Canon 2012 Annual Report Download - page 11

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09
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
worldwide for 100, and even 200, years, it is crucial to
have exceptional global human resources. We believe
that our global workforce must be not only capa-
ble of winning in the face of global competition but
also capable of delivering innovation. This is because,
throughout our history, we have continuously trans-
formed our company based on our enterprising spirit.
Canon is committed to imparting a corporate cul-
ture, and cultivating human resources befitting a
truly excellent global company. To this end, we already
have numerous local human resources in management
positions at our sales companies around the world.
For example, in Europe, our largest regional market,
the presidents of all but one of our sales companies
are from the region. At the same time, we have around
1,000 Japanese employees stationed at our sales compa-
nies around the world. We will continue endeavoring
to acknowledge and respond flexibly to the diversified
value perspectives of local communities, respecting
their cultures and customs while striving to foster global
human resources who can excel on the world stage.
IN CONCLUSION
The global economy in 2013 is expected to remain chal-
lenging for the foreseeable future. However, as new
administrations take office in such key countries as
Japan, the United States and China, there are expecta-
tions that various economic stimulus measures will
gradually bear fruit. As such, we believe that we will
see a recovery trend in the second half that should
gather momentum.
Amid these circumstances, we feel that the markets
in which we operate will recover in a similar fash-
ion. Accordingly, we will focus on returning Canon to
a growth trajectory while closely monitoring market
trends. Our basic policy for 2013, which marks the third
year of Phase IV of our Excellent Global Corporation
Plan, is to decisively implement reforms and achieve
sound business growth in the face of the current turbu-
lent business environment. Targeting solid increases in
both sales and profit, we will steadily implement mea-
sures based on the six key strategies described above.
In 2012, we celebrated Canon’s 75th anniversary,
having overcome numerous difficulties and achieved
dramatic progress since the company’s foundation.
Looking around the world, there are many examples of
companies that have delivered innovation and growth
for 100 years or more. For companies willing to continu-
ally transform themselves, the potential is unlimited.
Going forward, we will continue striving to reinforce
Canon’s technological capabilities. At the same time,
we will prevail in the face of the challenging business
environment while relentlessly targeting productivity
improvements and cost reductions. At this early stage of
the economic upturn, we will exploit our increasingly
robust business structure to steer Canon toward a path
of steady growth.
We look forward to your ongoing understanding
and support.
Fujio Mitarai
Chairman & CEO
Canon Inc.