JEDDAH — Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa has joined SABIC's unique Home of Innovation growth initiative that combines marketing, innovation and technology to create demand and grow business on a local, regional and global level. The initiative, which connects SABIC with industry-leading companies like Panasonic, helps to identify market needs and develop innovative solutions. Panasonic is one of the 40 global, regional and local manufacturing companies that SABIC is entering into a strategic marketing relationship to promote the introduction of industry-leading technology into Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region. “We look forward to collaborating with these companies to seek cost-effective, high-performance solutions that meet customer needs and increase demand for the design, manufacturing and purchase of new products in the Kingdom,” said Awadh Al-Maker, Executive Vice President, Technology and Innovation, SABIC. As part of the initiative, SABIC's Home of Innovation facility in Riyadh's Techno Valley will be a place for inspiration and collaboration with a Demonstration Home on modern, comfortable and sustainable living and a Collaboration Center for visitors to discuss global challenges and seek partnership opportunities, or explore innovative products and materials among several key markets. According to Tatsuya Kumazawa, Director, Eco Solutions Category, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa, “innovation to promote sustainable living concepts is at the very essence of our business, so SABIC's Home of Innovation initiative resonates with us and we are proud to be part of it. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries increasingly commit to sustainable policies in various industry sectors like construction and energy, we are able to support these industries with our innovative, energy saving and environment friendly solutions for B2B and B2C sectors.” Panasonic's line up of unique sustainable solutions include LED lighting, refrigerators and air purifiers with ECO NAVI solution to conserve energy, intelligent LCD TV screens and cooking appliances with sensor technology to save energy. Globally, Panasonic leads the way in smart townships with its much acclaimed Fujisawa Sustainable Smart City, a smart town with 1,000 households where actual lifestyle-based innovative systems will continue to bring energy in every aspect of people's lives in terms of energy, security, mobility, healthcare, community and also in emergencies. “SABIC is committed to enabling downstream industry development in the Kingdom and region, and Home of Innovation provides a unique platform to engage the local market,” said Tymon Moore, marketing director, Middle East & Africa at SABIC. “We look forward to exploring long-term, mutual growth opportunities to help advance the local and regional economy.” Through the initiative, SABIC engaged companies that demonstrated an interest in growing their business in the Kingdom and Middle East region. Additional qualities included a respected and recognized brand, a desire to engage with SABIC strategically, and innovative yet commercially-available systems or products. Participating companies self-selected among three engagement levels – Leadership, Performance and Program – which afford varying degrees of regional exposure, business opportunities, industry connections and market insight. Panasonic was selected under the Programme level. Representing the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Americas, participating companies illustrate the global, regional and local representation sought by the Home of Innovation initiative. — SG
