Since 1975, Sony's international cooperation activities have reflected the unwavering commitment of its founders to help build emerging economies and provide training for human resources using its position as an electronics manufacturer. Through Japan's Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) program, Sony has supplied equipment and provided technical training for more than 100 countries. Recipients of this aid include state-run broadcasting organizations, universities, health institutes, libraries, theaters and art museums.

Sony is particularly aware that emerging economies face significant development challenges and is exploring new business approaches to address them. Efforts to date include inviting experts from outside the Company to hold seminars for pertinent employees with regard to promoting base-of-the-pyramid (BOP) businesses.

Additionally, Sony conducted a study in conjunction with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to assess the practicality of compact decentralized power generation and storage systems in rural India in January 2010. The research sought to identify local needs and available fuel supplies, among other objectives.

In addition, Sony is a participant in "Preparatory Survey for BOP Business Promotion," an initiative undertaken by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that aims to resolve developmental issues faced by impoverished people in developing countries. This program provides JICA support for preparatory surveys related to BOP business projects undertaken by companies. Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. and Sony Corporation are carrying out a survey for BOP business in Ghana related to off-grid energy solutions in unelectrified areas.

As another example of BOP business, Sony has extended FeliCa contactless IC card technology for use in Bangladesh. In the capital city of Dacca, where buses are the principal mode of transportation, traffic jams are a major problem. Moreover, the use of paper tickets purchased by the roadside for every trip significantly hinders ease of use, as well as encourages fare dodging. In 2011, the city began introducing FeliCa-based IC cards as a convenient alternative that will greatly improve the efficiency of buses, including maintaining a record of every individual who boards and disembarks, as well as relieve traffic jams and improve the transparency of fare income for operators.

Sony will continue to promote efforts aimed at contributing to society around the world through its business activities.