On the heels of Alibaba’s record $9.3-billion sales on “Singles Day” (Nov 11), reflecting the mega growth of e-commerce in China and the Asia-Pacific, air-cargo industry executives are candid about the need to embrace a new business model and ramp up service levels. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd (HACIS), told China Daily that the “revolution of e-commerce” has injected new life into the airfreight industry. According to web design firm Go-Globe, e-commerce spending in Asia is set to surpass half a trillion US dollars by the end of this year. More than 36.2 percent of the worldwide business-to-customer e-commerce has come from Asia so far this year, and the figure is expected to hit 39.7 percent by 2016. The huge demand is paying handsome dividends for major international courier companies like DHL Express, SF Express and UPS, and air-cargo companies can also bid for a big piece of the pie, Lau noted. HACIS’s parent company Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (HACTL), which has handled 1.3 million tons of cargo at the world’s largest cargo airport up to September this year, is focusing more on the general mainstream cargo in response to the region’s huge appetite for e-commerce and the delivery challenges that come with it. Unlike the traditionally super-fast, yet highly expensive express cargo, the general air cargo — fast yet relatively cheap — could be something of a new mode of air transport that HACTL has been creating, said Lau. However, striking a balance between rates and the speed of delivery remains a big hurdle for carriers to overcome as online buyers are generally speed-sensitive, yet are only willing to pay modestly for freight transport. Lau said HACTL’s talent pool — one of the company’ competitive edges — has supported its bold move in arresting modal shift and driving new efficiencies for the business. “Our long-serving staff, with 20 to 30 years’ experience in the air-cargo industry, enables us to consistently deliver quality services,” she said. The company also spares no effort in reducing redundancy and tapping state-of-the-art technology, such as in-house development software. “As a logistics provider serving the sector, it’s a matter of adopting a similar mindset and business mode with e-commerce, which attracts a host of buyers by providing good products with attractive prices,” Lau said. She said she was very much looking forward to the completion of the mega Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which was originally due to go into operation in 2016, but has now been postponed to 2017. “The bridge will open up another new transportation network in the western part of the Pearl River Delta by connecting three out of five airports in the region,” Lau said, adding that the remaining two airports — at Shenzhen and Guangzhou — will always be the trading partners with Hong Kong’s airport. Instead of regarding its mainland counterparts as formidable competitors, Lau said HACTL wants collaboration. Such initiatives are evident by the SuperLink China Direct road solution developed by HACIS, which operates cross-border trucking services linking mainly Shenzhen and Guangzhou. “I believe the link between air and road is the trend for e-commerce,” Lau said. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/22/content_15194723.html
2014-11-24Economic ties — a useful and constructive tool to build up mutual trust — are by far the best solution to the turbulent China-ASEAN (China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship, experts said. Despite global attention being fixed to the geostrategic discord between China and ASEAN, this year marks the start of a “diamond decade” for cooperation between China and the bloc. Investment between China and ASEAN countries hit $120 billion by the end of June this year, with $40 billion from China and $80 billion from ASEAN. Trade between China and the southeast Asian grouping jumped by 10.9 percent to $444 billion last year, eclipsing the 7.6-percent increase in China’s total foreign trade. Investment and trade flows, turning from a trickle to a flood, showcase the close bilateral links at the economic level. Raw materials, such as agricultural and mineral goods, form the bulk of ASEAN’s exports to China, while China looks to ASEAN markets to export its capital goods, said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding he believed that China does rely on ASEAN, but ASEAN relies much more on China. Although an unstable political environment and a deficiency of clear regulations may put some ASEAN countries’ development at risk, Li said he wasn’t that concerned about the issue. The broader picture is many ASEAN countries are becoming more open to foreign countries and the handsome fruits from cross-border trade and investment would offer incentives to politicians to address the conflicts and improve the regulatory framework, he said. As a prompt response to the region’s soaring e-commerce, whose current nascent e-tail market grosses are between $548 million and $1.1 billion, but are set to rise five-fold by 2020, Li said CAF will keep investing in logistics and basic infrastructure facilities in the region in the following years. “So far, we have several proposals to promote business in Indonesia, the Philippines and the Indochina Peninsula, and we are actively seeking collaboration with mainland e-commerce giants to develop facilities like storage, logistics, shipping, on-land transportation systems,” he said. Although it’s still a long way to go before ASEAN can match the 8 percent and 8.7-percent market share of e-tail in China and the US, Li believes the problems and challenges of low credit-card penetration, inefficient supply chains and inhibitive Customs and tax regulations could be solved step by step. Apart from public investment, Li said investment from the private sector — one of the most innovative powerhouses of the economy — should also play a constructive role in executing the strategic thinking of the Maritime Silk Road and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific promoted by China. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/24/content_15194724.html
2014-11-24The mainland’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has the potential to create greater opportunities for the logistics sector in Hong Kong, a group of panelists told a China Daily Roundtable in the SAR on Wednesday. “China has taken the initiative in launching the new Silk Road for Asia to boost economic, commercial and industrial cooperation and build the connectivity among Asian governments. We can bring more muscle to the development of the new Silk Road economic belt,” said Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. “The construction of key infrastructure projects, as well as improvement of the telecommunication system in Asia, would help China enhance its trade ties with neighboring countries and encourage overseas expansion of Chinese companies to tap markets in the region,” he told the audience at a China Daily roundtable summit featuring Asian logistics and maritime industries. China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy, proposed by President Xi Jinping, is designed to strengthen the infrastructure along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The “belt” on land aims to promote greater connectivity between China and the central and western parts of Eurasia, whereas the “road” at sea seeks to establish closer linkage with the economies in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa. “Following the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, China has provided a lot of support to drive the development in the region, including the Silk Road Fund and Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank,” said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding that Xi has also been promoting the idea of a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific. “Our fund, which was established five years ago, focuses on the Silk Road connectivity and industrial cooperation. Logistics is crucial to the development of the region. More importantly, we strive to bring together commercial returns and social impact, which we believe is a ‘must-do’ task for all forces in the business community who want to make real contributions to developing countries,” Li said. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd, said: “The new Silk Road focuses on building more roads, railways, ports and airports across the region. It provides opportunities for the logistics sector in Asia, especially Hong Kong. One belt and one road can connect all the businesses involved in the supply chain by eliminating unnecessary trade barriers to make the trading process shorter and easier. With all the connectivity and network in place, the initiatives will speed up the movement of goods and encourage people to set up trans-national presence in Asia.” The new Silk Road is a major opportunity for at least the next 10 to 15 years, said Gordon Lam, chief representative and general manager for southern China at Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd. “The combined economies along the road represents a huge population and a significant market not only for Hong Kong but also Asian countries in the coming years. In the old days, traders in Hong Kong sourced from the Chinese mainland and other parts of Asia for export to the US and European markets. Nowadays, we are sourcing from everywhere and bring the goods back to the region. The global value chain has been shifted,” Lam added. emmadai@chinadailyhk.com http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/20/content_15193071.html
2014-11-20Industry Leaders Gathered to Explore the Profound Impact of the “New Silk Road” The mainland’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has the potential to create greater opportunities for the logistics sector in Hong Kong, a group of panelists told a China Daily Roundtable in the SAR on Wednesday. “China has taken the initiative in launching the new Silk Road for Asia to boost economic, commercial and industrial cooperation and build the connectivity among Asian governments. We can bring more muscle to the development of the new Silk Road economic belt,” said Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. “The construction of key infrastructure projects, as well as improvement of the telecommunication system in Asia, would help China enhance its trade ties with neighboring countries and encourage overseas expansion of Chinese companies to tap markets in the region,” he told the audience at a China Daily roundtable summit featuring Asian logistics and maritime industries. China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy, proposed by President Xi Jinping, is designed to strengthen the infrastructure along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The “belt” on land aims to promote greater connectivity between China and the central and western parts of Eurasia, whereas the “road” at sea seeks to establish closer linkage with the economies in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa. “Following the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, China has provided a lot of support to drive the development in the region, including the Silk Road Fund and Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank,” said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding that Xi has also been promoting the idea of a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific. “Our fund, which was established five years ago, focuses on the Silk Road connectivity and industrial cooperation. Logistics is crucial to the development of the region. More importantly, we strive to bring together commercial returns and social impact, which we believe is a ‘must-do’ task for all forces in the business community who want to make real contributions to developing countries,” Li said. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd, said: “The new Silk Road focuses on building more roads, railways, ports and airports across the region. It provides opportunities for the logistics sector in Asia, especially Hong Kong. One belt and one road can connect all the businesses involved in the supply chain by eliminating unnecessary trade barriers to make the trading process shorter and easier. With all the connectivity and network in place, the initiatives will speed up the movement of goods and encourage people to set up trans-national presence in Asia.” The New Silk Road is a major opportunity for at least the next 10 to 15 years, said Gordon Lam, chief representative and general manager for southern China at Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd. “The combined economies along the road represents a huge population and a significant market not only for Hong Kong but also Asian countries in the coming years. In the old days, traders in Hong Kong sourced from the Chinese mainland and other parts of Asia for export to the US and European markets. Nowadays, we are sourcing from everywhere and bring the goods back to the region. The global value chain has been shifted,” Lam added. ### About China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable The China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is a by-invitation network of movers and shakers in Asia providing platforms for focused dialogue, issue investigation, and possible collective action on strategic issues relating to economic, business and social development in Asia. Our aim is to enhance communication and increase mutual understanding between China, Asian and Western countries. Roundtable events are held in major cities across Asia.
