Dear colleagues,
Today we celebrate a remarkable moment in our company's history. 113 years ago, a bold vision gave birth to what became the largest industrial palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, our dear “ Plantations et Huileries du Congo ».
Since I took over as CEO in February 2021, we have worked tirelessly to realize our vision of creating shared prosperity through agribusiness. With the support of Kuramo Capital Management, we have focused our efforts on increasing productivity, striving for excellence and building the capabilities of our valued team.
Over the past three years, we have achieved impressive growth, increasing our production by 20% each year. This growth is not only a testament to our determination, but also to the commitment and hard work of each and every one of you. It is thanks to your dedication and passion that we have been able to reach such heights.
But our success is not just measured in numbers. It is also measured by the positive impact we have on our employees, our local communities and our environment. Over the past three years, we have increased our workforce and the representation of women in leadership positions, improved working conditions, provided adequate healthcare and educational facilities, and supported local farmers.
We have also strengthened our ties with local communities, establishing an open and constructive dialogue to resolve historical disputes and work together towards a better future. We are proud of our commitment to sustainability, with a no-deforestation policy and a decarbonization strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our precious forests.
As we celebrate our past, let us also look to the future with optimism and determination. Our plans are ambitious, but we are ready to take on the challenges that come our way. Together, we will continue to innovate, grow and prosper, embodying the values of integrity, respect, diversity and teamwork that have guided our company since 2021.
I would like to thank each of you for your invaluable contribution to our success. May this day be an opportunity to celebrate our past achievements and inspire us for the exciting challenges that await us in the years to come.