Every company carries a social obligation that goes far beyond business, according to Alireza Emami, CEO of Iranian trader Zarrin Group, whose Daliz Health charity makes a big difference to people’s lives
Private companies play a vital role in every economy, driving national growth and development. However, in today’s world, the role of private companies extends well beyond just economic or commercial boundaries. Many of them can have a significant impact on the social and cultural dimensions of society.
Since its founding in 1930, Zarrin Group has expanded its reach across domestic and international markets as a trusted importer and exporter of agricultural products. However, the company’s vision has always gone beyond commerce alone. With decades of experience in agricultural trade, Zarrin has become a respected pioneer in promoting corporate social responsibility in Iran, a commitment reflected in its efforts to create shared values and support the well-being of society.
Corporate social responsibility represents a vision that goes beyond financial interests. It is based on a deep understanding that companies and businesses are not entities isolated from society, but rather an integral part that interacts and mutually influences the social environment. This perspective encourages companies to move past a focus on short-term gains and instead prioritise sustainable development and the long-term well-being of society. By embracing social responsibility, organisations can build trust among their communities and customers, establish a positive and enduring brand image.
Some believe that only large-scale or well-established companies are capable of implementing social responsibility initiatives; however, this idea is not true. Practicing social responsibility is not limited to special brands. Every company, regardless of its business scale, carries a social obligation related to its operations. Each company can make a meaningful contribution by developing a coherent strategy that aligns with its resources and capacities.
Prioritising health and well-being
Zarrin Group has always believed that profitability is only one of the outcomes of doing business and not its ultimate goal. Our purpose has consistently been to create value that extends beyond economic success; a value reflected in society’s health and well-being.
In doing so, Zarrin established the Daliz Health charitable foundation in 1999 to put its social responsibility into practice. Daliz Health began by delivering support in healthcare, cultural development, economic assistance, and marital support programmes for young couples.
Over time, the foundation devoted a significant part of its efforts to providing specialised care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), offering dialysis treatments free of charge using advanced medical equipment.
A key reason for prioritising CKD patients is that, through ongoing and specialised treatment, they can enjoy a longer life, with dialysis offering them a second chance at living. Remarkably, some of the patients supported by this foundation have been receiving regular treatment for more than two decades, a testament to the meaningful and lasting impact of this initiative on their quality of life.
However, the mission extends far beyond medical treatment. In recent years, Daliz Health has taken significant steps toward enhancing patients’ life expectancy and self-confidence. Hosting occasional ceremonies and social gatherings, organising counselling sessions, nurturing patients’ talents such as in music and art, and fostering a warm, family-oriented environment. These efforts have helped strengthen patients’ emotional well-being and deepen their connection with both their families and society.
We believe that private companies and organisations have an essential role to play in this regard. Social responsibility must be implemented systematically, transparently and through synergy. Just like when multiple organisations in the industrial sector work together to achieve shared objectives, the same cooperative mindset should be recruited in the realm of social responsibility. By doing so, companies ensure that this culture becomes an integral part of their values and operations.
Zarrin Group goes beyond providing healthy, high-quality agricultural products that directly contribute to the well-being of society. The company also takes an active role in charitable initiatives and supports vulnerable groups, striving to maximise its positive and lasting impact on the quality of life and overall welfare of the community.
The message Zarrin Group conveys to other companies and business leaders is that embracing social responsibility is, above all, a gift to oneself. Engaging in such practices not only helps improve societal conditions but also fosters a sense of inner satisfaction, hope and well-being within the organisation.
