Japan-based Fujifilm Holdings Corporation is open for business in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Tokyo-headquartered photography and imaging company first created its subsidiary, Fujifilm Myanmar Investment Limited, as an import and wholesale company in Thilawa SEZ last August.
According to Kenji Sukeno, president of Fujifilm Holdings, that subsidiary will now focus on the import, distribution and sales of products related to photography, printing and medical uses in Myanmar. Operations began in April 2017.
“The new company is equipped with a distribution warehouse and is capable of direct importing, timely and efficient goods delivery to customers,” Mr Sukeno told The Myanmar Times during the opening ceremony on July 10 at ParkRoyal Yangon Hotel.
Locally positioned
Fujifilm will operate a distribution warehouse for storage and delivery and a service centre and training centre in Thilawa SEZ. Products include photo print order systems, mini-labs, digital medical diagnostic imaging systems, endoscopy systems and wide-format inkjet printers.
“[Meanwhile], with a training service centre of its own, demonstrations and training for our company products can be conducted to reinforce our customer support,” he explained.
Since 1970, Fujifilm has had an official representative office in Myanmar, and customers could make purchases and order delivery. However, the company feels this approach can no longer cater to growing demand. Through its new local subsidiary, FujiFilm now aims to better position its products and services in the local market.
The company has so far invested US$6 million and has 34 employees here, Mr Sukeno said.
Overcoming challenges
The biggest challenge for Fujifilm going forward is accurately predicting the growth of the Myanmar market given the lack of reliable data in the country. As it will be importing costly cosmetic, medical and graphics products into Myanmar, an accurate prediction of the market size is vital to managing inventories, Mr Sukeno said.
Still, the company is positive that the benefits of operating in Myanmar far outweigh the costs. For one, the electricity together with transport and traffic situations will improve as Myanmar’s economy advances.
“Currently the electricity sector, transportation sector and reducing traffic jams are improving gradually in Myanmar.
“We have heard about the need to develop the power-grid and transport infrastructure and believe that this will improve in tandem with economic development.
Source: The Myanmar Times
