Peng Huagang, the director of the Research Bureau of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, has disclosed to the Chinese media that SASAC will encourage state-owned enterprises to improve their corporate social responsibility management systems, guide them to make use of their advantages to create more value to society and encourage more of them to release CSR reports.
Peng said that state-owned enterprises have played an important role in carrying out the central government's macro-control policies, market supply and major national development strategies. They have also make good achievements in implementing the government's strategies in energy conservation and emission controls. In addition, they have actively participated in poverty alleviation and donations, especially in the face of natural disasters. According to Peng, China's state-owned enterprises donated a total of CNY5.953 billion in cash and in-kind to the country's earthquake affected areas and many of them have joined in the reconstruction of the Sichuan areas hurt by the earthquake on May 12, 2008.
Peng stated that releasing CSR reports is part of an enterprise's social responsibility process. Following the release of guidelines by SASAC, state-owned enterprises have carried out a series of explorations and practices. They have set up a special system to take charge of social responsibility issues, and some of them have even set up CSR work commissions or departments responsible for CSR work. Furthermore, they've incorporated CSR into their operations, compiled reports, and enhanced communication with the public, and strengthened their exchanges with the international community as well as expanded their influence in the global market.
Peng said that the key for pushing government-owned companies to fulfill their social responsibilities is to guide them to build up their awareness of social responsibilities and incorporate this awareness into their development strategies and daily operations. Peng stated that in addition to pushing government-owned companies to carry out their responsibilities, SASAC will also conclude case studies of successful companies and use them as a model for other enterprises.
To date, about 26 government-owned companies in China are reported to have released their CSR reports.
