Inchcape predicts a brighter year

OFFICE equipment sales in China are improving this year, following the cooling of the economy last year, according to an executive ofInchcape Gilman Office Machines.

General manager Howard Kerr said office equipment sales last year recorded the lowest growth rate in recent years because most companies invested less as a result of austerity measures by the central government.

'The sales [of office equipment] in China were very good from 1990 to 1993,' Mr Kerr said.

'But the situation [in 1994] was not as good, even though there was still growth.' Mr Kerr said sales in the first few months of this year showed that the market was recovering from the low investment rate last year.

The company has been improving its marketing network in China with the aim of boosting business.

Although its mainland business was still based in southern China, a customer service centre had been set up in Shanghai and a showroom in Beijing, as these cities showed the greatest potential for sales.