Thailand’s Central Group commits space to communities
In this article (5)
Thai retail conglomerate Central Group is reducing and pegging the price of more than 3000 essential consumer products, as well as reducing prices at 87 foodcourts by 20 percent to help citizens impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move is in response to government-led initiatives to assist national economic recovery in establishing and implementing a broad-ranging social responsibility plan.
Central Group has also committed to measures to assist 74,000 staff across its various business units, pledging to maintain their employment terms and to provide them with Covid-19 insurance.
The firm has also inaugurated new projects this year aimed at stimulating local economies and generating income by donating 90,000sqm of rent-free space to small local traders and growers in 100 shopping malls across 44 provinces; buying produce directly from growers and community enterprises; and promoting product development and local tourism.
The group says its existing social-responsibility project is being rapidly expanded to create occupations by means such as giving knowledge on agriculture and product development, reducing social inequality by supporting the creation of occupations for people with disabilities, and developing communities as tourist attractions. It is also creating a crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs starting a new business but lacking capital, as well as supporting students, schools, hospitals and research work, with the target of raising more than THB100 million (US$3 million).
Thailand’s Central Group aims to boost health by creating new standards for safe business to prevent the spread of infection – including implementing measures of hygiene and safety in tenants’ stores – and donate medical equipment for staff fighting Covid-19 at 30 hospitals nationwide through the Thai Medical Association.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary motivation behind Central Group's new initiatives?
What is the primary motivation behind Central Group's new initiatives?
Central Group is responding to government initiatives aimed at assisting national economic recovery. They are establishing and implementing a broad-ranging social responsibility plan to help citizens impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q.How is Central Group specifically supporting local businesses and communities?
How is Central Group specifically supporting local businesses and communities?
The group is providing 90,000sqm of rent-free space to small local traders and growers in 100 malls across 44 provinces. They are also buying produce directly, promoting product development, and encouraging local tourism.
Q.What measures has Central Group taken to support its own employees during the pandemic?
What measures has Central Group taken to support its own employees during the pandemic?
Central Group has committed to maintaining the employment terms of its 74,000 staff members. Also, the company has pledged to provide them with Covid-19 insurance to ensure their well-being.
Q.How is Central Group contributing to public health efforts beyond its own operations?
How is Central Group contributing to public health efforts beyond its own operations?
The group aims to boost health by creating new standards for safe business to prevent infection, including hygiene measures in tenant stores. They will also donate medical equipment to staff at 30 hospitals nationwide.