I would like to begin this message by expressing our sincere appreciation for the continuing support of our investors, customers and friends.

The world has faced rapidly worsening of economic conditions in the wake of the financial crisis. Governments around the world have implemented stimulus packages in response, and the effects of these policies, combined with the dynamism of China, India and other emerging economies, have generally brought the downward trend to a halt. While there are still a number of destabilizing factors, the world economy as a whole can be expected to follow a gradual recovery trend. However, rather than a traditional cyclical recovery, we anticipate a recovery based on a structural transition driven by the global growth of new industries, regions and companies.

Mitsui & Co. has always earned its living by creating new business in response to environmental changes. This transition that we are about to face again will also be an excellent opportunity for Mitsui & Co. to use its abilities to the full.

Our goal is the dynamic creation of new business that anticipates the needs of tomorrow. We can achieve that goal by identifying the new needs of our customers and society and continually meeting challenges in new fields.

"Mitsui is People." Condensed into these three words is the legacy of our long history and the foundation-stone for all of our activities. In this time of change and transition, I believe that we need to place an even higher value on the significance of this familiar phrase.

Quite simply, "Mitsui is People" means that we value people and are determined to develop talented human resources who can make a real contribution to society.

Our emphasis on people is reflected in three core goals in relation to human resources development. First, we want every individual to achieve qualitative improvement through a balanced approach to skills development and personal growth. Second, we aim to globalize our human resources by recruiting and promoting versatile individuals with high potential and distinct talent across the globe. Third, we aim to strengthen our capacity to adapt to change through human resources mobilization. We will continue to work dynamically in these areas.

Mitsui & Co. is also determined to achieve sustained growth by responding in good faith to the trust of society, and by contributing to the world through Yoi-Shigoto, our company's motto denoting good quality work for the benefit of our customers and society. We hope that this website will help you understand our activities, and we look forward to your continuing support.