2014-11-19亞洲物流及航運業精英齊聚香港 探討「新絲綢之路」的戰略影響 (2014年11月19日,香港)中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇今日於香港會議及展覽中心,與「亞洲物流及航運會議」攜手舉辦題為「新絲路戰略:聯通亞洲與世界」的論壇。論壇汇聚了近三百名來自全球物流及航運業界的精英人士,共同探討「新絲綢之路」帶來的戰略性影響,以及如何讓亞洲物流及航運業進一步與世界接軌等議題。 中國日報亞太分社社長兼總編輯周立先生在致辭中表示,中國在亞洲物流及航運業的發展道路上扮演重要角色,亞洲各國間的緊密合作將有利推動業內的長遠發展。論壇邀請到利豐發展(中國)有限公司華南首席代表兼總經理林至穎先生;香港空運服務有限公司常務董事劉敏儀小姐以及中國—東盟投資合作基金總裁李耀博士作為演講嘉賓,他們結合當下物流及航運政策、行業熱點,分析了行內的發展、合作機會及未來發展動向。 中國國家主席習近平去年提出建設「新絲綢之路經濟帶」和「21世紀海上絲綢之路」的戰略構想,在剛剛結束的亞太經合組織領導人非正式會議上,「一帶一路」的構想受到廣泛關注,中國宣佈將出資四百億美元成立絲路基金,為「一帶一路」沿線國基礎設施建設、資源開發提供投融資支援。本論壇就「一帶一路」進行深入探討,肯定其帶來的戰略性影響,並重點討論了亞洲公營及私營機構如何緊密合作,重塑並促進亞洲物流及航運業的發展。除此之外,亞洲物流及航運業未來的發展趨勢及所需的基建和技術配套亦是論壇的焦點。 李耀博士就物流航運業的發展與中國—東盟國家投資合作基金的動向做出深入分析指出:「新絲路的發展勢必會成為中國與其他亞洲國家投資的指向標,新絲路的聯通將會更好地為中國與東盟國家的互通合作而服務。」同時,他強調香港在「一帶一路」上具有重要的影響力,香港作為中國大陸與東南亞甚至歐美物流航運的關鍵連接中心,為中國發揮最大經濟互通力提供了重要平台。中國與東盟投資合作基金將會進一步促進亞洲物流航運業的發展。 香港作為全球最大的航空港,在世界物流航運界具有重要地位。劉敏儀小姐在論壇中談到:「香港在物流航運方面具有得天獨厚的優越性,健全的制度、優越的地理位置都為香港的物流航運提供了最好的發展條件,香港國際機場也是世界最繁忙的航空港之一。物流航運業的發展給香港帶來挑戰的同時也帶來了巨大的機遇。規範行業標準,不斷調整新發展思路,香港航空港會更好地為亞洲及全球性物流航運服務。」 林至穎先生對電子商務的蓬勃發展給物流航運業帶來的機遇與挑戰做出分析:「隨著電子商務的不斷發展,線上和線下業務的整合對物流和外包行業提出了新挑戰。供應鏈管理將成為「一帶一路」發展的關鍵所在,尤其是對中小企業而言,要把握新絲路建設的機遇,不斷擴大與亞洲其他國家的合作,也要充分利用物流航運的便捷高效發掘歐洲、非洲等新市場。」 中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇是一個由亞洲國家和地區的政、商、學界領袖和社會精英參與的高端對話和交流平台,圍繞亞洲地區經濟、商業、產業和社會發展等具有戰略影響的重要議題展開討論,至今已經舉辦了30屆,近一萬名決策精英參與。 -完-
2014-11-19Expanding sphere of innovation Speakers at the China Daily co-branded session titled Asia Rising: The Future of Asia – Where Do We Go From Here during the 9th Asia Economic Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 3. (Jennifer Lo / CHINA DAILY Asia Weekly) From Gangnam Style pop to the fried chicken craze sparked by popular TV drama My Love From the Star, South Korea’s cultural exports are causing a frenzy these days in Asia and elsewhere in the world. Such exports are worth about $5 billion a year, and contribute about one-tenth of the country’s GDP, according to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers. The global spread of South Korean culture is a good example of the intertwined relationship among innovation, investment and infrastructure, particularly in Asia. Thanks to investment in human capital, research and development (R&D) and infrastructure, “K-pop and (South) Korea’s games industry is so successful these days,” said Ilham Habibie, president director of Ilthabi Rekatama, an Indonesian private investment company. "It has to do with the innovation ecosystem there (South Korea),” said Christine Ennew, provost and CEO at the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus, speaking at a China Daily co-branded session on Nov 4 during the 9th Asia Economic Summit co-organized by think-tank Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia. "It doesn’t have to be Silicon Valley to do this,” said Ennew, also pro vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. “But it has to bring together expertise, seed funding, infrastructure and all necessary support to take that idea to a commercial stage.” Held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 3 and 4, the Asia Economic Summit attracted scholars, officials and business executives from 17 countries including China, Japan, Switzerland and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit, which centered on the theme Asia Rising: The Future of Asia — Where Do We Go From Here, took a critical look at what Asia has achieved, the rise of China and opportunities for regional integration. South Korea has the world’s highest mobile broadband penetration rate, according to the Pacific Telecommunications Council, an international association of telecoms professionals with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Three percent of the country’s GDP, or some $27 billion, was spent on R&D in 2010. This puts South Korea well ahead of Singapore with 2.2 percent, China with 1.5 percent and Indonesia with 0.007 percent. Unlike South Korea, the rest of Asia differs in the pace of infrastructure development. “It has often been argued that we live in two Asias,” said Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI and chairman of the summit. "(One) is a bright, shining and prosperous Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing,” he said, adding that a developing Asia can be found in “poorer countries like Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the slums of India, the Philippines and Indonesia”. Sustainable growth To narrow the development gap in the region, Asia needs more of “the four I’s” to ensure sustainable growth: Investment, infrastructure, innovation and inclusive growth, Yeoh explained. Indonesia is set to become the world’s seventh-largest economy by 2030. Yet the country’s heavy reliance on commodity exports has drawn the economy into twin deficits in budget and trade. "The government still dominates about 80 percent of research funding, and the R&D budget is far from the standards applied by UNESCO, which is 2 percent of GDP,” said Habibie, who is also chairman of the Culture, Arts and Technology Empowerment Community, a grouping of media, arts and business professionals from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. "The future of Indonesia should move from passive consumption to active shaping,” he added. Also lacking in developing economies is hardware infrastructure — one aspect of which is connectivity. As early as 2009, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated that Asia would require a whopping $800 billion in infrastructure investment annually over the next 10 years. South Asia will have to spend $250 billion every year to bridge the infrastructure gap in the next decade. East Asia and ASEAN will require $600 billion. Between now and 2020, four middle-income ASEAN countries — Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines — will need to invest $500 billion in infrastructure. "Connectivity is today’s buzzword,” said Yeoh. “We need greater connectivity through closer and faster transport and telecommunications linkages and people connectivity if we are to realize our vision of an integrated ASEAN community.” China leads the world in infrastructure spending, surpassing that of the United States and Europe after two decades of aggressive investment. Between the 1990s and 2011, China spent nearly 8.5 percent of its GDP on infrastructure — well above the global average of 4 percent, according to global management consultancy McKinsey & Company. By 2015, it aims to invest as much as 7 trillion yuan ($1.03 trillion) in urban public facilities and 3 trillion yuan in rail networks. For others, infrastructure development goes far beyond massive hardware build-outs. What is often overlooked is the development of soft infrastructure to empower the grassroots community. Soft infrastructure includes measures of competitiveness spanning regulatory frameworks to taxation regimes and even anti-corruption initiatives. "It’s key to structural reform for future development and escape of the middle-income trap in Asia,” said Ennew. Empowering creativity A knowledge-based economy today requires not only the protection of intellectual property rights, but also an education system that encourages individual thinking, said Hong Kong-based Michael Kurtz, chief Asia equity strategist of Nomura International, a global investment bank. "What is equally important is a financial system that empowers garage businesses with creative ideas rather than channeling national savings from state banks to state-owned enterprises,” he added. Tong Yee, cofounder and director of Singapore’s Thought Collective, a 160-strong social enterprise network with annual revenue of $60 million, told the story of Cambodia’s approach to the elimination of landmines in the country. Back in 1996, when the UK was gripped by mad cow disease, a Cambodian newspaper published an open letter proposing that infected British cattle be brought to the Southeast Asian country to get rid of its 11 million unexploded landmines. "The heart of social innovation is really about contextualization. How we do work with things that we perceive to be garbage and make it become (relevant) again,” said Tong, adding that private-public-people partnership is conducive to encouraging youth innovation. Innovation is intricately linked with talent development. "The key challenge lies in nurturing creativity and critical thinking skills in students,” said Ennew. "The government needs to resist temptations to prescribe what is taught at school,” she added. Habibie echoed this sentiment. “If we are not careful enough to treat human capital in a right manner through education, human beings — just like capital — can experience a process of depreciation,” he said. In China and India knowledge diffusion is beginning to shape the entrepreneurial landscapes. Highly educated returnees from overseas continue to play a part in leveraging their knowledge and entrepreneurial capacities in their home countries. Official data show that 413,900 Chinese students studied abroad last year, up 3.58 percent from a year earlier. That figure is estimated to reach 500,000 this year. In addition, research facilities set up by Fortune 500 companies have grown in India and China. In Beijing, for example, as of 2012 there were more than 600 offices and R&D centers run by multinational companies. Consequently, one observation is the gradual disappearance of the Western and Japanese multinationals monopolizing knowledge and technology. Instead, homegrown innovative brands such as South Korea’s Samsung and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba have sprung up across the region. "What you see today is the incredible convergence of technology,” said Claude Smadja, president of Swiss-based strategic advisory firm Smadja & Smadja and former managing director of the World Economic Forum. The implication: Innovation is virtually everywhere. "It means countries that cannot position themselves in this (era) of innovation and knowledge will be left on the sidelines and will have no way to recover,” said Smadja. jennifer@chinadailyhk.com http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asiaweekly/2014-11/07/content_15188068.html
