国内英语新闻:Interview: China is incredibly important to success of global consumer electronics industry:

LAS VEGAS, the United States, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is incredibly important to the success of the global consumer electronics industry, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) told Xinhua in an interview.

"There is no doubt that China is a growing powerhouse. China is a global leader in manufacturing and the 'made in China' phrase is known around the world. Chinese manufacturing facilities provide jobs and spur growth not just in China, but around the world as more international companies explore doing business in China," Shapiro said during the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which was organized by CEA.

The 2011 International CES kicked off here on Thursday with more than 2,700 exhibitors unveiling their latest technology innovations, up from the 2010 CES which featured 2,500 exhibitors. A total of 267 exhibitors from China, including major companies such as Haier and Hisense, will display their products at the show.

According to CEA and market research company Gfk research, China is expected to contribute 13 percent of global CE retail revenue in 2010, up from 12 percent in 2009.

"The Chinese consumer technology market is also critical to the success of the International CES," Shapiro said. "China also ranked 3rd in terms of international attendance at the 2010 CES, with 1,105 Chinese industry professionals."

However, while a leader in manufacturing, to become a true world leader China must produce innovative companies with brands that are recognized around the world, Shapiro cautioned.

"In fact, not one Chinese company is included on the Interbrand annual listing of the top 100 global brands. In order for China to truly compete on a global scale, it must change its outlook on the importance of branding."

In recent years, many Chinese companies have come far in building their brands. Haier and Hisense are well-known around the globe. In fact, Hisense's Chairman Zhou Houjian delivered a keynote address at the 2010 CES, marking the first time a Chinese company has keynoted at the International CES.

"For Chinese companies looking to build their brand, there is no better forum to launch an innovative product than a tradeshow such as the International CES, which is the largest branding event in the world," Shapiro said.

Shapiro was also optimistic with the prospect of the consumer electronics industry.

After a down year in 2009, the consumer electronics industry grew 13 percent last year and is expected to grow an additional 10 percent this year to 964 billion dollars, thanks in large part to demand for smartphones and notebook computers, the CEA forecast. The group expects electronics sales to grow in all major markets around the world but to be especially strong in Western Europe, North America and China.

"Due to the economic downturn, consumers around the world have been cautious in their purchase patterns. However, CEA research finds that individuals view consumer electronics products as necessities rather than luxury goods, reinforcing the strength of our industry even in a down economy," he said.

CEA is a U.S. trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry. It represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronics products. As a U.S.-based trade association, all CEA members must have offices in the United States, however CEA also has 40 associate member companies based in China.