Agenda

• Agenda

Theme 2015

Asia Fast Forward

This year's APRCE has adopted the theme "ASIA FAST FORWARD" to highlight the region's growing strength as an economic community. Everything is converging in Asia as the fastest growing economic region in the world. The pace and scale of change in our part of the world have been staggering and the global business community is looking at Asia more than ever, for investment opportunities and future business expansion.

According to the United Nations, the Asia Pacific region accounts for 60% of the world's population with an estimated 4 billion people, making it a top destination for global retail chains. Asia continues to serve as the main driver of retail growth in the world as countries' economies develop and grow robustly. According to Price Waterhouse Coopers, retail sales volume in Asia Pacific is forecasted to grow 6% in 2013 and will maintain this upward momentum until 2016 with an estimated market worth of US$11.8 Trillion. Furthermore, in the recent Nielsen Global Consumer Survey, Asia Pacific leads in global consumer confidence for the last quarter of 2013. It is the only region in the world that has gained in consumer confidence, increasing four points from the same period last 2012. With a growing critical mass of population in Asia Pacific, it is no doubt that the region warrants long-term investments and tailored market strategies.

There is no better time to be in Asia than NOW!