JEDDAH: A group of 11 Makkah businesswomen are calling on companies to provide more support for small business in the city and to spend more on social responsibility projects. Najat Bagasi, a businesswoman, and member of a social responsibility committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there are 150 poor and handicapped girls who need support in producing handmade products. Noor Makki, another businesswoman on the committee, said that the girls had made 1,000 products over the past two years and need sponsors. The products are made at their homes and include gifts, clothing and food baskets.The businesswomen were speaking at a Government and Corporate Social Responsibility Conference entitled, “The responsibility we share”, held here on Oct. 12, where a call was made for more social spending. The conference was held under the patronage of Dr. Yousef Bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs, with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and other government and private sector participants. Dr. Faisal Al-Akeel, director of business improvement for Emaar, the Dubai-based real estate company, said there should be greater spending, particularly from an Islamic point of view. Sheikh Saleh Kamel, chairman of the JCCI board and chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also agreed that companies and associations should do more for the poor and needy. Faten Al-Yafi, Senior Executive Director for Social Responsibility, Public Relations, and Corporate Services at Savola Company, the Saudi multinational food group, said his company is playing its part by helping people with disabilities find jobs. They have provided jobs for 100 males and females and are planning to employee 2,000 persons by the end of 2010. Al-Othaimeen, who spoke at the conference, said that the government wants the private sector to do more in health, education, and the environment. “The cooperation between the public and private sectors is only starting. We are looking for more positive results in future,” Al
