Intl. seminar on 'corporate social responsibility'

Kochi, Aug 24: Having taken the lead in banning the manufacture and sale of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola this month, Kerala will host an international conference here next month on Corporate Social Responsibility -- Issues and Future Trends.

The seminar, on September 16, is being organised by the International Center for Economic Policy and Analysis (ICEPA) of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in collaboration with the Kerala Government, the Kerala Management Association and Tilburg University, The Netherlands.

Prof. D Rajasenan, Director, ICEPA, said the seminar on ''Corporate Social Responsibility in Kerala -- Current Issues and Future Trends'', is the first attempt of its kind in the state and will provide a platform for management practitioners, policy makers and researchers to share their views and experiences about the role that business is expected to play in the globalised world.

''The opening up of geographic boundaries to enhance economic activity has shown mixed results and responses in different parts of the world. But the thing that cannot be left in the oblivion is the gargantuan power of the corporations on account of their economic strength,'' said Prof. Rajasenan said.

About 125 delegates, including corporate executives, are scheduled to attend the day-long seminar. Overseas delegates will be coming from the Netherlands, Italy and Bangladesh, the ICEPA Director said.

UNI