The FINANCIAL — HSBC Bank Georgia is a part of the HSBC Group, one of the world’s largest banking and financial organisations. The bank opened its doors for business in Tbilisi in June 2008 and is offering a full range of corporate, trade and treasury services to local and international businesses.
Since opening, HSBC Bank Georgia has developed a strong core corporate client base, positioning itself as a market leader, particularly in Trade and Supply Chain.
Sustainability is at the heart of HSBC's long term strategy. The bank aims to ensure that sustainable business principles permeate every level of its business and culture.
Like everywhere that HSBC operates, HSBC's community investment activities are focused on education and the environment – fundamental building blocks for the development of communities.
In 2009, HSBC globally spent US$100 million on community investment activities.
Globally, HSBC’s educational support focuses on:
• Disadvantaged children
• Financial and business literacy
• Environmental education and understanding
In Georgia HSBC sponsors a number of projects supporting postgraduate environmental education and learning of the English language:
HSBC Scholarship Programme was implemented in partnership with the British Council. HSBC Bank Georgia has financed a scholarship to enable a Georgian postgraduate student to undertake a Masters-level university course in the field of environment in the United Kingdom for one academic year, 2009/2010.
Public Speaking Competition has been sponsored for a second year by HSBC Bank Georgia. The implementing partner for this project is The English Speaking Union of Georgia. The Aim of the program is to encourage the effective use of English as a means of communication globally. This is an international competition for teenagers supporting cultural activities aimed at improving international understanding. The Competition gives young people practical experience in the fundamental skills of public speaking. Local winners have participated in the final which is held in the UK. This programme gives a chance to Georgian teenagers to meet, exchange views and form friendships with their fellow competitors from all over the world.
English Language Course for Journalists is a project aimed at improving English language skills for journalist across all media in the country. The training course is organised by the British Council. Alongside HSBC Bank Georgia the project is supported by BP and Open Society Georgia Foundation.
Environment
Globally HSBC’s environmental support focuses on:
• Climate change
• Freshwater, e.g. rivers
• Biodiversity, e.g. natural habitats
In Georgia this year we have joined "Eco-Awards Programme", which was started by BP. This project was developed to promote and reward the involvement of local non-governmental organizations in addressing environmental issues in a more practical way. The program is administered by Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF).
HSBC has supported one of the winning projects – "Enhancing Sustainability of Tourism Development in Protected Areas of Georgia" which was implemented by the Georgian Tourism Association (GTA). A goal of the project is to engage the local population in environmental conservation in areas where tourism is playing an important role in economic growth. The objectives of the projects are to:
• Bring solar-powered electricity and water heating to five guest-houses within the Tusheti Protected Area;
• Improve practical knowledge of local producers and other potential tourism partners about possible tourism services (Tusheti and Borjomi-Kharagauli Protected Areas);
• Develop the educational potential of Tusheti Protected Area through informational displays and clearly marked paths;
• Initiate a cooperative program between the rangers in two protected areas and local youth to foster environmental awareness and practical stewardship.
Charity
The general approach of HBSC is not to give money and walk away. The bank partners with world class charities that are making a difference, and it remains involved in the decisions about how the money is spent. At the same time HSBC encourages its employees to become involved in charitable projects.
In Georgia HSBC supports First Step Georgia, a local charity dedicated to providing services for children and young adults with special needs. The organisation was founded in 1998 in the response to the horrendous living conditions of disabled orphans living in the state-run Kaspi institution.
First Step Georgia now concentrates on supporting families who have children and young adults with special needs through day care services, home-based care and empowering parents.
HSBC in Georgia provides financial support to two of First Step Georgia programmes: the Home-Base Care and Education of children with special needs.
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