Execs give China Import Expo the thumbs-up

Nikon keeping a sharp focus on expansion in nation

Japanese image and video equipment company Nikon will ramp up efforts to explore the Chinese market as it holds a positive outlook on the prospects of the Chinese economy, a senior executive said at the sixth China International Import Expo.

Manabu Toguchi, senior vice-president of Nikon, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily that the CIIE demonstrates China's commitment to opening-up and strengthening collaboration with overseas enterprises.

"The CIIE serves as a remarkable platform for bolstering communication and cooperation with partners from China and around the world, and to fully showcase our cutting-edge products and technology," he said.

Through participation in the 2021 and 2022 editions of the CIIE, the optics and imaging giant established broader connections with the Chinese government and enterprise partners, and has reached out to a multitude of new clients that were previously untapped, Toguchi said.

During the sixth CIIE, Nikon presented its leading optical technology and products in five divisions of semiconductor equipment; flat panel display equipment; industrial instruments; healthcare; and imaging products at the Intelligent Industries and Information Technology exhibition area. Highlighted exhibits include two newly released semiconductor lithography machines, FPD exposure equipment, as well as the ZF, Z9 and Z8 mirrorless cameras.

Nikon's healthcare business unit also signed a contract with an affiliated hospital of a Chinese university at the CIIE, according to Toguchi.

Toguchi said China stands as one of the most pivotal markets for Nikon, with 20 percent of its total sales revenue generated there in 2022.

"Nikon is highly optimistic about the market potential in China. We will seize the opportunities created by China's ongoing efforts to expand opening-up and increase the presence of our various business lines in China," he said.

Despite challenges from smartphones with built-in cameras, Nikon's camera business has seen a positive growth trend in the Chinese market.

"Many people start taking photos with their cellphone, but if they want to learn more about photography, they may opt to acquire a camera," Toguchi said. He added that Nikon is amplifying its appeal to consumers through functional upgrades and improvements in customer service.

Nikon Imaging Instruments Sales (China), headquartered in Shanghai, has established branches in Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu, dedicated to sales, after-sales services and marketing activities centered around cameras.

It boasts a network of more than 100 distributors across China, complemented by its own flagship stores established in Shanghai in 2021, Guangzhou in 2022 and Chengdu in 2023. Furthermore, a flagship store in Beijing is scheduled to open in January.

In addition to its imaging products business, Nikon is expanding its presence in the Chinese market across various sectors, including healthcare, FPD devices and industrial instruments, Toguchi said.