As the region matures as a manufacturing base and as an enormous market in its own right, our development is accelerating—not only in the several markets with huge growth potential, but also in other Asia-Pacific countries where our market positions are still well short of our potential. A key part of our approach is establishing joint ventures with existing local partners, finding and developing technical and marketing synergies that allow all parties to share in success on a broader stage.

Saint-Gobain employs about 17,000 people in the Asia & Pacific region. We have a major presence in China, with nearly 11,700 people working in well over 45 companies operating in all our business sectors. Our presence in China is strongest in and around Beijin and Shanghai, but extends to Mudanjiang in the north, where we have a ceramics plant, to Guangzhou in the south, and as far inland as Xining, where we have another ceramics operation. Saint-Gobain is actively pursuing further growth opportunities in China, both through joint ventures and through greenfield operations.

Japan is the site of our General Delegation headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region. Our nearly 450 employees in Japan are working in flat glass, ceramics and plastics, and abrasives, supplying leading industries with sophisticated products and technical services.

Saint-Gobain has had operations in Korea for more than ten years, and is the sector leader in insulation. Through a major partnership with Hankuk Glass Industries we are co-leader in the nation's flat glass industry, and the scope of this partnership is now extending to new business development throughout North East Asia and China.

Our operations in South-East Asia include plants in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and in the Pacific region Saint-Gobain has plants and sales offices throughout Australia and in New Zealand.

Saint-Gobain has for more than 300 years proven its ability to think, innovate, and grow. Our involvement in showcase projects such as the Shanghai Opera House and the Rodin Museum in Seoul demonstrates our commitment to performing at the highest possible standard in Asia. We are confident that both the Asia-Pacific region and our role in it share an outstanding future.