Throughout its history, Fazzini has built its business activities upon respect: Respect for our employees and partners, for our countries of operation, for the clients we serve and for the investors who trust in us. Respect is the esteem we confer upon others and upon their expectations; it is what allows us to establish long-term relationships based on trust and progress. Now that Fazzini is adjusting its corporate governance to match its recent entry in the stock market and to the growing perspectives this offers, I find it worthwhile to reiteratethe principles which have, since our very beginnings, guided our daily activities and founded our long-term strategy. It is important to me that these principles be explained, illustrated and clarified in such a way that, despite the various cultures spanning our countries of operation, we can refer to shared principles and together shape our future in the spirit of mutual respect.

Respect for human dignity is important to our Group, and we pay particular attention to the laws, regulations and international principals on social responsibility established to protect the security, dignity and interest of our clients, our employees and the communities we interact with. Out of respect for human dignity, we exercice our utmost vigilance with regards to undeclared, or forced or child labour. Respecting human dignity means more than rejecting any form of discrimination; it also means promoting social diversity and protecting privacy in such a way as to provide a fulfilling environment for every employee. Because respecting human dignity also means respecting the natural and social environment it is part of, we are committed to our approach of social and environmental responsibility.

A number of laws have been created specifically in order to protect the people who place their trust in the company, particularly with regards to its employees and shareholders. The decisions or behaviour of certain employees may, due to their responsibilities or the functions entrusted upon them, have a decisive impact on the company’s future. They are called upon to respect company property by taking utmost care to protect the social, economic and intangible assets they are responsible for in the company. The trust that has been accorded to them implies that they abide by the laws on the prevention of misuse of company property,
of insider trading and of fraud.

Trade regulations protect the rights of clients and other economic actors. Conducting business with honesty and transparency guarantees competitiveness based solely on the pursuit of the best products and services at the best price. Our respect for trade regulations is driven by more than just a desire to obey the law; it also shows consideration for the clients and investors who support our ambition to respect ethical standards in our business conduct.