The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Canon Singapore Pte Ltd yesterday launched its image communication products in Bangladesh through its sole authorized dealer J.A. N. Associates Limited.

The products include digital camera, video camera, digital SLR camera and camcorders.

Announcing the launching of Canon cameras for Bangladesh market at a function at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday evening, Melvyn Ho, Vice President of Canon Singapore Pte Ltd, said J.A.N. Associates has been a business partner of Canon for its printers and scanners in Bangladesh for the last twelve years.

"J.A.N. Associates Limited has done very well and has succeeded to achieve their business targets every year, and that is why Canon Singapore has decided to appoint J.A.N. Associates as the business partner for its camera products. J.A.N. Associates has received the 3C award, the highest award given by Canon Singapore annually, for having a 39% growth from the previous year," he said.

The launching ceremony was also addressed by Abdullah H. Kafi, Managing Director of J.A.N. Associates Ltd. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, Director of J.A.N. Associates Ltd and Tatsumi (Ted) Yamaura, Director, Camera Services Division of Canon Singapore Pte Ltd were present.

Besides, Canon resellers, dealers, photographers and producers were present. Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah H. Kafi said Bangladesh has lately caught up to the enthusiasm for digital photography like most other countries. The local market has a significant demand for the digital cameras, but in absence of market leaders, people have to buy their desired cameras from abroad.Referring to the abnormally high duty on import of camera in Bangladesh, Kafi said the government is being deprived of its expected revenue by imposing more than 50% tax on camera import.

"Digital cameras essentially being a computer component have 10 times higher import tax than other computer accessories. Besides, mobile phones with multiple functions have a flat tax of Tk 300 only, while digital cameras, having a single purpose have a duty above 50 per cent," he said.

Kafi said although cameras bought from the grey channel may save them money, they are deprived of warranty and services. "That is why J.A.N. Associates Ltd has opened a new service center to provide after-sale services for digital cameras at BCS Computer City, IDB Bhaban in the city," he further said.