As Chairman of the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont conveyed deep sympathy toward disaster victims in the province of Sichuan, People’s Republic of China and stated that overseas Chinese businessmen were concerned for the wellbeing of those affected by the recent disaster. To assist the citizens in the earthquake disaster areas, Mr. Dhanin stated that members of the association have pooled resources to donate 2 billion Renminbi or 10 billion Baht to the government of the People’s Republic of China. Mrs. Li Hai Feng, Director of China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, Office of the Prime Minister, People’s Republic of China was appointed to gather resources donated from Chinese businessmen throughout the world, including the Charoen Pokphand Group.
In this event, the government of China invited Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont as Chairman of the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association along with 25 members to inspect the earthquake disaster area and meet with Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China.
In a recent meeting held by the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Dhanin stated that Premier Wen Jiabao prompt visit following the earthquake indicated the Premier’s love and care that the Chinese government had towards their citizens which meant more than the term ‘socialism’. The government’s swift response towards their citizen’s plight could only increase the people’s pride of their government and leader. In addition, both local and foreign investor confidence in the country can only grow stronger. Mr. Dhanin disclosed after his visit to the disaster area, it is evident that numerous areas have already begun their rebuilding process, thus, presenting China’s central and local government’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing the earthquake-damaged province.
Mr. Dhanin reiterated his stance that overseas Chinese businessmen are ready to provide investment support in the rebuilding process of the Sichuan province. For the Charoen Pokphand Group that has existing agribusiness and food industry operations in the affected areas, the organization is ready to invest in the New Village Project (Xin Nong Cun) which coincides with the government’s policy of raising the living and occupational standards of Chinese farmers. The New Village Project will seek to develop the agricultural industry of China by introducing the latest management processes and technology for the sector.
Donations provided by the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association will be used by the government of China to build new schools and hospitals in 4 provinces (Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Yunnan) affected by the natural disaster.
The Charoen Pokphand Group started its first investment in China dating back to 1979, as the first foreign investor in the country. The organization is well acknowledged by the citizens of China under the names Zheng Da and Chia Tai. Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont was elected as the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association’s first ever Chairman. The China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association was formed by more than 200 successful overseas Chinese businessmen from around the world whom were invited by the government of China to act as a business consult in matters regarding foreign investments for Chinese investors. The China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association is officially endorsed and supported by the government of China.
Photos show: Mr Dhanin joins the other members of the Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association on a recent visit to earthquake-hit sites in Sichuan province.
Office of the Corporate Communications Affairs, CP Group, July 29, 2008