Samsung Electronics' global telecom head leads delegation to Middle East

Mr. Lee is currently on a two-day Middle East tour, which includes a visit to the company's Middle East and Africa headquarters in Dubai, where he will meet with senior Samsung officials, key clients and partners.

On Samsung's commitment towards the Middle East market, Mr. Lee, who is the company's most senior official in the mobile phones business division, said: "As an active player in regional market for more than a decade, Samsung along with its partners, has played a pivotal role in developing the telecommunication industry here."

"The Middle East and Africa region is a strategic market for Samsung and is on a par with other leading markets worldwide. Our global mission is to continue playing a leadership role in bridging the mobile-technology divide, while consistently introducing the latest, cutting-edge mobile handsets to our most valued customers in the region," Mr. Lee added.

Mr. Lee, responsible for strategic and business planning of Samsung Electronics' telecommunication division, is leading a high-level telecom delegation to the region to build awareness about Samsung's strategy for bolstering its leadership position, and to gain a first-hand understanding of the growth potential in the Middle East telecommunication industry.

Mr. Lee continued, "The regional telecommunications market has displayed a great deal of maturity in embracing third-generation mobile technology. This, coupled with the business and IT-friendly policies pursued by the government, will enable us to continually introduce our range of first-of-a-kind mobile handsets that are in line with our global vision of making mobile communications more convenient and interactive for consumers," he added.

According to IDC reports, Samsung has increased its global handset market share to 11.5% in the third quarter of 2003 from 10.5% in the second quarter. The company, ranked third in global sales, intends to further capitalise on its growing market strength. The year 2004 will see the company introduce high-end technology phones such as a mega-pixel multimedia camera phone, PDA phone, slider phone and an extensive 3G line-up in the global and regional mobile communication market.

According to a recent study, as per a recent study released by leading European Research Group, GfK, Samsung recorded 20.8 per cent market share (in terms of mobile phone sales value) in the UAE. The key drivers in catapulting Samsung's growth in the regional mobile phones industry include the advent of TFT-LCD colour phones, high-resolution camera phones and the recent MMS revolution.

"With a dominant position in the Middle East's mobile phone market and an unprecedented competency in core telecom products, Samsung is best positioned to benefit from the progression to next-generation mobile technologies. Furthermore, our commitment to introduce mobile phones equipped with advanced technology capabilities will play a key role in consolidating and growing the company's share in the regional mobile phone market," Mr. Lee concluded.

Mr. Ki Tae Lee joined Samsung Electronics in 1973 and has since then assumed senior responsibilities across different business areas of the company. Under his leadership the company's telecommunication network business has grown exponentially. Furthermore, Mr. Lee was awarded the Korea Bronze Medal in recognition of his role at Samsung Electronics.

Recently, according to a brand study published by BusinessWeek magazine on the top 100 global brands, Samsung Electronics' brand value jumped by over 30 per cent year on year, making it the fastest growing global brand second year in a row. Samsung Electronics brand is now placed at the 25th position among the top 100 global brands, doubling the brand worth to $10.8 billion since 2001.