 |
|
|
Press Releases
SINGAPORE, July 31, 1997 -- Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is pleased to announce a financial contribution to support the Business Alliance for Vietnamese Education (BAVE) textbook project. FedEx is one of several U.S. companies funding the project which includes the printing and distribution of 450,000 sixth-grade English-language textbooks and accompanying cassettes to Vietnam's 50 provinces.
The BAVE textbook project began in June 1995 following discussions between BAVE and Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training. Its purpose is to help provide a new English-language curriculum for Vietnam's school-aged children, a first since 15 years ago. The new curriculum is expected to be in place by the autumn of 1999.
"We at FedEx are very pleased to be able to play a part in Vietnam's local communities and in its education system. We are willing to help Vietnam to develop economically through our business investments and socially through the support to programs of this kind," said Rhicke Jennings, FedEx's managing director for Southeast Asia district.
"This textbook project is just one way that we can demonstrate our commitment to the country and its people. It is heartening to know that the books for this project will be used for at least seven to 12 years; this means that nearly 15 million Vietnamese children in virtually every household will have a chance to learn more about the English language," he added. Federal Express donated US$35,000 to this year's project.
BAVE was founded by Barbara Stewart, a senior Asia correspondent for the U.N. Observer, in 1992 with the help of a family endowment co-founded by her husband, Bill Stewart, chief executive of the investment house, W. P. Stewart. Based in the U.S., BAVE's members consist of major U.S. companies such as FedEx, and its advisory board includes members of the Vietnamese government. Its mission is to help foster a friendly business climate for corporate sponsors, as well as to support Vietnam's economic advancement.
FedEx was the first U.S. air carrier to return to Vietnam after the U.S. embargo was lifted by President Bill Clinton in 1994. At that time, the company flew a charter aircraft to Vietnam as part of a charity mission delivering medicines and medical supplies. FedEx presently has five offices in Vietnam with over 60 employees.
FedEx currently services the Asia Pacific market with approximately 4,300 employees in more than 30 countries and territories. Operating its own wide-bodied MD-11, DC-10 and A310 aircraft, FedEx offers over 160 flights per week to the following locations: Beijing, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Osaka, Penang, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Subic Bay, Taipei and Tokyo.
Federal Express is the world's largest express transportation company providing fast and reliable services for more than 2.8 million items in 212 countries each working day. The company employs approximately 130,000 people, has nearly 43,000 drop-off locations, and operates more than 580 aircraft and 38,000 vehicles in its integrated global network. FedEx maintains electronic connections with more than 650,000 users via FedEx PowerShip®, FedEx Ship® and FedEx interNetShipSM. Federal Express reported revenues of U.S.$11.5 billion for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1997.
|
|
