By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung Electronics is seeking a major breakthrough in its stalling camera business. A top company executive is currently in the German city of Cologne to participate in the world’s biggest photo and imaging trade show.
On Monday, Samsung has confirmed that its mobile chief Shin Jong-kyun, who is also handling the firm’s camera business, left Gimpo International Airport for the German city using a Samsung private jet.
This is the first time that a president-level figure participated in the annual Photokina event, according to the company.
Han Myung-seop, a senior executive for Samsung’s digital imaging business, will deliver a keynote speech at this year’s exhibition.
``Unlike smartphones, the camera business is still in difficulties. Samsung executives are expected to find new business chances there via business meetings,’’ said one Samsung official.
Samsung’s global share in the camera market has been on a decline. Last year, it stood at 11 percent, down from the previous year’s 11.6 percent, said market research firms.
Japanese companies are dominating, though Samsung has some presence in digital cameras.
``Shin is putting more resources into strengthening the camera business by implementing various measures. Smartphones are taking over the point-and-shoot camera market. However, Samsung still hopes to reverse the trend by building phone technology into advanced cameras,’’ said another official.
The company recently unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Camera that runs on Google’s Android 4.1 software with a large touch screen on one side.