Panasonic committed to long-term investment in RI
Panasonic committed to long-term investment in RI
Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Japan electronics maker Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (MEI)
vowed on Friday to stay in the country for the long-term, saying
the business climate here was still good enough for the firm.
"Indonesia's market is conducive for Matsushita. The
Investment (climate) in Indonesia is still suitable for our
company's purposes," Rachmat Gobel, president of National
Panasonic Gobel Group. The National Panasonic Gobel Group (NPG
Group) is Matsushita's partner in Indonesia.
Rachmat particularly noted that the government's decision to
exempt and/or reduce the luxury tax on electronic products was an
incentive that had made it more profitable to stay here.
Rachmat said the policy, which was introduced by the
government earlier this year, had helped the company weather
fierce competition against cheaper products from China.
"After the stimulus package was applied, competition with
Chinese products has been milder," he said.
Rachmat said MEI was committed to maintain its presence in
Indonesia through the 30-year-old National Panasonic Gobel Group.
PT National Gobel was founded by Rachmat's father Mohammad Gobel.
Rinaldi Sjarif, NPG's sales and service director said
Matsushita would increase its investment in Indonesia to show
their commitment.
"Matsushita wants to increase their presence in Indonesia to
become number one," he remarked.
According to Rachmat, the firm's total investment had reached
US$600 million, while its exports this year were estimated to
reach US$1.2 billion.
As part of its marketing campaign amid fiercer competition in
the electronics sector, MEI, as the brand owner of National and
Panasonic has decided to use just Panasonic starting in April
2004.
With its main theme 'Panasonic Ideas For Life', the brand
change will be applied globally. In Indonesia, the brand change
will start on Dec. 18, 2003.
"It shows our commitment to customer satisfaction and to
create product and services that make life easier," Rachmat said.
"We, in Indonesia. support the program. By changing the brand,
we are aiming to be the best in Indonesia," he remarked.
Of the total production of MEI, Panasonic makes up 90 percent.
In Indonesia, National has become a household name for
electronic home appliances. National's products such as air
conditioners, water pumps and other products have become market
leaders in Indonesia.
Rachmat said the group's market share was up to 23 percent
this year.
He added that there was no change in the ownership of the
company with the brand change. A total of US$100 million has been
allocated to support the change.