September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition (APRCE) 2024 commenced on September 4th at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, marked by an engaging welcome ceremony that gathered key leaders and innovators in the retail industry.
Hosted by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association in collaboration with the Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers’ Associations (FAPRA), the event includes a knowledge forum, exhibition, and B2B networking sessions, continuing on September 5th and 6th at the BMICH.
The conference, themed “Redefining Retail in APAC: From Transactions to Transformation,” aims to delve into the evolving retail landscape, emphasizing its shift from mere transactions to a transformative force with significant societal, cultural, and economic impact.
The event attracted notable dignitaries from the APAC region, including Mr. Roy Mandey, Chairman of FAPRA; Mr. Ming Jiang, Deputy Chair of FAPRA and Chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Murali Prakash, Deputy Chair of FAPRA and Convener of APRCE 2024; Mr. Charitha Subasinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association; and Mr. Hirofumi Nomoto, FAPRA Executive Committee Member and Chair of APRCE 2026.
These leaders underscored the significance of the retail sector, which contributes 14% of GDP and employs 15% of the workforce, highlighting the conference’s role in fostering discussions around investments, connecting local vendors with international retailers, and sharing expertise to propel the industry as a key economic driver.
With over 350 foreign delegates in attendance, APRCE 2024 is set to be a cornerstone in redefining retail in the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference will focus on how retail can drive community development, inclusivity, and sustainability, with case studies and discussions that emphasize innovative strategies capable of generating lasting, positive impacts on both business success and societal well-being.
The event features an impressive lineup of speakers from renowned organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, McKinsey and Company, Euromonitor International, Alliance Technologies, Salesforce India, Sertis, Landmark Group, Seven-Eleven Japan, Whippet (London and Melbourne), AEON Vietnam, Tata starquick.com (India), Bigbasket, Easyhome New Retail Group Corporation, Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd, Dialog Axiata, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, and Dmall International Business.
