In the past, many companies, particularly in Japan, have adopted an approach towards CSR that has focused on measures such as good governance and careful adherence to regulations to protect them from accidents and impropriety. Based on this, they have proceeded to practice CSR that fulfills their responsibilities. Namely, to advance CSR, companies, as members of society, have tried to strike an effective balance in allocating the profits and utilizing the assets they generate, by protecting the environment, contributing to the local community, and paying a reasonable return to stakeholders.
These two categories represent the foundation level of CSR. In MOL's case, CSR activities are founded first and foremost on the establishment of good corporate governance and compliance, the creation of Rules of Conduct and measures to eliminate maritime accidents, development of environmental management systems and so on. The company also strives to use its resources effectively to make a contribution to society. In this way, MOL has addressed the immediate tasks of effective CSR.
In the years ahead, MOL has decided to take the next step forward in CSR by instilling an even stronger awareness of and pursuing "CSR activities that benefit both the company and society," while identifying and supplementing any areas where the fundamental level of CSR has been inadequate.

The midterm management plan, "GEAR UP! MOL," includes a number of CSR-related goals. For example, by enhancing safe operation, the company aims to become the world leader in safe operation and make safety measures visible. In addition, we have adopted a new environmental strategy with the goal of answering the demands of the times by offering transport solutions with a lower environmental burden. These safe operation and environmental protection policies will help persuade customers to select MOL, and thus are a component of the company's efforts to achieve sustainable growth. In that sense, CSR policies are closely related to the company's business strategies. By establishing a CSR policy that is clearly understood and embraced by customers, employees, seafarers, and society as a whole, and also is recognized and evaluated favorably by shareholders and investors, MOL will be the
company of choice. This in turn will allow the company to make even greater contributions to society, generating a positive cycle that builds synergy, supports sustainable growth and benefits both the company and society.
One other strategic goal of "GEAR UP! MOL" is to accelerate business development in growing global markets. Therefore, we are striving to ensure that CSR activities and policies are disseminated throughout the MOL Group and are a feature of operations both in Japan and overseas.