Gulf consumer electronics sector set to touch Dh18.35b this year

Dubai: Gulf's consumer electronics industry will see 30 per cent growth this year to $5 billion (Dh18.35 billion) as TVs, digital cameras, DVD recorders and MP3 players will play key roles in boosting demand, a BenQ official 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," Manish Bakshi, general manager, BenQ Middle East and Africa, said.

He said the region has emerged as one of the most dynamic markets as consumers are rapidly adopting mobile and modern technologies for their use. Customers are increasingly looking for more design-oriented products with state-of-the-art features.

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 MP3 players.

BenQ Middle East has achieved an overall revenue target of Dh350 million for 2007, posting a 30 per cent increase in profits as compared to 2006 on robust sales of digital products.

"We have made strong inroads into the Middle Eastern markets, where BenQ holds the number two position in projector sales with 14 per cent market share, number three spot for LCD monitors with 16 per cent market share and LCD TV segment with a market share of 6.4 per cent," Bakshi said.

Highlights

He said one of the highlights in 2007 was BenQ landing at number two position and having a 14 per cent share in the projector market. "Also, we have penetrated CIS and North African countries including Kazakhstan, Morocco and Tunisia along with the extensive retail expansion in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt."

He said for 2008, the company is optimistic of achieving an aggressive growth for the BenQ brand in the market.

In the Middle East and Africa region, it sees 100 per cent growth in the LCD TV segment, an approximately 30 per cent growth in the LCD monitor market and 25 per cent growth in the digital camera products. All in all, it is targeting 30 per cent increase in revenue and 25 per cent in profits this year.

For this year, the Taiwanese firm expects to increase its market share to seven per cent and rise to number four position for the LCD TV segment and move to the number one position for the projector sales by grabbing 18 per cent market share.

The company is set to unveil two Joybook Q41 notebooks that have a unique dual display design. It is equipped with a 14.1-inch ultra vivid widescreen, a 2.5-inch auxiliary display and runs on Intel Core2 Duo processor. The product is priced at Dh4,000 and expected to be available by month-end.

"The Joybook Q41 is the first to offer VoIP function directly from the auxiliary display allowing users to dial directly from the auxiliary display," he said.

Annual plans

This year, BenQ is spending more than Dh500,000 for DSF and expects to record 30 per cent increase in sales.

He said BenQ ME is planning to focus more on the retail as well as increase its corporate penetration. For distributors and resellers, it is enhancing stronger backend rebates and incentive programmes. It will also open another BenQ Zone in Cairo this year.

The Joybook Q41 is the first to offer VoIP function directly from the auxiliary display allowing users to dial directly from the auxiliary display."