The term third sector was coined to encompass a number of organisations which have an economic, social and political activity but are neither State (public sector) nor Market (private for-profit) companies. This term includes organisations (associations, foundations, cooperatives, mutuals) included in the social economy and the non-profit sector. The differences between the third sector and the public and private for-profit sectors lie in the nature of third sector organisations and agents rather than the type of activity these perform. Although they are private in nature, they seek commonweal instead of profit maximisation. Third sector organisations carry out their economic activities across the different production sectors, from agriculture and fishery to industry and services.