Camera and office equipment maker Canon Inc expects 30 percent annual sales growth in China until 2010, the chief executive for China said on Friday.

Hideki Ozawa said Canon would actively design products especially for the China and Asian markets, but he did not elaborate.

Ozawa said sales in China would exceed $1 billion this year and reach $10 billion in 17 years. The executive made the comments at an event marking the 10th anniversary of Canon in China.

Sales growth in China will remain strong to 2010, with annual growth at 30 percent, Ozawa said.

Canon now aims to achieve consolidated sales of $52.3 billion in 2010, up nine percent from the previous target.

The Tokyo-based company's China operations now include 16 companies.

(US$=7.42 yuan)

(Editing by Louise Heavens)

China