Former US President Bill Clinton has challenged UK Asian entrepreneurs to use their success and position to make a difference in their local communities and in the Indian sub-continent. "Communities cannot live in isolation if we are to address racial and cultural intolerances," he said, speaking at the ABi Annual luncheon at the Royal Opera House on July 3, where he addressed an audience of over 300 entrepreneurs and policy makers.

In a speech lasting more than thirty minutes, the former president expanded on how economic advancement and prosperity must be shared globally. He explained how the aims of the William J Clinton Foundation, established after his leaving office, were specifically to strengthen the capacity of people to meet the challenges of global interdependence.

The event was sponsored by UK-based minority business support experts ABi Associates Ltd and supported by US hotel groups, the Diplomat Hotel Corporation and La Quinta Corporation.

Picking up the theme of giving back, ABi director, Vijay Amin, announced the "Helping Hands" initiative. He challenged every one in the audience to give seven hours of their time each year, to work with ABi and its partners in helping individuals from disadvantaged communities and deprived areas to become economically and socially active. "Social and human capital is in short supply and by giving of their time, successful entrepreneurs can make a difference in other people's lives," he said.

His challenge has already been accepted by a significant number of the entrepreneurs present and the "Helping Hands" initiative will be launched later this year. Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to give of their time and expertise in the role of mentors and advisers for new businesses and to open up their companies to enable new entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities to gain insight into effective business development. For more information please visit - www.abi.co.uk