China ambition to become global print giant

Long Xinmin, director of general administration of press and publications, announced at the country’s International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF) that the printing sector is expected to grow by eight per cent annually. Print currently accounts for two per cent of the country’s GDP, a figure that is set to rise to 2.5 per cent by 2010.

The 180,000 printing plants throughout China employ 3.4 million workers, with Long claiming that $55 billion worth of print was produced last year. The Chinese government has encouraged investment by issuing licences to overseas print companies wishing to establish branches in the country.

Philip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries, says the developments do not come as a surprise, with the local organisation already aware of the Chinese government’s involvement with the industry and feedback suggesting the country will be a leader in the not too distant future.

“What it means for our industry is that we will really have to identify new ways in which we can create a competitive advantage,” says Andersen. “It will be difficult for us to match Chinese print in the areas of labour costs and even materials, so we need to develop other strategic strengths to counter the competition.”

Andersen points to the possibility of Australian printers developing closer links with overseas companies as a means of better fulfilling the demands of the market.