2014-11-07PETALING JAYA: The open market under the Asean Economic Community (AEC) should be viewed as an opportunity, rather than a threat, says Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He also debunked fears among sections of the younger generation that the AEC with its free movement of professionals might rob them of employment opportunities. "The perception and fear is unfounded, although we have signed mutual recognition agreements for the free movement of professionals like accountants, engineers, surveyors, doctors, architects and lawyers, subject to domestic rules and regulations, and not totally unregulated," he said. He said Malaysia has been a net capital exporter for the last four to five years with many Malaysian companies investing large amounts of money abroad. "This has also opened up opportunities for young professional to venture abroad," he added. He told reporters this after officiating the closing of the two-day 9th Asia Economic Summit here and themed, Asia Rising: The Future of Asia - Where Do We Go From Here. Mustapa said Malaysia would take over the Asean Chairmanship effective next year from Myanmar and had lined up some priorities to focus on. "Among these are, putting in place initiatives on non-tariff barriers, increasing intra-Asean investments and trade, harmonising standards and enabling a freer flow of professionals," he added. He said Asean has a very exciting future with 620 million people plus a large and growing middle class, alongside a young population. "It is also a very dynamic region and with one of the fastest growth rates in the world at between five to six per cent on average," he added. Mustapa said Malaysians should appreciate that the domestic market is limited and need to venture out for expansion. – Bernama Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=93014
2014-11-06More than 1 billion people worldwide traveled across borders in 2013 and five times that many traveled domestically, making tourism and related industries perhaps the single largest contributor to global GDP and employment. What’s more, Asia, led by China, is and will remain the single largest contributor to global tourism growth and in just a few years will be the world’s biggest source of tourists, according to a large and influential group of public and private industry stakeholders that gathered in Macao from Oct 27-29 for the Global Tourism Economy Forum. The forum, Maritime Silk Road — From Macau We Begin, attracted hundreds of industry executives, industry associations and a host of government figures with responsibility for tourism, from countries as varied as Croatia and Iran. All of them want to attract a greater slice of the growing global and regional tourism pie. “If the trends of the past three years are a good indicator, and I think they are, this will continue into the near future as well,” said Marcio Favilla, executive director for operational programs and institutional relations at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A report by the UNWTO released during the forum suggests that one in 11 jobs globally is linked to tourism and that the industry is directly or indirectly responsible for as much as 9 percent of global GDP. For the rapid growth to be sustainable, however, more investment and greater commitment are needed from the public and private sectors to make it easier for people to travel. This includes easier visa issuance, and more reliable hard and soft infrastructure and technological support, particularly in the form of more and cheaper Internet connectivity. A new initiative coming from China should help. Since last year, President Xi Jinping has been pushing for the revival of a Maritime Silk Road (MSR), a route of countries connected by sea that would complement a similar land base connection from China to Europe across Central Asia. For centuries, the historic maritime route enabled the trading of Chinese silk, ceramics, tea and spices, but it works well for the tourism industry, particularly if the countries involved facilitate links. Countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could be early beneficiaries. In fact, Xi first put forward the idea during a speech in Indonesia in September 2013. China has been adding countries to the project since then. In terms of tourism, an obvious beneficiary would be seaborne travel. “When it comes to the Maritime Silk Road, what I think is interesting is that we see a very strong business in Europe from the cruise business,” said David Baxby, CEO of Global Blue, a Swiss-based shopping company that specializes in the processing of tax-free spending by overseas visitors. Baxby was speaking during the forum as a member of a panel sponsored by China Daily. A second benefit of raising the profile of the MSR would be a boost in the already rapidly growing Chinese outbound market. Improving the routes and facilitating access could entice more Chinese tourists to travel abroad. “(The MSR) is going to connect a lot of the emerging markets. It will propel tourism in a huge way. It will connect markets that are off the beaten path and may not be known in a huge way,” said Abid Butt, CEO of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, an international luxury group. “This initiative would only help us get more traction in emerging markets.” “People do want to enrich themselves through unique experiences and cultural experiences,” he said, noting that tourism “is a catalyst in removing barriers around the world and we need to take advantage of that”. The rapidly growing participation of emerging market tourists is forcing the global tourism industry to adapt. Nowhere in the world is outbound tourism growing as fast as in Asia Pacific, led by China. The UNWTO says China’s 98 million outbound tourists in 2013 spent $129 billion around the world. Asia Pacific recorded the fastest growth in tourism of any region in the world, at 6 percent. Even after four years of robust growth, only two Asia-Pacific destinations are among the top 10 in terms of international arrivals: China and Thailand. France remains the most popular destination for tourists to visit, followed by the United States and Spain. Asian destinations are doing better in terms of receipts from tourism, with the Chinese mainland, Macao, Thailand and Hong Kong all in the top 10 by this measure. For both industry and governments, however, this is not enough. To attract more travelers and get them to spend more, better infrastructure and more comprehensive services are needed. “We need collaboration between the government and the private sector — an investment-friendly policy,” said Edmond Ip, vice-chairman of the Artyzen Hospitality Group, a hotel management company that is part of Hong Kong-based Shun Tak Holdings. Ip, a well-known industry figure, says three things are needed in Asia Pacific to ensure constant and sustainable levels of growth. The first is a new focus on tourism infrastructure, including simplifying visa processes as much as possible and speeding up immigration controls at airports, reliable public transport and a safe environment for business. The second is to develop more attractions such as theme parks, museums and nature reserves to attract more people to the region. The third is more large-scale tourism events. Singapore and Dubai are success stories that could be emulated, he said. While the growth of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry remains impressive, it is still driven in large part by ongoing economic growth in the region and the emergence of a consumer class with the disposable income to travel further and more often. A key focus for many at the forum was to ensure sustainable growth — sustainable in terms of both business and the environment. And while tourist destinations in the region require better infrastructure to attract more international tourists from Europe, North America, Latin America and Africa, destinations abroad may also need to step up the services they provide to Asian tourists. Global Blue is moving forward on this front. Last year it introduced Alipay, China’s largest e-payment provider, in Europe to facilitate transactions for Chinese travelers. The growth, said Baxby, has been impressive. More such services are needed, said Wang Ping, chairman of the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT). She said the number of Chinese tourists is certainly on the rise but so is the number that comes back to China unhappy with their experiences, due to lack of services in Mandarin or poor communication with hosts. And the growth of Chinese outbound tourism is creating another concern for the CCT. On average, Chinese tourists spend abroad three times as much as inbound tourists spend in China. “This means we are not preparing enough for foreign tourists coming into China. That is why foreign tourists are not spending enough when they come,” Wang said. “We need to pay attention to the problem of trade deficit.” “I hope for the MSR we can have new facilities and hotels,” Wang said, adding, “I hope everyone can work together to build the MSR and have a very close alliance”. If trends continue, more than 100 million tourists will make a trip out of China this year and will be part of more than 1 billion international travelers globally. In the next decade, tourism and related industries could create some 70 million jobs — two-thirds of them in Asia — and “be a force for good in international relations”, said Michael Frenzel, chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council. Agreement on this point at the forum was widespread, but so was the understanding that the global tourism industry and its hundreds of thousands of stakeholders, from hostel operators to government leaders, need to pay more attention to sustainable growth — not just sustainable in terms of the environment, but also in terms of economics. One way to do this is to build a “complete visitor economy”, said Scott Supernaw, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a Bangkok-based association serving tourist offices, airlines, hotels and other travel-related companies throughout the region. This would bring just about everyone that has contact with tourists — “from the butcher to the baker and the candlestick maker” — into the tourism economy, help drive its growth and ensure sustainability. This would also help relieve another chronic concern for the tourism sector, a shortage of people. “Today, we are focused on the complete visitor economy,” Supernaw said. “Tourism is responsible for more economic growth, more employment and more general well-being than any other industry.” By doing this, the industry could address multiple problems at once and continue driving global growth. As Supernaw put it: “You solve the people problem and (then) you can more easily solve the environmental problem.” http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asiaweekly/2014-10/31/content_15185101.html
