provides members with information on volunteer groups working for civic welfare, environmental causes, international exchanges and the betterment of society in general.
- Scholarships have been awarded annually since 1970 to students of the Asia Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Scholarships have been awarded each year since 1973 for study at senior high schools affiliated with United World Colleges located worldwide. The number of scholarships is on a rising trend.
- Assistance is given to the Institute of Technology at Thammasat University in Thailand, to support its establishment and expansion.
Established by Keidanren in 1989 and currently comprising 348 member companies, the CBCC assists Japanese companies with overseas operations, helping them contribute to local communities as good corporate citizens. Current topics include corporate governance, minority problems and other social issues, the legal and social risks associated with overseas operations, and conditions companies face when investing in foreign countries.
International conferences organized by the Ditchley Foundation of Great Britain provide an opportunity for experts from throughout the world to convene and acquire new knowledge from each other. Keidanren is instrumental in sending participants from Japan.
Many developing countries are beset with severe financial problems, especially accumulated debt. For this reason, the Government of Japan and Keidanren established JAIDO in 1989, entrusting it with the task of promoting foreign currency- generating projects in developing counties in which private Japanese and local enterprises make joint investments. JAIDO has already provided assistance for many such projects in Asia, Eastern Europe, Central and South America and Africa.
Established by the Government of Japan and Keidanren, JITCO is instrumental in inviting foreign workers to undergo training at Japanese companies. The goal is to transfer technology to developing countries. Keidanren has been an active promoter of the JITCO program since its inception in 1991.
Established in 1990 with Keidanren's support, FASID training programs conducted in both Japan and developing countries offer Japanese personnel training in economic assistance and development. FASID's programs promote the implementation of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA).
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