OREANDA-NEWS. FedEx Corp. released its sixth annual Global Citizenship Report today, outlining steps the company has taken to build a more sustainable business by improving its operational efficiency and engaging in local communities.

"FedEx continues to make the investments that will provide more sustainable access and future opportunities for our business, our customers and the communities we serve," said Mitch Jackson, vice\president of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability for FedEx. "By focusing on strategic initiatives in both our company and the community at large, we are helping to meet the long-term economic and social needs of FedEx and the community."

The report demonstrates that one key indicator of these efforts has been the reduction of the company's environmental footprint while experiencing year-over-year growth. In fact, FedEx revenues were up in fiscal year 2013 while emissions from the company's owned and operated fleet and facilities dropped by 1.3 percent.  However, as the report outlines, FedEx leadership and improvements in its operational sustainability-and its environmental and industry impact- are just one of the many ways that FedEx is providing long-term value to the business and the communities in which it operates. In addition to environmental efficiency, the report outlines key progress in areas such as economics and market access, community and disaster relief, and people and workplace.

By focusing on creating open and accessible markets, FedEx provides long-term value for shareholders, communities, customers, and local and global economies.  FedEx is a strong proponent of policies and agreements that remove barriers to trade and simplify international business. In FY13, the company actively promoted the expansion of free trade through proposed agreements like the International Services Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. FedEx was also a strong advocate for the groundbreaking World Trade Organization Facilitation agreement that was concluded in December 2013.

Trade isn't just about large multi-national corporations-with the growth of e-commerce, small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) are playing an increasingly large role in the global economy.  FedEx draws on its 40 years' worth of expertise in trade regulations, supply chain management and logistics to help SMEs succeed in the global marketplace.  The company's work in this area expanded in FY13, highlighted by the launch in spring 2013 of the FedEx Small Business Center-a new hub for small business resources and information on topics including international shipping, regulatory and paperwork requirements for different nations and value-added services by country. FedEx also launched the second edition of its Small Business Grant Contest in January of 2014, which awarded USD 50,000 in grants to small businesses looking to improve their operations.