By 2020, China's GDP is projected to be more than double that of Japan. Additionally, China has nearly 300 cities with populations of more than 1 million people.
While Canon China has around 2,000 employees, to effectively cover this vast market, it will need a workforce of at least 10,000.
We will work to enhance our sales network, employing direct sales in major metropolitan areas and distributors in other cities.
Along with China, we also have high expectations for future growth in India. Currently, Canon India, has seven branch offices, 400 dealer network offices, and 50 "Canon Image Square" retail shops that specialize in Canon products.
As Canon India aims to triple net sales to US$ 1 billion in 2015, plans call for the number of Canon Image Square locations to be increased to 500, and the number of dealer network offices to be increased to 3,000.
We also plan to expand our sales networks in other countries and regions, such as Brazil, which will host the World Cup and Olympics, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Through the introduction of products and merchandise tailored to match each emerging market and by enhancing our sales channel structure, we will focus our efforts on achieving growth that exceeds the pace of economic expansion in each country.
