Major indicators show renewed economic optimism throughout the Asia
Pacific region, driving the development of a modern retail and consumer
sector. Indeed, Asian consumer confidence is at levels not seen since before
the 1997 Asian economic crisis, according to MasterCardˇ¦s latest survey
released on 15 January 2004.
On a regional basis, of the 14 main economies in the Asia Pacific region,
their projected GDP growths in 2004 are: for mainland China, Vietnam and
Thailand at over 8%, India at almost 7%, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia and the
Philippines at over 5%, Indonesia and Taiwan at over 4%. Singapore,
Australia and New Zealand at all over 3% and Japan at 2.3%.
There can be no better market at present for international suppliers than
the Asia Pacific region. This region is indisputably the workshop of the
world as well as having its own exciting reinvigorated consumer market. In
the leather sector which extends from leather-making to footwear, apparels
and fashion accessories, the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) in Hong Kong,
29 March ˇV 1 April 2004, provides the most comprehensive opportunity to
develop business contacts and business prospects. For the past 20 years this
world-class event has provided the global leather and fashion sectors with
its annual business forum, earning acclaim for its comprehensive coverage
from technology to fashion and its reach to all sectors of the industry.
There is also no better venue than Hong Kong to hold such a world-class
event. Hong Kong is the undisputed commercial hub of the region with a
vibrant economy which has made a remarkable recovery following the SARS
crisis. The territory enjoys unsurpassed airline communications with the
Americas, Europe, Australasia and throughout Asia and is widely recognised
as the required hub for Asia Pacific company regional headquarters. In 2003,
it has been often quoted as the worldˇ¦s freest economy. There is also a
high level of personal security and the rule of law.
Other factors support Hong Kong as an ideal venue in Asia for staging
important international events such as APLF include the professionalism of
exhibition organisation compared with other cities in Asia. Last but not
least, the currency in Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US Dollar so for
those coming from the Eurozone Hong Kong is comparatively less expensive
which is an added advantage of attending the exhibition in Hong Kong.
For Fair details, please contact:
Ms Perrine Ardouin, Senior Event Manager
Asia Pacific Leather Fair Ltd
17/F China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
tel : 852 2827 6211
fax : 852 2827 7831
website :
http://www.aplf.com |
