| Panasonic
signs Orient Planet as public relations agency for Middle
East
Panasonic
Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), the regional marketing headquarters
for Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Japan, has appointed
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications as its public
relations agency in the Middle East. Well known for its leading
brand National, Panasonic & Technics, this move is part
of a strategic plan to strengthen its presence in the Middle
East and Africa region.
"Panasonic
has devised an aggressive strategy to expand its operations
and product diversity in the Middle East, as market trends
have identified the region as one of the fastest growing as
far as electronic and telecommunication products are concerned,"
said Masato Tomita, Managing Director, PMM. "With its
diverse range of hi-tech products, Panasonic is poised to
dramatically increase its market share in the months to come,
and one of the most effective ways of achieving this is through
media communications."
"A
strong corporate communications strategy is a crucial component
of Panasonic's plan for regional expansion. The appointment
of Orient Planet as our PR agency for the region is part of
that strategy aimed at generating higher growth through brand
development and media coverage," says Atsushi Hinoki,
GM, PR & Advertising, PMM. "We were impressed by
Orient Planet's proactive approach and extensive reach of
the regional market, as well as its portfolio of clients,
including leading IT companies. We look forward to a rewarding
relationship that will help us achieve our objectives of consolidating
our gains in this vital market."
"We
are extremely pleased with this new gain because it gives
us a chance to work with a multinational corporation whose
work culture and innovation have made it a formidable force
in the world of electronics and communications," said
Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director, Orient Planet. "We
are well versed with the peculiarities of this region and
are therefore in a strong position to tailor specific marketing
communications strategies for Panasonic. We believe in Panasonic's
commitment to excellence, which is reflected in its products
and innovative solutions, all of which have tremendous demand
in the region. Backed by our regional network, we are geared
to offer result-oriented marketing communications solutions
to a global company that is driven by innovation and futuristic
vision."
The
Middle East region is estimated to have a total market turnover
of US$ 7 billion for consumer electronics, of which about
15 to 20 per cent is commanded by the UAE. Panasonic is now
poised to increase dramatically its current share of 22 per
cent of the UAE market, and make significant inroads into
the regional markets of the Gulf, Middle East and Africa.
Its turnover in the Middle East and Africa region for the
last financial year ended March 2002 was US$1 billion. |