2014-10-31Tourism a driving force for economy The third round of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) kicked off in Macao on Monday, with the expending tourism industry playing an increasingly important role in the world economy, and government delegations and industrial leaders worldwide gathered to discuss the industry outlook and seek cooperation at the three-day event. The forum, themed “Maritime Silk Road (MSR) — From Macao We Begin”, will take the lead in discussing the transformation of the MSR region, and exploring strategic intercontinental cooperation and business opportunities in tourism across nations, domestic provinces and cities along the MSR route. “Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of China’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR economic belt,” Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GTEF, said in an opening address at the forum. “Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new MSR and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of global economy,” Ho said, stressing that this can extend the influence of the tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits. A series of topical panels will begin on the second day of the forum. China Daily will host a session entitled “Dialogue with Travel and Tourism Leaders”, which is expected to be a timely industry response to the intriguing MSR prospect from the perspective of “Maritime Silk Road”: Tourism for Future Tourists. Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai-on said the forum will be a great opportunity for the city to promote its tourism industry and it is expected to inspire the related industries with innovative thinking and new ideas. He pointed out that the theme of this edition of the forum is meaningful and contemporary. “Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road, it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past,” said Chui. The forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the MSR in response to the demand on a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times to foster cooperation across Asia and to promote global peace and development. “The global economic situation is complex and rapidly changing this year, but the growth in China’s tourism industry has been fast and steady,” Du Yili, vice-chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, told the forum. He said total revenues generated by the country’s tourism industry in 2014 is expected to reach 3.2 trillion yuan ($521.5 billion). Last year’s revenues amounted to 2.3 trillion yuan, and more than 100 million people from the mainland are expected to make outbound tourist trips this year. “I believe the growth of China’s tourism industry will provide a strong support to the global tourism industry,” he added. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/hknews/2014-10/28/content_15183094.html
2014-10-31GTEF kicked off here today. The first Asia Tourism Trends report will be one of the highlights of this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum. The trend report was conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). One of the highlights of this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) was the release of the Joint Annual report on Asia Tourism Trend, conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). According to the report, Asia and the Pacific has seen strong growth in inbound tourism across the region, receiving some 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23% of the world’s total. According to UNWTO’s long-term forecasts, this share is expected to reach 30% by 2030, a percentage equivalent to 535 million international tourists. The two entities leading the research also hope to promote tourism as an economic driver, promoting discussions and debates, and effectuate reform in policies and practices. In his address at the opening ceremony of GTEF yesterday, the Chairman of the Forum, also the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Edumud Ho Hau Wah, said “Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of the Country’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR Economic Belt. Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the Forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new Maritime Silk Road and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of the global economy. This can extend the influence of the tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits.” Chief Executive Chui Sai On said in his speech that the theme of this year’s edition of GTEF is meaningful and contemporary. “Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road; it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past,” he said. ”This latest edition of the Forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the Maritime Silk Road in response to the demand for a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times in fostering cooperation across Asia and promoting global peace and development.” A series of topical panels will begin today, including the ‘Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs’ session and the ‘Dialogue with Travel & Tourism Leaders by China Daily’ session. A Tourism Presentation and Scenery Pictures Exhibition by Jiangxi and Shandong are also on display at The Venetian Macao. A presentation by Kazakhstan, Fujian Province Dance Drama – ‘Dreams Seeking the Silk Sea Route’, GTE-Forum 2015 Partner Country Presentation and the Networking Reception organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) comprise some of the other programmes. The event is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government with support from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). http://macaubusinessdaily.com/Economy/Global-Tourism-Forum-kicks
2014-10-30China overtakes the West in global tourism It was bound to happen. China, the most populated country on earth, has added another industry leader title to its belt, taking over the West as the contributor to the global tourism industry. Last year China recorded 97.5 million outbound travelers to occupy the number one position in world tourism market, spending a collective US$128 billion abroad. The data, released yesterday at the third Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, shows China’s outbound travelers are also fuelling a revival in Asia’s tourism industry, which is expected to receive approximately 535 million tourists by 2030. The Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends drafted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Center shows the region attracted a total of 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23% tourists from around the world. This share is expected to reach 30% by 2030, reaching 535 million international tourists. The Global Tourism Economy Forum is taking place at The Venetian Macao for three-days and brings together government officials and tourism experts from across the globe to discuss the industry’s current trends as well as its future. http://www.marketing-interactive.com/china-overtakes-west-global-tourism/
2014-10-30「海上絲路」旅遊業:面向未來旅客 2014年10月28日,澳門 - 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」於全球旅遊經濟論壇舉辦與旅遊業領袖對話,題為「海上絲路」旅遊業:面向未來旅客。 今日中午十二時至一時十五分,旅遊業界翹楚聚首澳門威尼斯人酒店三樓宴會廳,一同探討新“海上絲綢之路”對全球旅遊經濟的意義以及旅遊業未來發展策略,挑戰和機遇。 在亞洲及中國經濟迅速發展的影響下,未來十年,全球旅遊業將會持續興旺並展現一番新的景象。跨國旅遊隨著各國政策的開放,逐見普遍頻繁。加上國家主席習近平於去年十月提出的新「海上絲綢之路」這一戰略性規劃,旅遊業界若能充分實踐,不但能促成業內的蓬勃發展,更有助惠及全球三分之一人口。 在這旅遊業黃金時代,全球旅遊業界領袖意識到必須重新定義「未來旅客」,切實了解二十一世紀的遊客所需,才能更有效提升新「海上絲路」為全球旅遊經濟所帶來的效益。除此之外,為進一步推動互惠互利及可持續發展的營商環境,業界領袖也表示將進一步相互交流及學習,促進品牌合作、行業融合, 同心合力,迎接「海上絲路」新機遇。 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」十分榮幸能邀請業界頂尖領袖參與是次論壇,包括:環球藍聯總裁及首席執行官大衛‧巴克斯比先生;悅榕酒店及度假村集團首席執行官阿畢德‧巴特先生;雅辰酒店集團副主席葉海華先生;去哪兒網首席戰略官趙軼璐女士以及中華全國工商業聯合會旅遊業商會主席王平女士。幾位業界精英結合當下旅遊政策、行業熱點,分析了旅遊相關品牌的發展、合作及未來發展動向,會眾更是獲益良多。 -完- 關於「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」是由中國日報亞太版發起,舉辦的邀請制論壇,旨在搭建一個由亞洲國家和地區的政、商、學界領袖和社會精英參與的高端對話和交流平台,圍繞亞洲地區經濟、商業、產業和社會發展等具有戰略影響的重要議題展開討論和分享見解,以增進中國與亞洲和西方國家的交流和理解。(http://www.cdroundtable.com)
2014-10-28On the heels of Alibaba’s record $9.3-billion sales on “Singles Day” (Nov 11), reflecting the mega growth of e-commerce in China and the Asia-Pacific, air-cargo industry executives are candid about the need to embrace a new business model and ramp up service levels. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd (HACIS), told China Daily that the “revolution of e-commerce” has injected new life into the airfreight industry. According to web design firm Go-Globe, e-commerce spending in Asia is set to surpass half a trillion US dollars by the end of this year. More than 36.2 percent of the worldwide business-to-customer e-commerce has come from Asia so far this year, and the figure is expected to hit 39.7 percent by 2016. The huge demand is paying handsome dividends for major international courier companies like DHL Express, SF Express and UPS, and air-cargo companies can also bid for a big piece of the pie, Lau noted. HACIS’s parent company Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (HACTL), which has handled 1.3 million tons of cargo at the world’s largest cargo airport up to September this year, is focusing more on the general mainstream cargo in response to the region’s huge appetite for e-commerce and the delivery challenges that come with it. Unlike the traditionally super-fast, yet highly expensive express cargo, the general air cargo — fast yet relatively cheap — could be something of a new mode of air transport that HACTL has been creating, said Lau. However, striking a balance between rates and the speed of delivery remains a big hurdle for carriers to overcome as online buyers are generally speed-sensitive, yet are only willing to pay modestly for freight transport. Lau said HACTL’s talent pool — one of the company’ competitive edges — has supported its bold move in arresting modal shift and driving new efficiencies for the business. “Our long-serving staff, with 20 to 30 years’ experience in the air-cargo industry, enables us to consistently deliver quality services,” she said. The company also spares no effort in reducing redundancy and tapping state-of-the-art technology, such as in-house development software. “As a logistics provider serving the sector, it’s a matter of adopting a similar mindset and business mode with e-commerce, which attracts a host of buyers by providing good products with attractive prices,” Lau said. She said she was very much looking forward to the completion of the mega Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which was originally due to go into operation in 2016, but has now been postponed to 2017. “The bridge will open up another new transportation network in the western part of the Pearl River Delta by connecting three out of five airports in the region,” Lau said, adding that the remaining two airports — at Shenzhen and Guangzhou — will always be the trading partners with Hong Kong’s airport. Instead of regarding its mainland counterparts as formidable competitors, Lau said HACTL wants collaboration. Such initiatives are evident by the SuperLink China Direct road solution developed by HACIS, which operates cross-border trucking services linking mainly Shenzhen and Guangzhou. “I believe the link between air and road is the trend for e-commerce,” Lau said. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/22/content_15194723.html
