Sri Lanka to host Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition 2024

FAPRA delegation

The Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA), which serves as the foremost organisation for organised retail in Sri Lanka, recently played host to the eagerly awaited Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association (FAPRA) Head of Delegations Meeting. 
This significant event took place at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

A pivotal point of discussion during the FAPRA Head of Delegations Meeting was the selection of the host country for Asia Pacific Retailers Association Conference and Exhibition 2024 (APRCE 2024). This decision holds substantial implications for the global retail landscape and is determined through a voting process among the FAPRA members. Sri Lanka’s noteworthy role as the Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee for APRCE 2024 underscores its unwavering commitment to advancing the retail industry.

The outcomes of the FAPRA Head of Delegations Meeting were officially disclosed during the recently convened Seventh Sri Lanka Retail Forum. The announcement was made by distinguished individuals, including FAPRA Chairman Roy Nicolas Mandey, Philippine Retailers Association President Roberto Claudio, Malaysian Retailers Association Presidential Advisor James Loke and former SLRA President Murali Prakash. 
Mandey announced that Sri Lanka has been voted as the host nation of the upcoming APRCE 2024, which will be heled from September 4-6, 2024. Mandey also announced that Prakash has been appointed as the next Chairman of the FAPRA for a period of three years from 2024 onward. 

In his address to the forum, Mandey said, “The FAPRA is the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association. The FAPRA was established in 1983 for the Asia Pacific line, making it nearly 40 years old. Our members span from all regions of Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and more. At the moment, the FAPRA consists of 18 countries in total. Our main event in a calendar year is the Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition or APRCE and all of you are invited to join us as it will be held in Sri Lanka from September 4-6, 2024. It is a good opportunity to share knowledge, network and enhance retail as a delegation from the 18 FAPRA countries will be represented. We are glad to meet all of you as this will be a first for Sri Lankan retailers and we hope to continue in the future, especially as Prakash has been appointed as Chairman of the FAPRA from 2024 onward for three years. “

Claudio also addressed the forum and emphasised the pivotal role that the FAPRA plays in shaping the retail industry throughout Asia. Additionally, he delved into the transformation and evolution of the retail sector over the years.

Loke also addressed the forum. His focus was on shedding light on the FAPRA and APRCE, highlighting their profound impact on the Malaysian retail industry. He also discussed the forthcoming APRCE 2024 and the significant influence it is poised to have on Sri Lanka, the host nation for the event in the coming year.

Malaysian Retail Association Deputy President Law Boon Eng also shared his thoughts, stating, “Congratulation to the SLRA for hosting the 21st APRCE from September 4-6, 2024. At the last Head of Delegates meeting in Bangkok on May 31, 2023, we were very sceptical that the country will be ready to host such an international event considering the local condition in the country as was conceived. However, on October 19, 2023, when they hosted the Head of Delegates meeting in Colombo, we were impressed at the local conditions, which is conducive for the SLRA to host the APRCE and all those misconceptions were unfounded. The hotel was good, the streets are safe, food was great, the locals are very friendly and speaks English. Welcome to the 21st APRCE, Colombo 2024.”