The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, which celebrated its 150th anniversary on Friday, has been praised by Chief Executive Donald Tsang for its commitment to promoting corporate responsibility.

Tsang acknowledged the chamber's support on the statutory minimum wage, which came into force on May 1.

"It is solid proof that our employers and employees can make compromises for the betterment of Hong Kong," Tsang said at a gala dinner that attracted more than 2,000 guests.

He also thanked the chamber for its suggestions on the Competition Bill, which is currently under the scrutiny of the Legislative Council after two rounds of public consultation.

The chief executive called on chamber members to grasp the opportunities arising from the central government's 12th Five-Year Plan.

"It highlights support for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity and underscores our role in our nation's unique development," said Tsang.

For a century and a half, the chamber has wholeheartedly represented the business community and promoted its interests. Its members have remained true to the chamber's founding objective, "to be the voice of business and to promote, represent and safeguard the interests of the Hong Kong business community", said Donald Tsang.

At the gala dinner, Chamber Chairman Anthony Wu paid tribute to those members who have joined over the past 150 years and expressed his appreciation for those who have contributed to the chamber's various schemes, such as the Clean Air Charter.

Meanwhile, Chamber CEO Alex Fong unveiled 12 companies that have signed up to the Corp.tizen on Call scheme to promote sustainability practices among businesses. The newly designed scheme is aimed at fostering synergies among members' individual sustainability projects.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1861, the oldest and largest business organization in Hong Kong. It has around 4,000 members.

China Daily

(HK Edition 05/28/2011 page3)