Boost for consumer electronics industry

Dubai: Although the global economy is showing signs of weakening, Taiwanese firm BenQ forecasts that the value of Gulf's consumer electronics industry will increase 25-30 per cent next year when compared to $5 billion (Dh18.35 billion) this year, said a top official.

"Major contributors for the anticipated growth forecast would be LCDTVs, digital cameras, camcorders, photo frames, DVD recorders, laptops and A/V products, etc," Manish Bakshi, General Manager, BenQ Middle East and Africa, said.

He said the total value of Gulf's TV and camera industry will see 66 per cent increase to $500 million (Dh1.83 billion) in 2008. In terms of unit, the increase should amount to 100 per cent.

Biggest contributors

The consumer electronics industry will get 60 per cent boost from TV sales, 25 per cent from digital cameras and 30 per cent from DVD recorders and the MP3 players.

"Despite people talking of an anticipated slowdown in the region, we are perfectly on track at present and it seems we will enjoy about 30 per cent growth next year. Biggest revenue contributors this year have been LCD monitor, LCDTV, laptop and projector," Manish said.

Regarding netbooks, he said it will gain its market position and will always add up to the total PC market. Notebooks and netbooks are currently driving growth in the PC market as more computers are making their way into the consumer's personal and office spaces. Product design is critical at this stage.

Responding to consumers' demands and integrating BenQ's core competencies, the company is launching its Joybook Lite U101, which is market's first netbook to adopt a 10.1-inch, 16:9 wide LED energy-saving screens. It weighs a mere 1.1 kilo, ample 160GB storage capacity, a bigger and more user-friendly keyboard (90 per cent of a standard keyboard) and longer battery life. It will be available in middle of December and will be priced at $475-$499.

"While the notebook/netbook market is on an upswing, demand for laptops would definitely lessen. However, the Middle East market will take some time to adapt to this new device, making conventional laptops still a better option for personal use. Corporates on the other hand would go for new technology products," he said.

Driven by telecom and wireless technology advancements, the netbook/notebook market will eventually grow to have the same market scale as mobile phones. Netbooks will be so popular easily available that everyone in the family will have one.

"We are targeting a five per cent market share in the laptops segment next year," he said.

Quality priority: Buyers 'brand conscious'

BenQ said consumers in the region are very brand conscious with quality as a top priority.

"Technology per panel is quite the same though smaller or bigger version of products are being introduced now and then. Also, consumers are more comfortable with a brand where aftersales service infrastructure is strong and wide spread. Time to market is highly important for any brand to excel," Manish Bakshi (left), General Manager, BenQ Middle East and Africa, said.

"Our strong performance this quarter has placed us in a position to make 2008 as one of BenQ Middle East's most profitable year ever - which would be a significant feat given the challenges of our operations as a start-up venture; selecting and settling in with new channel partners and considering the logistical problems," he said.