Printers should be aware of new technologies

Bikash Sarker is the past president of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), theapex body of pressmen, consisting over 1,033,000 printers from all over India. During his tenure as the president of AIFMP, he started the First National Award for Excellence in Printing. He later involved himself in the establishment of the South Asia Print Congress. The basic idea behind this was to solve problems faced by the printers in the underdeveloped countries of the South Asian region and to generate cooperation among each other in this sector. His effort took shape when the 1st South Asia Print Congress and Exhibition was held in New Delhi, India, two years back. Presently, he is co-chairman of the South Asia Print Congress Steering Committee. Last week, when he visited Kathmandu in connection with the 2nd South Asia Print Congress and Exhibition that took place here from March 1-4, 2000, he spoke with The Independent. Excerpts:

Q. What was the main purpose of the just concluded 2nd South Asia Print Congress and Exhibition?

A. The main purpose of this meeting was to develop an understanding between the SAARC countries in technology, technological manpower, training and the cooperation among the member countries. The world printing market is a huge one with diversified technologies. We would like to develop cooperation among South Asian countries regarding the use of such advanced technologies. Since those modern technologies are developed by countries like Japan and Germany, whenever we need technical assistance we have to go to these countries. With this kind of meeting we want to generate cooperation between and among the countries of South Asia. Recently, our organization has also got the recognition from the SAARC Secretariat. We are getting good support from them. Besides that, this meeting also targeted at informing all the participants about the new technologies that are coming up in the printing sector and to get prepared to acquire such modern technologies.

Q. Why was Kathmandu chosen as the venue for holding this meeting?

A. The Print Congress meeting rotates from one country to another in this region  every two years. We chose Kathmandu because the Nepalese printers are coming up and they need strong assistance and exposure. For small Nepalese entrepreneurs who are not able to go abroad to see the modern technology, this programme will be a showcase of modern equipments. I am confident that the just concluded meeting and exhibition will be of great help to the Nepalese entrepreneurs.

The Steering Committee has yet to decide on the venue where the 3rd South Asia Print Congress and Exhibition will be held. It may be either Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

Q. The main highlight of the four day meeting and exposition was “Print of Tomorrow, Concern of Today”. What does that mean?

A. The meeting was to discuss  the new technologies coming in the field of print industry.  If  new technology is around you, then you must grab it or be left behind. So, whatever technologies are there in the world and whatever new technologies are coming up in the near future, we must start to think about it today. You must be very sure about the purchase of equipments.

Because of the rapid development of new technologies, your purchase may be obsolete the next day. So, we must have some information about what is happening in the world. The main highlight of this meeting was to discuss such matters.

Q. Did you people reach  any significant conclusion after the four days of meeting?

A. Of course, we did. Firstly, we discussed about the new technologies. During the discussion, many printers expressed that it was difficult to understand this aspect, because they were not upgraded with the new technology. We discussed on various aspects of pre-press, post press, printing, papers, binding, etc. It was very informative to all the participants. But, it is upto the printers  how they now move ahead.

Q. In the present scenario of development of Information Technology, what challenges do you see in the field of printing?

A.  It is a very tough job for the printers to keep pace with the rapid development of the Information Technology. In fact, it is an acute problem to the printers.  I feel that the SAARC region should be at par with the technology. The development of Information Technology and Internet have helped to a great extent in obtaining information about the recent developments. If there is any new technology developed in the printing field, then we can know about it within a few days. Thus, we can determine our future strategies in business.

Q. How does the electronic media affect the print media?

A. People have begun to think that print media is more time consuming. Specially in the developed countries, people do not have time to read the newspapers. Electronic media like television, radio and Internet have became the better sources of information for them. If you get the information by hearing or watching then why should you spend time in reading it. That is the very reason why many people don’t want to print brochures and other materials for advertisement too. They feel that electronic media is more impressive for their purpose. However, this is not true in all countries. One fine morning, this will also happen to our country. So, we have to be prepared for it now.

Q. How is the impact of modern technology in the utilization of manpower?

A. I would say there is a positive impact of modern technology in the utilization of manpower. There is no controversy regarding man vs. machine. In fact, for  better results from new technology, we need competent personnel behind the machine. In order to adapt oneself to new technology one needs to be thoroughly trained first. If you plan to take up a new technology without preparation, then you are sure to fail. Technicians should have a good knowledge and training. Therefore, there is a man-behind-the-machine syndrome involved in the printing field. This in fact has helped in upgrading the manpower from low-level to high-level technician.

Printers should also know about the new technologies that are coming in the market. If the entrepreneurs do not have the vision for the future, then bringing in of new technology may result in controversy of utilization of manpower. Another challenge I see is on the information about what is happening in the world of printing business. If you don’t get the right information, then your plan to diversify your business by bringing in new technology may not give good results.

Q. What is the status of entire South Asian countries in the international printing market?

A. When we talk about the status of South Asian countries, we must take into account the machines we use. Most of the countries in this region are using Japanese, European and American machines. Presently, Japan and Germany are the leaders in the manufacturing of good printing machines. We don’t have quality machine manufacturing units in the region. Sri Lanka and Nepal both don’t have even a single manufacturer of machine. Though we have number of printing machine manufacturers in India, we don’t have quality manufacturer. We need to import machines from developed countries which is very costly. Thus, many printers are unable to go for the modern machines without which, we can not stand in the international market.

The crucial problem of this region is the economical condition. We cannot invest a lot in bringing modern technology. Among the South Asian countries India is doing best and it should help other countries in maintaining the quality.   

Q. It is said that almost fifty percent of Nepal’s printing jobs were done in foreign countries. How can Nepal control this for the benefit of local print industry?

A.  Everybody demands quality. If the Nepalese printers can meet the demands of the buyers, then they will definitely not go to foreign countries. So, it is the quality of the service in which Nepalese printers are lagging behind. Nepalese printers should see the scenario of the entire print industry and should understand what is the demand of the market. They should understand the need of their buyers and cater  accordingly. Then the buyers won’t go to foreign countries.

So far as I am concerned, the Nepalese printers have started to think about bringing new technologies to meet those challenges. During the meeting we had presented what is going in the world market. After having those information, I am confident that the Nepalese printers can meet the demand of their buyers.

Q. What sort of cooperation can the South Asian countries develop among themselves to stand in the global market?

A. This is what we discussed during the meeting. We have realized that when we purchase a new technology, we must demand to train our people. It will help us tremendously because we don’t have to rely on others for the after-sale services. The trained people then conduct training programmes for the printers of other countries in this region. We have also sought cooperation in upgradation of skill, faculty upgradation in university, training to students and technicians. For this, we have decided to start a regional training institute. India has colleges specialized in printing technology. Those college can provide education to many students in the region.