Over the past four centuries, the lives of many people from South Asia and Britain have become inextricably linked. These connections have been greatly strengthened in the last sixty years with the emergence of the British Asian community, which plays a significant and growing role in contemporary Britain.

But despite rapid economic growth and increasing prosperity, there remains a vast disparity in wealth and opportunity in all our countries, which can threaten the very fabric of our societies.

The British Asian Trust, founded by The Prince of Wales, brings together partners in all our countries to make a practical difference to resolving these issues. A cricket match between India and Pakistan in July has enabled The British Asian Trust to launch this ambitious venture.

Over the next three years, it plans to establish a substantial fund to invest in sustainable social enterprises, in all five countries, focussing on:

• the promotion of opportunity and enterprise
• the provision of training, skills and jobs
• sustainable development of urban and rural communities
• encouraging wider application of traditional technologies
• promoting greater co-operation between communities

The British Asian Trust will work with smaller organizations and communities to help themselves. It will act as an investment vehicle to ensure the best use of philanthropic funds; its fundraising will be driven by events linked to fashion, music and sport.