The Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2009, which for the first time since its launch in 2005 targets businesses of all economic sectors operating in Vietnam, was launched on July 7 by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

The annual award aims to encourage businesses to continue improving working and living conditions for their workers as well as protecting the environment, thus enhancing their prestige and competitive edge, said VCCI Vice President Doan Duy Khuong at the launching ceremony.

Junichi Mori, a representative of the UN Industry Development Organisation (UNIDO) said his organisation is ready to support the award in the hope more Vietnamese and foreign-owned ones will join in.

The awards presentation will be held in Hanoi in December./.