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Without a doubt, the year 2020 was a challenging period for many of us. It was during this period that we saw unprecedented difficulties and seemingly insurmountable barriers that were brought about by the still raging pandemic. While this is so, we have also witnessed an opportunity to demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit. 

All of us have quickly adopted to the new normal --wearing facemasks, practicing social distancing, and remote working. As a result of joint collaboration between governments, companies and scientists, multiple vaccines have been created within less than one year giving us a key sense of confidence in our capacity to fight with the pandemic and maintain our optimism in addressing more challenges such as climate change.

We, at Daikin MEA, had ended the year celebrating this resilience as part of our long-held values and commitment to advancing major initiatives with a positive impact on global society. This is the reason Daikin has taken it upon itself to become a proactive contributor to the global environmental sustainability movement. Our commitment stems from knowing that Daikin and the whole HVAC industry have a pivotal role to play to promote the wellbeing of communities worldwide.   

As such, designing green technologies that are capable of enhancing air quality and reducing carbon emissions remains a top priority of our organization. It is our mission to harness the full potential of our innovative solutions in energy efficiency, air quality, and environmental protection, not just to lead the HVAC industry but to transform global society as well. 

In this challenging year, as Daikin MEA, we prioritized the health, wellbeing and stability of our employees and customers by taking quick steps and countermeasures. We supported our business partners, dealers, and distributors during the tough times, and concentrated on creating new solutions for the rapid changing needs of our customers. Despite the slowdown in the construction industry, we have been awarded several mega projects in the GCC region, particularly in UAE and KSA, and took concrete steps to further strengthen our Africa business foundation by establishing our Nigeria Office. Another great achievement was having been selected and awarded with the 2020 Superbrands UAE Choice Award. The award was given in recognition of our continuing commitment towards excellence in providing customers with environment-friendly HVAC products.

2020 was a year for both tackling the unprecedented changes in the social and business environment by taking quick decisions to fight with the unknown and at the same time prepare our 5 years Strategic Management Plan towards 2025. We formulated our Fusion 25 plan on the pillars of further localization and penetration actions in the MEA region, transformation towards solution business, aggressive development of Daikin brand awareness and the creation of solid business foundation in Africa to make it the next growth engine of Daikin Group.

As we welcome the new year, rest assured that we will continue in our sustainability path while bearing in mind the importance of showing resiliency amidst adversities. We look to the future with optimism and high hope.

I thank you all for your unwavering support for Daikin. I wish you and your family a prosperous and healthy 2021!