Spring 2008 Issue > A Message from Crown Worldwide Chairman
A Message from Crown Worldwide Chairman, Jim Thompson
It’s always amazing to realize how effectively “time heals” and to see that dramatic changes can occur in the course of one’s lifetime. This has certainly been the case with me as I see the changes that have taken place throughout Asia since the very difficult years of the ‘60s and early ‘70s when I began my life here. In the ‘60s China was closed to just about the entire world and it was quite a mysterious country that many feared. Also in those years, war was raging in Vietnam while Cambodia was subjected to what can only be termed as genocide.
As we fast forward about 40 years, we see China as one of the most dynamic market economies in the world and the country that will soon stage the 2008 Olympic Games. Vietnam has also become a dynamic economy that welcomes foreign investment. Cambodia, the country most punished by war and its own vile leaders of the ‘70s, is making a nice steady comeback with great hope for its young population’s future.
Crown has invested in all the countries of Asia but we’re most pleased with the progress being made in China, Vietnam and Cambodia. We see more and more global companies seeking to be part of the rejuvenation of these countries through their investments as well as through participation in their social development. In our effort to help the region develop, Crown has recently built a school for 1,000 students in rural Cambodia, which is presented in this issue of The Crown Voice, and this year we’ll begin another similar project in that country. There can be no better feeling than to see these young children in these new surroundings eager to learn as much as they can.
We’re also beginning our expansion in Africa. Our new branch in Tanzania opened for business last month and we have plans for further development in this region in the coming months. We see Africa as a continent that is slowly realizing its potential with a vast population and a wealth of natural resources that the rest of the world seeks. We, at Crown, want to be part of its development.
2007 was a banner year for all of Crown’s businesses and the first quarter of 2008 shows a further strong increase in our performance. We’re working hard to do things right for you, our loyal clients and supporters.
Thanks for your continuing support.
Jim Thompson
Crown Worldwide
Chairman