2014-11-24Economic ties — a useful and constructive tool to build up mutual trust — are by far the best solution to the turbulent China-ASEAN (China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship, experts said. Despite global attention being fixed to the geostrategic discord between China and ASEAN, this year marks the start of a “diamond decade” for cooperation between China and the bloc. Investment between China and ASEAN countries hit $120 billion by the end of June this year, with $40 billion from China and $80 billion from ASEAN. Trade between China and the southeast Asian grouping jumped by 10.9 percent to $444 billion last year, eclipsing the 7.6-percent increase in China’s total foreign trade. Investment and trade flows, turning from a trickle to a flood, showcase the close bilateral links at the economic level. Raw materials, such as agricultural and mineral goods, form the bulk of ASEAN’s exports to China, while China looks to ASEAN markets to export its capital goods, said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding he believed that China does rely on ASEAN, but ASEAN relies much more on China. Although an unstable political environment and a deficiency of clear regulations may put some ASEAN countries’ development at risk, Li said he wasn’t that concerned about the issue. The broader picture is many ASEAN countries are becoming more open to foreign countries and the handsome fruits from cross-border trade and investment would offer incentives to politicians to address the conflicts and improve the regulatory framework, he said. As a prompt response to the region’s soaring e-commerce, whose current nascent e-tail market grosses are between $548 million and $1.1 billion, but are set to rise five-fold by 2020, Li said CAF will keep investing in logistics and basic infrastructure facilities in the region in the following years. “So far, we have several proposals to promote business in Indonesia, the Philippines and the Indochina Peninsula, and we are actively seeking collaboration with mainland e-commerce giants to develop facilities like storage, logistics, shipping, on-land transportation systems,” he said. Although it’s still a long way to go before ASEAN can match the 8 percent and 8.7-percent market share of e-tail in China and the US, Li believes the problems and challenges of low credit-card penetration, inefficient supply chains and inhibitive Customs and tax regulations could be solved step by step. Apart from public investment, Li said investment from the private sector — one of the most innovative powerhouses of the economy — should also play a constructive role in executing the strategic thinking of the Maritime Silk Road and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific promoted by China. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/24/content_15194724.html
2014-11-24The mainland’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has the potential to create greater opportunities for the logistics sector in Hong Kong, a group of panelists told a China Daily Roundtable in the SAR on Wednesday. “China has taken the initiative in launching the new Silk Road for Asia to boost economic, commercial and industrial cooperation and build the connectivity among Asian governments. We can bring more muscle to the development of the new Silk Road economic belt,” said Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. “The construction of key infrastructure projects, as well as improvement of the telecommunication system in Asia, would help China enhance its trade ties with neighboring countries and encourage overseas expansion of Chinese companies to tap markets in the region,” he told the audience at a China Daily roundtable summit featuring Asian logistics and maritime industries. China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy, proposed by President Xi Jinping, is designed to strengthen the infrastructure along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The “belt” on land aims to promote greater connectivity between China and the central and western parts of Eurasia, whereas the “road” at sea seeks to establish closer linkage with the economies in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa. “Following the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, China has provided a lot of support to drive the development in the region, including the Silk Road Fund and Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank,” said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding that Xi has also been promoting the idea of a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific. “Our fund, which was established five years ago, focuses on the Silk Road connectivity and industrial cooperation. Logistics is crucial to the development of the region. More importantly, we strive to bring together commercial returns and social impact, which we believe is a ‘must-do’ task for all forces in the business community who want to make real contributions to developing countries,” Li said. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd, said: “The new Silk Road focuses on building more roads, railways, ports and airports across the region. It provides opportunities for the logistics sector in Asia, especially Hong Kong. One belt and one road can connect all the businesses involved in the supply chain by eliminating unnecessary trade barriers to make the trading process shorter and easier. With all the connectivity and network in place, the initiatives will speed up the movement of goods and encourage people to set up trans-national presence in Asia.” The new Silk Road is a major opportunity for at least the next 10 to 15 years, said Gordon Lam, chief representative and general manager for southern China at Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd. “The combined economies along the road represents a huge population and a significant market not only for Hong Kong but also Asian countries in the coming years. In the old days, traders in Hong Kong sourced from the Chinese mainland and other parts of Asia for export to the US and European markets. Nowadays, we are sourcing from everywhere and bring the goods back to the region. The global value chain has been shifted,” Lam added. emmadai@chinadailyhk.com http://www.chinadailyasia.com/2014-11/20/content_15193071.html
2014-11-20Industry Leaders Gathered to Explore the Profound Impact of the “New Silk Road” The mainland’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has the potential to create greater opportunities for the logistics sector in Hong Kong, a group of panelists told a China Daily Roundtable in the SAR on Wednesday. “China has taken the initiative in launching the new Silk Road for Asia to boost economic, commercial and industrial cooperation and build the connectivity among Asian governments. We can bring more muscle to the development of the new Silk Road economic belt,” said Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. “The construction of key infrastructure projects, as well as improvement of the telecommunication system in Asia, would help China enhance its trade ties with neighboring countries and encourage overseas expansion of Chinese companies to tap markets in the region,” he told the audience at a China Daily roundtable summit featuring Asian logistics and maritime industries. China’s “One Belt, One Road” strategy, proposed by President Xi Jinping, is designed to strengthen the infrastructure along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The “belt” on land aims to promote greater connectivity between China and the central and western parts of Eurasia, whereas the “road” at sea seeks to establish closer linkage with the economies in South and Southeast Asia as well as Africa. “Following the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, China has provided a lot of support to drive the development in the region, including the Silk Road Fund and Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank,” said Li Yao, chief executive officer of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund (CAF), adding that Xi has also been promoting the idea of a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific. “Our fund, which was established five years ago, focuses on the Silk Road connectivity and industrial cooperation. Logistics is crucial to the development of the region. More importantly, we strive to bring together commercial returns and social impact, which we believe is a ‘must-do’ task for all forces in the business community who want to make real contributions to developing countries,” Li said. Vivien Lau, managing director of Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Ltd, said: “The new Silk Road focuses on building more roads, railways, ports and airports across the region. It provides opportunities for the logistics sector in Asia, especially Hong Kong. One belt and one road can connect all the businesses involved in the supply chain by eliminating unnecessary trade barriers to make the trading process shorter and easier. With all the connectivity and network in place, the initiatives will speed up the movement of goods and encourage people to set up trans-national presence in Asia.” The New Silk Road is a major opportunity for at least the next 10 to 15 years, said Gordon Lam, chief representative and general manager for southern China at Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd. “The combined economies along the road represents a huge population and a significant market not only for Hong Kong but also Asian countries in the coming years. In the old days, traders in Hong Kong sourced from the Chinese mainland and other parts of Asia for export to the US and European markets. Nowadays, we are sourcing from everywhere and bring the goods back to the region. The global value chain has been shifted,” Lam added. ### About China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable The China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is a by-invitation network of movers and shakers in Asia providing platforms for focused dialogue, issue investigation, and possible collective action on strategic issues relating to economic, business and social development in Asia. Our aim is to enhance communication and increase mutual understanding between China, Asian and Western countries. Roundtable events are held in major cities across Asia.
