Samsung Electronics will try to become the world’s No. 1 electronics manufacturer in terms of sales and profits in 2009, when it marks the 40th anniversary of its establishment, its top executive said Wednesday.

“To become the global No. 1 by the year, we need to lay the ground for sustainable growth by maximizing competitiveness in existing businesses”

Samsung Electronics CEO Yun Jong-yong told employees in his New Year speech, Yun cited digital TVs, mobile phones, memories, flat panels as Samsung’s flagship businesses on which it should keep focus, while emphasizing the need to find new growth engines in such areas as printers and high-end memory chips.