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Panasonic strengthens foothold in Bangladesh

Suman Saha
***"A Digital Bangladesh does not only mean the broad use of computers; perhaps it means the modern philosophy of effective and useful use of technology. With this, Panasonic would like to ride along on this vision and pursue its philosophy with the ultimate goal of improving the lifestyles of the general people," said Koji Yamada, director of Panasonic Systems Asia
Pacific***
JAPANESE electronics giant Panasonic is all set to expand its operations in Bangladesh as it sees the country as one of the next emerging nations.
The electronics giant will enhance its presence by selling Panasonic products and system solutions through local distributors.
"We see Bangladesh as one of the next emerging countries as its economy is growing," said Koji Yamada, director of Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific, at an interview in Dhaka recently.
“Despite the economic downturn, the country has witnessed over 6 percent GDP growth in the last couple of years,” he added.
Terming Bangladesh as an attractive market, Yamada said it has a huge customer base as it is a country of around 160 million people.
Besides, the information and communication technology (ICT) market will grow significantly in the country as the government encourages use of ICT products in both public and private sectors, he added.
Since the government has a vision to build a 'Digital Bangladesh' by 2021, it will undertake massive digitising activities, creating huge market opportunity in this segment, said Yamada.
“A Digital Bangladesh does not only mean the broad use of computers; perhaps it means the modern philosophy of effective and useful use of technology.”
“With this, Panasonic would like to ride along on this vision and pursue its philosophy with the ultimate goal of improving the lifestyles of the general people," said Yamada.
Targeting this untapped market, Panasonic launched its latest IP-PBX telephone and high definition video conference systems at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday. These systems will help improve productivity in business organisations in the country, said Yamada.
The IP-PBX system is cost-effective as it will save long distance call charges with advanced tools, such as unified messaging and internet protocol (IP) conference calling, he added.
The system offers wireless mobility and advanced call centre functions as it has IP network to establish communications between multiple locations, added the Panasonic official.
Wireless mobility enables employees to respond to important calls while away from their desk Advanced call centre functions help
to distribute and handle calls, manage agents, and control internal use of the phone system.
Easy installation, port expandability, caller identification option and a message waiting lamp are the key features of the product.
About the video conference system, Yamada said it will allow companies save money by reducing travel needs and improving productivity.
It has full HD (high definition) 1080i video and 360° audio delivered over a standard broadband connection that makes it possible to instantaneously communicate and collaborate with colleagues and industry experts, wherever they happen to be.
Panasonic also introduced electronic whiteboards and all-in-one multifunction printers, interactive panaboard (a multi-touch interactive whiteboard with a durable surface), surveillance monitoring and broadcast cameras for television stations.
The electronics giant has targeted a number of organisations such as government offices, banks and financial companies, educational institutions and IT companies to sell its products and solutions.
“We have targeted these sectors as they need high quality products and solutions to run operations smoothly," said Yamada.
Panasonic selected EMEM Systems Ltd, a
joint venture of MM Ispahani Group and Trade Services International, for marketing its products in the country.
“The total cost of an IP-PBX system with 70 single line telephones in Bangladesh is nearly Tk 4 lakh,” said Md Abdul Mutaleb, chief executive officer of EMEM Systems Ltd.
He said the total price of a single HD video conference system will be around Tk 5.9 lakh.
“The current market size for the business communications system such as IP-PBX video conference systems can be estimated to figure around Tk 100 crore," said Mutaleb.
suman.saha@thedailystar.net