2014-11-19亞洲物流及航運業精英齊聚香港 探討「新絲綢之路」的戰略影響 (2014年11月19日,香港)中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇今日於香港會議及展覽中心,與「亞洲物流及航運會議」攜手舉辦題為「新絲路戰略:聯通亞洲與世界」的論壇。論壇汇聚了近三百名來自全球物流及航運業界的精英人士,共同探討「新絲綢之路」帶來的戰略性影響,以及如何讓亞洲物流及航運業進一步與世界接軌等議題。 中國日報亞太分社社長兼總編輯周立先生在致辭中表示,中國在亞洲物流及航運業的發展道路上扮演重要角色,亞洲各國間的緊密合作將有利推動業內的長遠發展。論壇邀請到利豐發展(中國)有限公司華南首席代表兼總經理林至穎先生;香港空運服務有限公司常務董事劉敏儀小姐以及中國—東盟投資合作基金總裁李耀博士作為演講嘉賓,他們結合當下物流及航運政策、行業熱點,分析了行內的發展、合作機會及未來發展動向。 中國國家主席習近平去年提出建設「新絲綢之路經濟帶」和「21世紀海上絲綢之路」的戰略構想,在剛剛結束的亞太經合組織領導人非正式會議上,「一帶一路」的構想受到廣泛關注,中國宣佈將出資四百億美元成立絲路基金,為「一帶一路」沿線國基礎設施建設、資源開發提供投融資支援。本論壇就「一帶一路」進行深入探討,肯定其帶來的戰略性影響,並重點討論了亞洲公營及私營機構如何緊密合作,重塑並促進亞洲物流及航運業的發展。除此之外,亞洲物流及航運業未來的發展趨勢及所需的基建和技術配套亦是論壇的焦點。 李耀博士就物流航運業的發展與中國—東盟國家投資合作基金的動向做出深入分析指出:「新絲路的發展勢必會成為中國與其他亞洲國家投資的指向標,新絲路的聯通將會更好地為中國與東盟國家的互通合作而服務。」同時,他強調香港在「一帶一路」上具有重要的影響力,香港作為中國大陸與東南亞甚至歐美物流航運的關鍵連接中心,為中國發揮最大經濟互通力提供了重要平台。中國與東盟投資合作基金將會進一步促進亞洲物流航運業的發展。 香港作為全球最大的航空港,在世界物流航運界具有重要地位。劉敏儀小姐在論壇中談到:「香港在物流航運方面具有得天獨厚的優越性,健全的制度、優越的地理位置都為香港的物流航運提供了最好的發展條件,香港國際機場也是世界最繁忙的航空港之一。物流航運業的發展給香港帶來挑戰的同時也帶來了巨大的機遇。規範行業標準,不斷調整新發展思路,香港航空港會更好地為亞洲及全球性物流航運服務。」 林至穎先生對電子商務的蓬勃發展給物流航運業帶來的機遇與挑戰做出分析:「隨著電子商務的不斷發展,線上和線下業務的整合對物流和外包行業提出了新挑戰。供應鏈管理將成為「一帶一路」發展的關鍵所在,尤其是對中小企業而言,要把握新絲路建設的機遇,不斷擴大與亞洲其他國家的合作,也要充分利用物流航運的便捷高效發掘歐洲、非洲等新市場。」 中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇是一個由亞洲國家和地區的政、商、學界領袖和社會精英參與的高端對話和交流平台,圍繞亞洲地區經濟、商業、產業和社會發展等具有戰略影響的重要議題展開討論,至今已經舉辦了30屆,近一萬名決策精英參與。 -完-
2014-11-19Expanding sphere of innovation Speakers at the China Daily co-branded session titled Asia Rising: The Future of Asia – Where Do We Go From Here during the 9th Asia Economic Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 3. (Jennifer Lo / CHINA DAILY Asia Weekly) From Gangnam Style pop to the fried chicken craze sparked by popular TV drama My Love From the Star, South Korea’s cultural exports are causing a frenzy these days in Asia and elsewhere in the world. Such exports are worth about $5 billion a year, and contribute about one-tenth of the country’s GDP, according to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers. The global spread of South Korean culture is a good example of the intertwined relationship among innovation, investment and infrastructure, particularly in Asia. Thanks to investment in human capital, research and development (R&D) and infrastructure, “K-pop and (South) Korea’s games industry is so successful these days,” said Ilham Habibie, president director of Ilthabi Rekatama, an Indonesian private investment company. "It has to do with the innovation ecosystem there (South Korea),” said Christine Ennew, provost and CEO at the University of Nottingham Malaysia campus, speaking at a China Daily co-branded session on Nov 4 during the 9th Asia Economic Summit co-organized by think-tank Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia. "It doesn’t have to be Silicon Valley to do this,” said Ennew, also pro vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. “But it has to bring together expertise, seed funding, infrastructure and all necessary support to take that idea to a commercial stage.” Held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 3 and 4, the Asia Economic Summit attracted scholars, officials and business executives from 17 countries including China, Japan, Switzerland and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit, which centered on the theme Asia Rising: The Future of Asia — Where Do We Go From Here, took a critical look at what Asia has achieved, the rise of China and opportunities for regional integration. South Korea has the world’s highest mobile broadband penetration rate, according to the Pacific Telecommunications Council, an international association of telecoms professionals with interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Three percent of the country’s GDP, or some $27 billion, was spent on R&D in 2010. This puts South Korea well ahead of Singapore with 2.2 percent, China with 1.5 percent and Indonesia with 0.007 percent. Unlike South Korea, the rest of Asia differs in the pace of infrastructure development. “It has often been argued that we live in two Asias,” said Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI and chairman of the summit. "(One) is a bright, shining and prosperous Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing,” he said, adding that a developing Asia can be found in “poorer countries like Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the slums of India, the Philippines and Indonesia”. Sustainable growth To narrow the development gap in the region, Asia needs more of “the four I’s” to ensure sustainable growth: Investment, infrastructure, innovation and inclusive growth, Yeoh explained. Indonesia is set to become the world’s seventh-largest economy by 2030. Yet the country’s heavy reliance on commodity exports has drawn the economy into twin deficits in budget and trade. "The government still dominates about 80 percent of research funding, and the R&D budget is far from the standards applied by UNESCO, which is 2 percent of GDP,” said Habibie, who is also chairman of the Culture, Arts and Technology Empowerment Community, a grouping of media, arts and business professionals from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. "The future of Indonesia should move from passive consumption to active shaping,” he added. Also lacking in developing economies is hardware infrastructure — one aspect of which is connectivity. As early as 2009, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated that Asia would require a whopping $800 billion in infrastructure investment annually over the next 10 years. South Asia will have to spend $250 billion every year to bridge the infrastructure gap in the next decade. East Asia and ASEAN will require $600 billion. Between now and 2020, four middle-income ASEAN countries — Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines — will need to invest $500 billion in infrastructure. "Connectivity is today’s buzzword,” said Yeoh. “We need greater connectivity through closer and faster transport and telecommunications linkages and people connectivity if we are to realize our vision of an integrated ASEAN community.” China leads the world in infrastructure spending, surpassing that of the United States and Europe after two decades of aggressive investment. Between the 1990s and 2011, China spent nearly 8.5 percent of its GDP on infrastructure — well above the global average of 4 percent, according to global management consultancy McKinsey & Company. By 2015, it aims to invest as much as 7 trillion yuan ($1.03 trillion) in urban public facilities and 3 trillion yuan in rail networks. For others, infrastructure development goes far beyond massive hardware build-outs. What is often overlooked is the development of soft infrastructure to empower the grassroots community. Soft infrastructure includes measures of competitiveness spanning regulatory frameworks to taxation regimes and even anti-corruption initiatives. "It’s key to structural reform for future development and escape of the middle-income trap in Asia,” said Ennew. Empowering creativity A knowledge-based economy today requires not only the protection of intellectual property rights, but also an education system that encourages individual thinking, said Hong Kong-based Michael Kurtz, chief Asia equity strategist of Nomura International, a global investment bank. "What is equally important is a financial system that empowers garage businesses with creative ideas rather than channeling national savings from state banks to state-owned enterprises,” he added. Tong Yee, cofounder and director of Singapore’s Thought Collective, a 160-strong social enterprise network with annual revenue of $60 million, told the story of Cambodia’s approach to the elimination of landmines in the country. Back in 1996, when the UK was gripped by mad cow disease, a Cambodian newspaper published an open letter proposing that infected British cattle be brought to the Southeast Asian country to get rid of its 11 million unexploded landmines. "The heart of social innovation is really about contextualization. How we do work with things that we perceive to be garbage and make it become (relevant) again,” said Tong, adding that private-public-people partnership is conducive to encouraging youth innovation. Innovation is intricately linked with talent development. "The key challenge lies in nurturing creativity and critical thinking skills in students,” said Ennew. "The government needs to resist temptations to prescribe what is taught at school,” she added. Habibie echoed this sentiment. “If we are not careful enough to treat human capital in a right manner through education, human beings — just like capital — can experience a process of depreciation,” he said. In China and India knowledge diffusion is beginning to shape the entrepreneurial landscapes. Highly educated returnees from overseas continue to play a part in leveraging their knowledge and entrepreneurial capacities in their home countries. Official data show that 413,900 Chinese students studied abroad last year, up 3.58 percent from a year earlier. That figure is estimated to reach 500,000 this year. In addition, research facilities set up by Fortune 500 companies have grown in India and China. In Beijing, for example, as of 2012 there were more than 600 offices and R&D centers run by multinational companies. Consequently, one observation is the gradual disappearance of the Western and Japanese multinationals monopolizing knowledge and technology. Instead, homegrown innovative brands such as South Korea’s Samsung and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba have sprung up across the region. "What you see today is the incredible convergence of technology,” said Claude Smadja, president of Swiss-based strategic advisory firm Smadja & Smadja and former managing director of the World Economic Forum. The implication: Innovation is virtually everywhere. "It means countries that cannot position themselves in this (era) of innovation and knowledge will be left on the sidelines and will have no way to recover,” said Smadja. jennifer@chinadailyhk.com http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asiaweekly/2014-11/07/content_15188068.html
