Walmart firms commitment to Asia Pacific economies

HONOLULU — Walmart is firming its commitment to Asia Pacific economies, the company announced at the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 11 to 14.

Speaking at the event, Walmart Asia CEO Scott Pricesaid, "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 United States, China , Japan , Mexico and Chile. In the United States, we announced a $2 billion 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 for 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 are committed to helping with the recovery efforts of the earthquake-affected region. We've committed well over $5 million 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 $1.9 million donation to provide emergency housing in different regions as well as to rebuild small businesses. In Canada , Walmart donated over CA$8 million 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 United Nations Development Programme 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.

"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.