Regional challenges for LG

LG Electronics had a somewhat disappointing 2005 due to a lack of regionally-specific products and political issues in Iran. But the company is anticipating a much stronger 2006, according to Middle East & Africa president K W Kim, with a restructuring of its operations in Saudi. Kim says the disparity of wealth in the region, with a majority of poor consumers contrasting with a number of extremely rich ones, is a challenge for manufacturers.