2014-11-07PETALING JAYA: The open market under the Asean Economic Community (AEC) should be viewed as an opportunity, rather than a threat, says Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He also debunked fears among sections of the younger generation that the AEC with its free movement of professionals might rob them of employment opportunities. "The perception and fear is unfounded, although we have signed mutual recognition agreements for the free movement of professionals like accountants, engineers, surveyors, doctors, architects and lawyers, subject to domestic rules and regulations, and not totally unregulated," he said. He said Malaysia has been a net capital exporter for the last four to five years with many Malaysian companies investing large amounts of money abroad. "This has also opened up opportunities for young professional to venture abroad," he added. He told reporters this after officiating the closing of the two-day 9th Asia Economic Summit here and themed, Asia Rising: The Future of Asia - Where Do We Go From Here. Mustapa said Malaysia would take over the Asean Chairmanship effective next year from Myanmar and had lined up some priorities to focus on. "Among these are, putting in place initiatives on non-tariff barriers, increasing intra-Asean investments and trade, harmonising standards and enabling a freer flow of professionals," he added. He said Asean has a very exciting future with 620 million people plus a large and growing middle class, alongside a young population. "It is also a very dynamic region and with one of the fastest growth rates in the world at between five to six per cent on average," he added. Mustapa said Malaysians should appreciate that the domestic market is limited and need to venture out for expansion. – Bernama Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=93014
2014-11-06More than 1 billion people worldwide traveled across borders in 2013 and five times that many traveled domestically, making tourism and related industries perhaps the single largest contributor to global GDP and employment. What’s more, Asia, led by China, is and will remain the single largest contributor to global tourism growth and in just a few years will be the world’s biggest source of tourists, according to a large and influential group of public and private industry stakeholders that gathered in Macao from Oct 27-29 for the Global Tourism Economy Forum. The forum, Maritime Silk Road — From Macau We Begin, attracted hundreds of industry executives, industry associations and a host of government figures with responsibility for tourism, from countries as varied as Croatia and Iran. All of them want to attract a greater slice of the growing global and regional tourism pie. “If the trends of the past three years are a good indicator, and I think they are, this will continue into the near future as well,” said Marcio Favilla, executive director for operational programs and institutional relations at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A report by the UNWTO released during the forum suggests that one in 11 jobs globally is linked to tourism and that the industry is directly or indirectly responsible for as much as 9 percent of global GDP. For the rapid growth to be sustainable, however, more investment and greater commitment are needed from the public and private sectors to make it easier for people to travel. This includes easier visa issuance, and more reliable hard and soft infrastructure and technological support, particularly in the form of more and cheaper Internet connectivity. A new initiative coming from China should help. Since last year, President Xi Jinping has been pushing for the revival of a Maritime Silk Road (MSR), a route of countries connected by sea that would complement a similar land base connection from China to Europe across Central Asia. For centuries, the historic maritime route enabled the trading of Chinese silk, ceramics, tea and spices, but it works well for the tourism industry, particularly if the countries involved facilitate links. Countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could be early beneficiaries. In fact, Xi first put forward the idea during a speech in Indonesia in September 2013. China has been adding countries to the project since then. In terms of tourism, an obvious beneficiary would be seaborne travel. “When it comes to the Maritime Silk Road, what I think is interesting is that we see a very strong business in Europe from the cruise business,” said David Baxby, CEO of Global Blue, a Swiss-based shopping company that specializes in the processing of tax-free spending by overseas visitors. Baxby was speaking during the forum as a member of a panel sponsored by China Daily. A second benefit of raising the profile of the MSR would be a boost in the already rapidly growing Chinese outbound market. Improving the routes and facilitating access could entice more Chinese tourists to travel abroad. “(The MSR) is going to connect a lot of the emerging markets. It will propel tourism in a huge way. It will connect markets that are off the beaten path and may not be known in a huge way,” said Abid Butt, CEO of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, an international luxury group. “This initiative would only help us get more traction in emerging markets.” “People do want to enrich themselves through unique experiences and cultural experiences,” he said, noting that tourism “is a catalyst in removing barriers around the world and we need to take advantage of that”. The rapidly growing participation of emerging market tourists is forcing the global tourism industry to adapt. Nowhere in the world is outbound tourism growing as fast as in Asia Pacific, led by China. The UNWTO says China’s 98 million outbound tourists in 2013 spent $129 billion around the world. Asia Pacific recorded the fastest growth in tourism of any region in the world, at 6 percent. Even after four years of robust growth, only two Asia-Pacific destinations are among the top 10 in terms of international arrivals: China and Thailand. France remains the most popular destination for tourists to visit, followed by the United States and Spain. Asian destinations are doing better in terms of receipts from tourism, with the Chinese mainland, Macao, Thailand and Hong Kong all in the top 10 by this measure. For both industry and governments, however, this is not enough. To attract more travelers and get them to spend more, better infrastructure and more comprehensive services are needed. “We need collaboration between the government and the private sector — an investment-friendly policy,” said Edmond Ip, vice-chairman of the Artyzen Hospitality Group, a hotel management company that is part of Hong Kong-based Shun Tak Holdings. Ip, a well-known industry figure, says three things are needed in Asia Pacific to ensure constant and sustainable levels of growth. The first is a new focus on tourism infrastructure, including simplifying visa processes as much as possible and speeding up immigration controls at airports, reliable public transport and a safe environment for business. The second is to develop more attractions such as theme parks, museums and nature reserves to attract more people to the region. The third is more large-scale tourism events. Singapore and Dubai are success stories that could be emulated, he said. While the growth of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry remains impressive, it is still driven in large part by ongoing economic growth in the region and the emergence of a consumer class with the disposable income to travel further and more often. A key focus for many at the forum was to ensure sustainable growth — sustainable in terms of both business and the environment. And while tourist destinations in the region require better infrastructure to attract more international tourists from Europe, North America, Latin America and Africa, destinations abroad may also need to step up the services they provide to Asian tourists. Global Blue is moving forward on this front. Last year it introduced Alipay, China’s largest e-payment provider, in Europe to facilitate transactions for Chinese travelers. The growth, said Baxby, has been impressive. More such services are needed, said Wang Ping, chairman of the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT). She said the number of Chinese tourists is certainly on the rise but so is the number that comes back to China unhappy with their experiences, due to lack of services in Mandarin or poor communication with hosts. And the growth of Chinese outbound tourism is creating another concern for the CCT. On average, Chinese tourists spend abroad three times as much as inbound tourists spend in China. “This means we are not preparing enough for foreign tourists coming into China. That is why foreign tourists are not spending enough when they come,” Wang said. “We need to pay attention to the problem of trade deficit.” “I hope for the MSR we can have new facilities and hotels,” Wang said, adding, “I hope everyone can work together to build the MSR and have a very close alliance”. If trends continue, more than 100 million tourists will make a trip out of China this year and will be part of more than 1 billion international travelers globally. In the