Nineteen government departments have set aside 38 cleaning contracts of one-year duration under a pilot scheme launched early this year to give bidding priority to social enterprises, Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak- sing said Wednesday.
He told the Legislative Council Wednesday the contracts provide more than 300 jobs worth 17 million HK dollars (about 2.18 million U.S. dollars). The tendering of most contracts is underway and will be completed in the second quarter.
In 2007-08, 34 million HK dollars worth of goods and services was procured from social enterprises by bureaux and departments represented in the then Commission on Poverty, up 20 percent on 2006-07.
For the Social Enterprises Partnership Program's mentorship scheme, about 80 organizations or individuals have shown initial interest in serving as voluntary mentors while more than 10 social enterprises have registered as mentees.
Hong Kong Home Affairs Department is processing 30 applications under the Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Program, covering businesses like salons, catering, tourism, foot reflexology, recycling and cleaning services, elderly care and home help, and gardening.
Most business organizations in partnership provide social enterprises with professional advice and some provide concessionary rental and clientele.
Source:Xinhua
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