XN000022-1996-02-20+21 — Page 3

- 2 -

The new office, which will be heavily involved in the operation of 43 sheltered workshops and 14 supported employment units, has the following responsibilities:

**

to promote marketing strategies among sheltered workshops;

to promote and provide training for sheltered workshop personnel to enhance their market orientation;

to promote the image of sheltered workshops and supported employment in the local economy;

to co-ordinate sheltered workshops in marketing, business development and management of resources;

to market the product and services of the sheltered workshops and the working abilities of disabled persons engaged in sheltered work;

to seek marketing professional's/training institutes' support for external consultation assistance on marketing and resources for sheltered workshops; and

to provide advice and assistance to SWD on supported employment and marketing issues.

The office will report to the Advisory Committee on Marketing and Resources for Sheltered Workshops formed last October. The committee comprises an SWD representative and members from non-governmental organisations and commercial

sector.

"We will shortly launch a recruitment exercise for professionals to run this office," said the Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Youth and Rehabilitation), Mr Carlos Leung, who is also a member of the Advisory Committee.

"It will be headed by a marketing expert who will be assisted by two marketing officers and supporting staff," he said.

End