DUBAI – Samsung Electronics is targeting the Middle East as a major growth market with white goods and air conditioning systems at the forefront of its push.
Yong Oe Han, President, Digital Appliances at Samsung, in an exclusive interview with the Khaleej Times, said that the company saw the region as a particularly strong market for the companys air conditioning units for both the consumer and for building development companies.
The company’s new intergrated kitchens and producst including washing machines and fridges would also target both markets across the region.
Samsung products have market share across the AGCC ranging from about 10 per cent for some items to 30 per cent for others.
The company currently earns revenues of some $26 billion in the Middle East and Africa and it is looking to increase this to $33 billion next year. And in the white goods it is looking for growth from the current $350 million to $470 million with sales of air conditioning systems expected to increase by 25 per cent.
He said that the company intended to focus on white goods and more advanced technology taking into account the specific local needs and culture.
He said: “We will continue to focus on this and we will also introduce new products that meet local demand.”
Yong Oe Han was speaking at Samsung’s recent global Digital Inspiration 2003 conference in Istanbul where the company outlined its committment to leading in the field of digital convergence.
One significant announcement was the restructuring of the business portfolio into four strategic business areas: DigitAll Home, DigitAll Office, DigitAll Mobile and DigitAll Component. He added: “I am convinced that Samsung is the right comany, doing the right things to meet customer needs. Today, and in the future, Samsung’s Digital Convergence vision will deliver the solutions to the way people want to live their lives.
From The Khaleej Times