Japanese camera and copier giant Canon forecast a 21 per cent rise in operating profit for 2011, roughly in line with market expectations, helped by higher camera sales and cost cuts.

Strong sales from its office copier and laser printer business and an aggressive push into emerging markets are also expected to boost Canon’s profits.

The world’s largest maker of digital cameras expects 470 billion yen (€4.17 billion) in operating profit for the year that ends in December, against the average estimate of 472.5 billion yen in a poll of 19 analysts.