OREANDA-NEWS. On December 23, 2008 Addressing the participants of the solemn ceremony, the President emphasized that businessmen should actively participate in the settlement of social issues and significantly contribute to increasing the people’s standards of living. It is possible to achieve neither positive labor measures, nor steady increasing production volume without it, reported the Official website www.akorda.kz.

The President emphasized that about 4 thousand agreements on realization of social projects amounted to KZT 60 billion have been agreed this year. A great amount of projects initiated by the private entrepreneurs are being realized in the rural areas. The collective treaties are being successfully concluded as well.

“The social programs implemented by the state and business structures are especially important during the global financial crisis. We have to realize more projects aimed at increasing of employment and creating new jobs, as well as to expand manufacturing. The state will support these initiatives,“ the President highlighted.

The President awarded a grand prize to the “Kazakhmys” company which was recognized as a leader of social responsibility.

27 enterprises have become the prize-winners of the competition in the following nominations “The Best Social Project”, “The Best Collective Treaty”, “The Best Socially Responsible Enterprise”. Each nomination includes three categories.

The President instituted the “Paryz” (Duty) Prize at the Forum of Business Social Responsibility held in January, 2008, in Zhezkazgan. 296 enterprises made applications to participate in this annual competition.