Local businessmen in the Eastern Province have been urged to strengthen and implement corporate social responsibility programs in their community by undertaking more charity and social activities. Abdulrahman Rashed Al-Rashed, president of the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Eastern Province, made this appeal during the launching this week of community development projects in the districts of Al-Rawdah, Al-Etisalat, Al-Rayan, and Al-Waha here. “Being the most important component in the Kingdom's development effort, the private business sector should lead the way in carrying out further social responsibility efforts that will benefit not only our society but the whole nation as well,” Al-Rashed said, addressing the launching ceremony organized by the region's Social Development Commission. He cited the establishment of the Patient Friends Committee by the chamber, composed of leading businessmen and entrepreneurs, which has remained an active and effective platform for the implementation of social responsibility programs of the local business community. The Patient Friends Committee, which was established nearly 28 years ago, provides annual material support and financial assistance to poor and sick citizens who are confined in hospitals and charitable institutions during the Eid Al-Fitr period. The Asharqia Chamber also assists the private and government sectors in their various social work programs, Al-Rashed added. He lauded the Social Development Commission, a non-government organization, for taking the initiative to organize community support projects in Dammam. “The chamber is pleased that the commission is now part of our team in serving the Eastern Region in particular and our Saudi society in general,” he said. “Our corporate social responsibility programs play a key role in supporting Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz's care and support for all forms of social action,” Al