next decade, tourism and related industries could create some 70 million jobs — two-thirds of them in Asia — and “be a force for good in international relations”, said Michael Frenzel, chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council. Agreement on this point at the forum was widespread, but so was the understanding that the global tourism industry and its hundreds of thousands of stakeholders, from hostel operators to government leaders, need to pay more attention to sustainable growth — not just sustainable in terms of the environment, but also in terms of economics. One way to do this is to build a “complete visitor economy”, said Scott Supernaw, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a Bangkok-based association serving tourist offices, airlines, hotels and other travel-related companies throughout the region. This would bring just about everyone that has contact with tourists — “from the butcher to the baker and the candlestick maker” — into the tourism economy, help drive its growth and ensure sustainability. This would also help relieve another chronic concern for the tourism sector, a shortage of people. “Today, we are focused on the complete visitor economy,” Supernaw said. “Tourism is responsible for more economic growth, more employment and more general well-being than any other industry.” By doing this, the industry could address multiple problems at once and continue driving global growth. As Supernaw put it: “You solve the people problem and (then) you can more easily solve the environmental problem.” http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asiaweekly/2014-10/31/content_15185101.html
2014-10-31Tourism a driving force for economy The third round of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) kicked off in Macao on Monday, with the expending tourism industry playing an increasingly important role in the world economy, and government delegations and industrial leaders worldwide gathered to discuss the industry outlook and seek cooperation at the three-day event. The forum, themed “Maritime Silk Road (MSR) — From Macao We Begin”, will take the lead in discussing the transformation of the MSR region, and exploring strategic intercontinental cooperation and business opportunities in tourism across nations, domestic provinces and cities along the MSR route. “Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of China’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR economic belt,” Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GTEF, said in an opening address at the forum. “Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new MSR and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of global economy,” Ho said, stressing that this can extend the influence of the tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits. A series of topical panels will begin on the second day of the forum. China Daily will host a session entitled “Dialogue with Travel and Tourism Leaders”, which is expected to be a timely industry response to the intriguing MSR prospect from the perspective of “Maritime Silk Road”: Tourism for Future Tourists. Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai-on said the forum will be a great opportunity for the city to promote its tourism industry and it is expected to inspire the related industries with innovative thinking and new ideas. He pointed out that the theme of this edition of the forum is meaningful and contemporary. “Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road, it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past,” said Chui. The forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the MSR in response to the demand on a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times to foster cooperation across Asia and to promote global peace and development. “The global economic situation is complex and rapidly changing this year, but the growth in China’s tourism industry has been fast and steady,” Du Yili, vice-chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, told the forum. He said total revenues generated by the country’s tourism industry in 2014 is expected to reach 3.2 trillion yuan ($521.5 billion). Last year’s revenues amounted to 2.3 trillion yuan, and more than 100 million people from the mainland are expected to make outbound tourist trips this year. “I believe the growth of China’s tourism industry will provide a strong support to the global tourism industry,” he added. http://www.chinadailyasia.com/hknews/2014-10/28/content_15183094.html
2014-10-31GTEF kicked off here today. The first Asia Tourism Trends report will be one of the highlights of this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum. The trend report was conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). One of the highlights of this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) was the release of the Joint Annual report on Asia Tourism Trend, conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). According to the report, Asia and the Pacific has seen strong growth in inbound tourism across the region, receiving some 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23% of the world’s total. According to UNWTO’s long-term forecasts, this share is expected to reach 30% by 2030, a percentage equivalent to 535 million international tourists. The two entities leading the research also hope to promote tourism as an economic driver, promoting discussions and debates, and effectuate reform in policies and practices. In his address at the opening ceremony of GTEF yesterday, the Chairman of the Forum, also the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Edumud Ho Hau Wah, said “Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of the Country’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR Economic Belt. Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the Forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new Maritime Silk Road and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of the global economy. This can extend the influence of the tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits.” Chief Executive Chui Sai On said in his speech that the theme of this year’s edition of GTEF is meaningful and contemporary. “Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road; it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past,” he said. ”This latest edition of the Forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the Maritime Silk Road in response to the demand for a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times in fostering cooperation across Asia and promoting global peace and development.” A series of topical panels will begin today, including the ‘Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs’ session and the ‘Dialogue with Travel & Tourism Leaders by China Daily’ session. A Tourism Presentation and Scenery Pictures Exhibition by Jiangxi and Shandong are also on display at The Venetian Macao. A presentation by Kazakhstan, Fujian Province Dance Drama – ‘Dreams Seeking the Silk Sea Route’, GTE-Forum 2015 Partner Country Presentation and the Networking Reception organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) comprise some of the other programmes. The event is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government with support from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). http://macaubusinessdaily.com/Economy/Global-Tourism-Forum-kicks
2014-10-30China overtakes the West in global tourism It was bound to happen. China, the most populated country on earth, has added another industry leader title to its belt, taking over the West as the contributor to the global tourism industry. Last year China recorded 97.5 million outbound travelers to occupy the number one position in world tourism market, spending a collective US$128 billion abroad. The data, released yesterday at the third Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, shows China’s outbound travelers are also fuelling a revival in Asia’s tourism industry, which is expected to receive approximately 535 million tourists by 2030. The Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends drafted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Center shows the region attracted a total of 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23% tourists from around the world. This share is expected to reach 30% by 2030, reaching 535 million international tourists. The Global Tourism Economy Forum is taking place at The Venetian Macao for three-days and brings together government officials and tourism experts from across the globe to discuss the industry’s current trends as well as its future. http://www.marketing-interactive.com/china-overtakes-west-global-tourism/
2014-10-30「海上絲路」旅遊業:面向未來旅客 2014年10月28日,澳門 - 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」於全球旅遊經濟論壇舉辦與旅遊業領袖對話,題為「海上絲路」旅遊業:面向未來旅客。 今日中午十二時至一時十五分,旅遊業界翹楚聚首澳門威尼斯人酒店三樓宴會廳,一同探討新“海上絲綢之路”對全球旅遊經濟的意義以及旅遊業未來發展策略,挑戰和機遇。 在亞洲及中國經濟迅速發展的影響下,未來十年,全球旅遊業將會持續興旺並展現一番新的景象。跨國旅遊隨著各國政策的開放,逐見普遍頻繁。加上國家主席習近平於去年十月提出的新「海上絲綢之路」這一戰略性規劃,旅遊業界若能充分實踐,不但能促成業內的蓬勃發展,更有助惠及全球三分之一人口。 在這旅遊業黃金時代,全球旅遊業界領袖意識到必須重新定義「未來旅客」,切實了解二十一世紀的遊客所需,才能更有效提升新「海上絲路」為全球旅遊經濟所帶來的效益。除此之外,為進一步推動互惠互利及可持續發展的營商環境,業界領袖也表示將進一步相互交流及學習,促進品牌合作、行業融合, 同心合力,迎接「海上絲路」新機遇。 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」十分榮幸能邀請業界頂尖領袖參與是次論壇,包括:環球藍聯總裁及首席執行官大衛‧巴克斯比先生;悅榕酒店及度假村集團首席執行官阿畢德‧巴特先生;雅辰酒店集團副主席葉海華先生;去哪兒網首席戰略官趙軼璐女士以及中華全國工商業聯合會旅遊業商會主席王平女士。幾位業界精英結合當下旅遊政策、行業熱點,分析了旅遊相關品牌的發展、合作及未來發展動向,會眾更是獲益良多。 -完- 關於「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」 「中國日報亞洲領袖圓桌論壇」是由中國日報亞太版發起,舉辦的邀請制論壇,旨在搭建一個由亞洲國家和地區的政、商、學界領袖和社會精英參與的高端對話和交流平台,圍繞亞洲地區經濟、商業、產業和社會發展等具有戰略影響的重要議題展開討論和分享見解,以增進中國與亞洲和西方國家的交流和理解。(http://www.cdroundtable.com)
2014-10-28