INDIACSR News Network
HAWAII, USA: Walmart Asia CEO Scott Price today reiterated Walmart’s focus on contributing to the communities in which the Company does business in APEC economies. “Walmart is a strong contributor globally to the communities in which we operate and this is especially true in APEC economies. These include great examples in the USA, China, Japan, Mexico and Chile,” said Price. Mr. Price made the comments during the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held in Honolulu, USA, Nov 11-14, 2011.
Price commented: “In the USA, we announced a $2 Billion USD commitment through 2015 to help end hunger in America. In China we are working closely with the China Women’s Development Foundation (CWDF) on poverty alleviation of women. Walmart’s Direct Farm program procures directly from over 800,000 farmers, offering higher incomes for farmers and lower prices for customers.”
Price continued, “In Japan we committed to helping with the recovery efforts of the earthquake-affected region. We committed well over $5 million (USD) to these efforts. We have just announced two new programs. One in partnership with Save the Children (to get children back into school) and the other with Mercy Corps (to support women engaged in the harvesting of Wakame seaweed). We were also very active after the earthquake in Chile through a $1.9million (USD) donation to provide emergency housing in different regions as well as to rebuild small businesses.
In Canada, Walmart donated over $ 8 million (Canadian Dollars) as a key sponsor of the Children’s Miracle Network that raises funds for children’s hospitals across Canada. Finally, in Mexico, our Indigenous Product Commercialization Program, which offers training and funding to boost production processes of marginalized communities and indigenous groups living in isolated regions to improve their income and quality of life, was recognized by the UNDP with its World Business and Development Award.
According to Price these programs and their impact were possible only because of the collaboration between governments, the private sector and social sector.
“In most instances, high impact is possible because there is a strong alignment between the priorities of that government and the private sector.
Both the U.S. and China are strong examples of this. In China, we have really benefitted from working closely with the China Women’s Development Foundation (CWDF) on a key national priority – poverty alleviation of women.
The program is now in full execution and is making a big difference in the three pilot provinces in which we are working. In the U.S. in partnership with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, Walmart efforts to make food healthier and healthier food more affordable are delivering results. It will save customers approximately $1 billion (USD) per year on fresh fruits and vegetables.”
“We want to be a part of the solution to a better life for the communities in which we operate. We want to work with governments and the social sector to ensure that,” concluded Price.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion (USD), Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.
