Panasonic committed to long-term investment in RI<\/p>\n
Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Japan electronics maker Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (MEI)
\nvowed on Friday to stay in the country for the long-term, saying
\nthe business climate here was still good enough for the firm.<\/p>\n
"Indonesia's market is conducive for Matsushita. The
\nInvestment (climate) in Indonesia is still suitable for our
\ncompany's purposes," Rachmat Gobel, president of National
\nPanasonic Gobel Group. The National Panasonic Gobel Group (NPG
\nGroup) is Matsushita's partner in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Rachmat particularly noted that the government's decision to
\nexempt and\/or reduce the luxury tax on electronic products was an
\nincentive that had made it more profitable to stay here.<\/p>\n
Rachmat said the policy, which was introduced by the
\ngovernment earlier this year, had helped the company weather
\nfierce competition against cheaper products from China.<\/p>\n
"After the stimulus package was applied, competition with
\nChinese products has been milder," he said.<\/p>\n
Rachmat said MEI was committed to maintain its presence in
\nIndonesia through the 30-year-old National Panasonic Gobel Group.
\nPT National Gobel was founded by Rachmat's father Mohammad Gobel.<\/p>\n
Rinaldi Sjarif, NPG's sales and service director said
\nMatsushita would increase its investment in Indonesia to show
\ntheir commitment.<\/p>\n
"Matsushita wants to increase their presence in Indonesia to
\nbecome number one," he remarked.<\/p>\n
According to Rachmat, the firm's total investment had reached
\nUS$600 million, while its exports this year were estimated to
\nreach US$1.2 billion.<\/p>\n
As part of its marketing campaign amid fiercer competition in
\nthe electronics sector, MEI, as the brand owner of National and
\nPanasonic has decided to use just Panasonic starting in April
\n2004.<\/p>\n
With its main theme 'Panasonic Ideas For Life', the brand
\nchange will be applied globally. In Indonesia, the brand change
\nwill start on Dec. 18, 2003.<\/p>\n
"It shows our commitment to customer satisfaction and to
\ncreate product and services that make life easier," Rachmat said.<\/p>\n
"We, in Indonesia. support the program. By changing the brand,
\nwe are aiming to be the best in Indonesia," he remarked.<\/p>\n
Of the total production of MEI, Panasonic makes up 90 percent.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, National has become a household name for
\nelectronic home appliances. National's products such as air
\nconditioners, water pumps and other products have become market
\nleaders in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Rachmat said the group's market share was up to 23 percent
\nthis year.<\/p>\n
He added that there was no change in the ownership of the
\ncompany with the brand change. A total of US$100 million has been
\nallocated to support the change.<\/p>",
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