Community Investment and Inclusion Fund

126. To support and promote this concept of social service development, the Government plans to provide an initial $300 million grant to establish a 'Community Investment and Inclusion Fund'. We would also welcome public donations to the Fund.

127. The objective of the Fund is to encourage mutual concern and aid among people, and to promote community participation in district and cross-sector programmes. This will enhance the function of different communities and foster their development. We do not believe that money alone can solve our problems. We also rely on the community's motivation and dedication to help each other. These efforts enhance social cohesion, strengthen community networks, support families more effectively and provide services to improve the health and well-being of youth and women. We emphasise the importance of self-initiative by individual members of the community.

128. The Fund should not be seen as a kind of social welfare. Rather, it is a social investment. The Fund will support projects proposed by members of the community. We will ensure that resources are channeled directly to the grassroots level, which in turn will strengthen the motivation of our people and improve their quality of life. My colleagues from the relevant bureaux will later provide details about the operation of the Fund.