The company will launch an "Infoimaging" campaign in China this year, which it already pushed to western markets last year, said Michael P. Bernard, vice-president of the company.

A relatively new concept by Kodak, "Infoimaging" is like a marriage between information technology (IT) and traditional images, said Bernard.

It is believed that imaging, with technological support, will greatly promote information transmission and commerce.

According to Kodak's estimation, the Infoimaging industry, which weaves together three core areas of infrastructure, devices, and services and media, is valued at US$225 billion globally, compared to the value of the traditional photographic industry at US$10 billion.

"It is a huge opportunity for our business growth," said Bernard. He is confident about the development of infoimaging industry in China, and adds that his company's concept will blend well with Chinese culture where the written language itself is based on pictures.

"We will continue to invest in China, expand the benefits of traditional imaging, as well as build more digital infrastructure and develop new businesses and markets," he said.

(China Daily April 29, 2002)