Premier Jiang Yi-huah today highlighted the contributions of social enterprises to the nation, saying they help foster social equality and ease unemployment problems.
After hearing a briefing by the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) on social enterprises and multi-channel job creation, the premier said social enterprises are an emerging global trend that combines the strength of nonprofit organizations with business operations. This new model allows enterprises to play a greater role in society's development.
The social enterprises in Europe and the U.S. have taken different forms of organization, Jiang said, and from what he has seen on visits to rural regions and from today's CLA's report, Taiwan also has many inspiring examples.
"Taiwan's enterprises are taking on more social responsibilities," Jiang said, expressing appreciation to agencies for collaborating on this front.
For many years, the CLA's multi-channel employment and training programs have encouraged private organizations to work with the government in addressing employment problems in the community, Jiang said. From 2002 onward, such programs have provided assistance to 62,000 unemployed people, 1,700 of whom later secured permanent jobs.
"Social enterprises' employment programs provide more than just temporary aid," the premier said. "They help the jobless make the transition to long-term employment."
From the CLA's unemployment statistics, the premier pointed out that 73 percent were middle-aged or older and 64 percent female. Thus the assistance programs are particularly helpful to the traditionally disadvantaged, who do not have the same competitive advantages as young people or college graduates. Jiang commended the corporations because they are aware of their social responsibility to help those in need.
Social enterprises use business strategies to do social good, the premier said. They also contribute meaningfully toward culture and innovation, environmental protection, community service, agricultural development, educational reforms and promoting indigenous products. Jiang commended the CLA for their work in promoting these programs.
Jiang also recognized other agencies for assisting the CLA in the process, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of the Interior and Council of Indigenous Peoples. He hoped the CLA will continue to coordinate the communication and invited other agencies to participate in the effort.
As the premier has mentioned in the past, the well-being of citizens is one of government's most important obligations. "Making good policies and laws is not enough," Jiang said, "the government must always be mindful of how to help Taiwan's industries grow, placing an equal emphasis on GDP growth as well as providing stable employment for more citizens."