LAS VEGAS, the United States, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The consumer electronics industry remains a bright spot in the economy, and China holds significant importance for the strength of the world market, chief of the U.S. Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has said.
Gary Shapiro, CEA's president and chief executive, made the remarks in an interview ahead of the 2013 international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that kicked off on Tuesday.
The CEA, which organized this year's CES, represents more than 2,000 corporate members engaged in the designing, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronics products.
"Given the worldwide economic challenges we face, trade shows such as the CES are more important than ever as they spur new business and energize the economy on a global scale," said Shapiro. The four-day CES in Las Vegas will run through Friday.
Shapiro said the CEA projected that consumer electronics products will account for nearly one third of all gift spending in this holiday season and total U.S. sales in 2012 will rise some 4.5 percent.
The CEA also estimated that total industry sales in 2012 will surpass 206 billion U.S. dollars, topping the 200-billion-dollar mark for the first time, and that the strong growth trend would continue into 2013, when industry revenues are likely to reach 215.8 billion dollars.
As the annual CES features up-to-date "smart" products, the 2013 CES, showcasing newest gadgets, could provide a glimpse into the future technology.
Drawing more than 3,250 exhibitors to an exhibit space of 1.9 million net square feet (170,000 square meters), the show broke records set last year in both space and the number of exhibitors.
"One of the amazing aspects of the international CES is that you never know what products will emerge as game changers in the marketplace. More than 20,000 new products are launched at CES each year, bringing new innovations into the hands of consumers that change the way we live, work and play," Shapiro said.
He noted that with more than 3,000 companies unveiling their latest technology, the 2013 CES will be buzzing with innovation. Major trends hitting the show floor include advancements in cloud-based services, apps development, electric vehicles, digital health innovations and smartphones and tablets with more features and services.
"These cutting-edge exhibit areas embody the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that drives our industry forward and fosters economic growth." Shapiro said. "Despite a challenging economy, the consumer electronics industry remains strong. Through new innovation, our industry fosters economic growth, creates new jobs and improves lives around the world."
Shapiro also noted that China is "vitally important" to the strength of the consumer electronics industry.
"Major Chinese brands, such as Haier and Hisense, are gaining recognition on a global scale and China has an impressive manufacturing sector," he added.
But he suggested that Chinese companies focus on building their brands through innovation, service, investment in people and terrific products as they tried to push for the world market.
More than 600 Chinese companies, including major brands like Haier, Hisense, Huawei and Lenovo, came with growing presence at the 2013 CES.
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