BEIJING -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

On October 14, 2014 Panasonic Corporation of China celebrated 35 years in China in a celebration held at the China World Hotel Beijing. Approximately 300 government officials, partners, guests and 100 members of the media attended this celebration. President Kazuhiro Tsuga of Panasonic Corporation expressed his appreciation for the guests' understanding and support of Panasonic's business activities in China, touching upon Panasonic's history in China, and also introducing our vision for the future.

Looking back at 35 years in China, President Tsuga stated, "What became the springboard for Panasonic's entry into the Chinese market was the meeting our founder, Konosuke Matsushita had with the General Secretary of China, Deng Xiaoping 36 years ago, in 1978. In that meeting, our founder pledged his full support to China because he believed that 21st century was Asia's time to shine and that Japan must lead the way in cooperating with other Asian countries, especially China, for the development, prosperity, and peace of societies across the world. Today, Panasonic's annual turnover in China amounts to 60 billion RMB, so it has become a very important market for Panasonic."

Over the past 35 years, Panasonic's business in China has evolved from home appliance manufacturing to a more comprehensive one including R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, and Panasonic has increasingly played a more active role in China's industrial development and social progress. Now, Panasonic's product line-up ranges from home appliances to housing, crime prevention, medical solutions, smart devices, electrical devices, and new energy. For example, by developing ITS systems that help mitigate traffic congestion, Panasonic has also contributed to reducing air pollution. And for the Dalian BEST-CITY project, Panasonic has provided a home energy management system that can create an optimal, energy saving, eco-conscious environment in the home with a single remote control. Moreover, numerous Panasonic surveillance cameras have been installed across China to help create a safer living environment. With respect to B2B, new businesses such as Panasonic's automotive and eco solutions businesses are growing. President Tsuga said, "Until now, we had positioned China as the 'world's largest manufacturing base,' but it has now become a 'rapidly growing massive market' and we hope to do our part in helping China address its problems."

In 2014, Panasonic Corporation of China has pledged "To draw on 100 years of technology and providing high quality to help create a smarter, more beautiful future for all." Through various brand communication initiatives, Panasonic hopes that this new message will take root in China. At the reception following the celebration, Hidetoshi Osawa, the Regional Head for China & Northeast Asia, and Chairman of Panasonic Corporation of China , stated, "We will work even harder to contribute to the development of China through our business activities."

Furthermore, Panasonic has provided assistance to areas afflicted by large-scale natural disasters over the past 35 years. And as the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner, we have provided excellent audio-visual solutions that helped broadcast and share the passion and excitement of the Olympic Games. Through sponsorship of cultural and sporting events and communication through new media, we have continued to share our vision and our energy with people across the world.

In 2014, Panasonic announced that we will be focusing our efforts on strategically important markets that are rapidly growing, like China. With a more flexible and focused business approach we will intensify our efforts in China. Panasonic, who is celebrating 2 key milestones - business transformation and 35th anniversary in China - is ready to take on a new challenge: "To draw on 100 years of technology and providing high quality to help create a smarter, more beautiful future for all."

Panasonic China: http://www.panasonic.cn/

Panasonic’s Vision: http://panasonic.net/vision/

About Panasonic Brand: http://panasonic.net/brand/

Panasonic’s History: http://panasonic.net/history/

The Founder Konosuke Matsushita: http://panasonic.net/history/founder/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20141019005115/en/

CONTACT:

Panasonic Corporation
Global Communication Group
Public Relations Office
+81-3-3574-5729
presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com

Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga making a speech at the 35th anniversary ceremony of its China business (Photo: Business Wire)

35th Anniversary ceremony of Panasonic China business (Photo: Business Wire)