Korean firms aid needy Hai Duong

Korean firms have made a real impact with structured charity efforts in Hai Duong

Eleven Korean firms used the occasion to donate more than VND4.28 billion ($204,000) in cash and gifts to the province.

This is the event’s second year and it aims to engage Korean firms in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. It is organised by the Korea Investment-Trade Promotion Organisation (KOTRA) in co-operation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

In 2012, 11 Korean firms conducted CSR activities in northern  province of Vinh Phuc, with donations surpassing $125,000.

“The profitability of Korean firms has been made possible thanks to the support provided by the Vietnamese government and people and as such, Korean firms have the responsibility to use part of these profits to support disadvantaged people in the country. Our CSR activities have helped cultivate closer relations between Vietnamese and Korean people,” said Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Jeon Dae Ju.

According to Deputy Chairman of the Hai Duong Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duong Thai, this was not the first CSR effort Korean firms have made in the province, but in the past they have been conducted individually.

Thai noted that this was the first time they had seen firms team up in their support, including with the help of companies not even based in the province.

“These donations are particularly useful as they will go to needy people just ahead of the Lunar New Year, giving them joy and energy to strive for better days ahead,” Thai said.

In the lead-up to the event, in early 2013 the Hai Duong Provincial People’s Committee worked out a list of projects seeking funding. The Korean Embassy then guided by the Korea CSR Council, met with the Hai Duong Provincial People’s Committee twice in March and May to discuss top priority projects needing support.

From June to November, the two sides surveyed how the funding could be put to the best use, and finally then called on contributions from Korean firms.

Of the 11 Korean firms making donations, Hai Vina Limited contributed nearly $121,000 to build 27 houses for needy local families. The firm plans to build another 10  houses next year.

As well as Hai Vina, the other Korean firms included Shints BVT, Posco VNPC, Hyundai Kefico, Silkroad CNT, Sees Vina, Michigan Hai Duong, Global MFG, SSV Vina, Seogwoo Construction and KOTRA who supported the province by donating medicines for kids and poor patients, giving scholarships to students, or products they make in Vietnam in the form of gifts.

Director of Sees Vina and head of the Korean Business Association in Hai Duong Lee Sangil vowed to encourage more Korean firms to get involved in community support activities in the province in the coming years.

“Sees Vina will execute three big projects in 2014 including supporting heart operations for patients in Tu Ky district, awarding scholarships to needy but high-performing students also in Tu Ky, and building gratitude houses for impoverished families. We hope more people will join us in our support in the coming time,” Lee added.

“Korean firms want to be a part of Vietnam’s society, contribute to the country’s development, and lend a hand to people facing difficulties to improve their lives. This explains why more and more Korean firms are engaging in CSR activities,” said Ambassador Jeon Dae Ju.