In recent years, Marubeni America Corporation, like our parent, Marubeni Corporation, has maintained a strong upward trend of earning capability and financial strength. With sustained contributions from our traditional trading businesses and substantial contributions from our subsidiaries, we have had a string of record-setting years. 2008, the year we celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Marubeni, was another very good year for us.
As we face the challenges of 2009 and beyond presented by the current economic downturn, we look forward to ongoing contributions from our major subsidiaries in agricultural products, distribution, finance and leasing, and the expansion of our business and future earnings by a combination of organic growth and acquisition where appropriate. We are currently driving to achieve SG2009, our medium-term strategic plan. In doing so, MAC's focus continues to be on extending the brand of Marubeni Group, and building a company with presence in the U.S. and Canada, one which can ensure sustainable growth. As such, we continue to raise the bar and challenge all of our group businesses to be innovative in meeting aggressive financial objectives, despite difficult economic times. At the same time, we challenge all of our staff members to keep an ever-watchful eye on proper risk management, financial planning, internal control, compliance and corporate social responsibility.
Now, as always, our success depends upon the ability of each member of our group to provide the highest level of value-added services, solution and quality to our customers, clients and business partners - to go beyond your expectations...
We look forward to working with you.
Koichi Mochizuki
President and Chief Executive Officer