Schneider empowers relief work

Source: Xinhua | 07-14-2008 11:44

Special Report:   Strong quake jolts SW China
Special Report:   Post-quake reconstruction

BEIJING, July 14 -- Since its first arrival in Tianjin in 1987, France-based Schneider Electric has been present in China for more than 20 years, offering power and control products of the highest standard. China is now the Company's second largest market, thus making the country also the multi-national giant's second home.

Recently known as the Global Specialist of Energy Management, Schneider Electric provides integrated solutions to help make energy safer, more reliable, more productive and efficient - allowing customers to save energy by up to 30 percent.

While enjoying the high business growth in China, Schneider Electric has always remained committed in social responsibilities and stands out with quick response when its friend China needs.

"20 years in China gives us a chance to review its achievements and successes, but also our contribution to the country through numerous corporate citizenship activities," said Guy Dufraisse, president of Schneider Electric China.

"We need to be part of China society just as we are part of the most robust economy here in the world."

The company reacts only two days after the May 12 earthquake disaster in Sichuan province, with total donation of 6 million yuan worth of monetary and equipment to aid in the recovery of earthquake-hit areas.

This includes 1 million yuan in cash to China Red Cross, 1 million yuan worth of power distribution equipment to the State Grid Group to reinstate the power infrastructure, and other 4 million to rebuilt projects.

Pledging once again its commitment as a responsible corporate citizen to China, Schneider Electric also sets up an emergency relief team of electricity professionals to support recovery work in those areas.

Schneider Electric Global CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire has also expressed his heartfelt condolence to Sichuan government, pledging Schneider Electric's support in the relief efforts.

"We felt it was a necessary thing to do as a company that deeply values and integrates principles of social citizenship and responsibility. Schneider Electric expresses our deepest sympathies to the families affected by the earthquake and we promise to contribute towards rebuilding their homes. Just as what we had done in the February snowstorms, we will uphold what China has taught us in the past 20 years and help each other out in difficult times," says Dufraisse, who together with the president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China sent a letter to encourage all French corporate and individuals to support quake relief after the 8.0- magnitude quake.

"And the most important point is that the donation should be efficient," he said.

It also simultaneously organizes its national event in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, gathering 2,000 Schneider Electric employees to support the local economy.

Schneider Electric also supports a large number of projects in the region, such as the Yiyang Power Plant, the Changsha Power Plant and the Yueyang Taigelin paper factory.

"Schneider Electric feels strongly supportive of the people from southern China affected by this year's harsh winter and to show its compassion. "We are contributing towards rebuilding Hunan province, center of the 2008 southern China snow storm. Indeed, our over 20 years of commitment and partnership with China have taught us the value of helping each other out in difficult times, while at the same time creating more opportunities for win-win collaboration," Dufraisse said.

In the past years, Schneider Electric has actively implemented social programs that are focused on youth development like the Luli program to help build Hope Schools.

Beginning with 2000, Schneider Electric has carried out the Luli program in China each summer, and from 2003 till now, it has already donated a total of 2 million yuan to China Youth Foundation through the contribution of the Company together with its employees.

Meanwhile, Schneider Electric has help build up to 8 Hope primary schools, 2 orphanages and 1 special needs school. The company plans to set up another 3 Hope schools this year.

"I am targeting to pay a visit to the one we will open this October near our joint venture in Baoji, Shaanxi province," said Dufraisse.

Most recently, it became the sponsor of the first Asian session of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society, a three-day event taking place in Shanghai, which aims to emphasizes the increasingly important role of women in Asian society.

 

Editor:Xiong Qu