“Russian buyers, the situation with the Galaxy Note 7 is not affected directly” – Kommersant

President of the headquarters of Samsung Electronics in the CIS countries KIM S SO told “Kommersant” about the company’s business in Russia.

— does Samsung’s investment in the Russian market — in particular, in the Assembly production of television sets?

We are closely monitoring the economic situation and consider the possibility of additional investment depending on development market conditions. At the moment the situation is rather uncertain.

last October of the consultative Council on foreign investment Samsung representatives met with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev raised the issue of the company’s business in Russia, including mobile platform Tizen. What exactly was discussed and what decision was taken?

At a meeting with the Prime Minister was attended by President of Samsung Electronics, Park sang-Jin and other representatives of Samsung Electronics from Korea. Our company has applied to the authorities with the request to recognize local software (Tizen.— the “b”), but the decision was postponed. I am told that Mr. Pak requested the honorable Prime Minister to speed up the process. Official response we have not yet received, waiting.

— How is the inspection of the Federal Antimonopoly service (FAS) on suspicion of coordinating the prices of smartphones from Samsung?

Upon request of the FAS we had submitted all the required documents and wait for their decision.

— How is the situation together with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the company was forced to withdraw from sale worldwide in connection with a defect in the battery, affect the brand perception? Will new model of range Note displayed on the Russian market?

We did not start sales of Galaxy Note 7 in Russia, placing only a small number of pre-orders. Therefore, Russian buyers this situation is not affected directly. In January 2017 the headquarters of Samsung Electronics, has completed the investigation of the incident, the cause of which was called the shortcomings of the design of the smartphone battery. As far as I know, the defective batteries were only a small part of the devices. This is a very small number, but nevertheless the company took this decision (to stop selling and recall the sold device.— the “b”) by the safety of customers.

the development of the devices requires considerable time and financial investment, and the company will pay close attention to any possible changes that may affect brand and Galaxy Note line.

— There is information that you can leave the post of head of the headquarters of Samsung in Russia and the CIS and to return to South Korea. Can you comment on that?

— I know nothing about it. In the work-plan of management regularly every year, assesses the effectiveness and results of 2016 has not been announced. As plans for the rotation of managers. So it’s just speculation.

— You will remain in his post for another year?

this week I’m here in Barcelona, then I go back to Moscow. On the longer-term plans are not yet available.

Interview by Vladislav