CSR Conference in China

In March 2007, we organized conferences on CSR-conscious procurement in Shanghai and Guangzhou for our local Chinese suppliers. Approximately 2,300 people from 2,000 China-based suppliers attended the meetings, which are unique in the industry. At each conference, Nobutane Yamamoto (an Executive Officer in charge of corporate procurement, currently Managing Executive Officer) gave a presentation on the history of Panasonic operations in China and our CSR-conscious procurement policies.

Detailing our basic approach as a CSR-focused enterprise, which is to implement CSR-conscious procurement by developing longstanding supply relationships with firms that also undertake such activities, the conference explained Panasonic's policy of doing business with CSR-conscious suppliers that are dedicated to activities such as legal and regulatory compliance, information security, environmental protection and respect for human rights. The conference also featured discussions on the Clean Procurement Declaration, the development of fair and appropriate global purchasing activities, and Panasonic's commitment to an unbiased procurement process without "private interests." The meeting closed by issuing a call to our local suppliers in China to work, grow and prosper together as companies that take CSR seriously.