He stated: "We are targetting to become one of the top three electronics and appliances company with sales turnover $500 million and net profit of $10 million by year 2001."

Kim added that the company was expecting to close the year with turnover of Rs 900 crore, as against Rs 540 crore posted last year, registering about 66 per cent growth. The turnover is expected to surge to Rs 1,500 crore in the next year. "If we plan to plant ourselves in the Indian soil, we are required a minimum growth of 50-60 per cent per annum. I think that is a realistic goal." He added: "We are nowpreparing for that goal." Kim added that the company was planning for the year ahead at this point in time. "We will announce a nice plan for India next year."

The company is currently engaged in expanding its white goods business. The white goods -- comprising refrigerators, washing machines, airconditioners and microwave ovens -- is expected to contribute about 35 per cent to the total turnover.

Next year, the contribution of white goods to the turnover is expected to increase to 50 per cent.

Kim added that the company did not intend to drop price in an effort to gain market share. "If we drop prices we could expand our market shares. But we like to be a premium position player." He added that some companies may resort to dropping prices as that is the only tool they have to gain market share. "That approach would grow the market, but, such brands may not survive very long in the market."

Samsung is expected to set up a facility to manufacture frost free refrigerators and washing machines next yearand a line to manufacture colour monitors late this year or early next year.

The final decision on the refrigerators facility, which would involve investment to the extent of $15-20 million, will be taken later this year. "We are considering various alternatives." The company is committed to setting the facility by year 2001. Meanwhile, the company is drawn up a blue print to expand its service network. The company has less than 100 service centres across the country at present. "We will increase that to 300 centres by the year end," Kim said.