ASIA – Global exhibition association UFI has released its annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia, claiming the highest growth in 2012 was seen in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia and Singapore were the fastest growing markets and were up by 8.2 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively compared to 2011.
The research said China, Asia’s largest market, grew by three per cent, while Japan increased space sold by 3.2 per cent.
In total, more than 16m sqm of space was sold by exhibition organisers to their clients in Asia in 2012.
Paul Woodward, UFI Managing Director said the research shows two clear trends: “One: The continued trade fair boom in Southeast Asia and Two: The maturing of the trade fair market in mainland China.
“Both of these trends confirm that the trade fair market in Asia is one of the most exciting for organisers looking for high-growth opportunities.”
“With new venue capacity being added over the next two years in key markets – including Jakarta, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur – we expect that the growth will continue,” said UFI Asia/Pacific regional manager and BSG managing director, Mark Cochrane.
“Southeast Asia should continue to post strong growth throughout 2013 and 2014, and we anticipate that China will see growth in its key markets (especially in Shanghai and Guangdong province) as long as the global economy at least holds constant.”
UFI now has more than 200 members in Asia, accounting for approximately one-third of the association’s global membership.
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