Asia Pacific Retailers’ Convention and Exhibition 2024 kicks off

The anticipated Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition (APRCE) 2024 began on September 4, at Shangri La Hotel, Colombo, with a riveting welcome ceremony bringing together top leaders and innovators in the retail industry. 

This event organised by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association together with the Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers’ Associations (FAPRA), also includes a knowledge forum, exhibition and B2B network sessions, which will continue on September 5 and 6, at the BMICH. 

Under the theme ‘Redefining Retail in APAC: From Transactions to Transformation’, the conference will explore how the retail landscape is evolving from simple transactions to a transformative force that impacts society, culture and the economy.

Dignitaries from APAC included FAPRA Chairman Roy Mandey, FAPRA Deputy Chair and China General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ming Jiang, Murali Prakash, Deputy Chair FAPRA Convener of APRCE 2024 and HOD FAPRA Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association President Charitha Subasinghe and Hirofumi Nomoto, FAPRA Executive Committee Member, Chairman Japan Retailers’ Association and Chair of APRCE 2026 Special Advisor, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of Board and Representative Director, Tokyu Corporation among others. 

Retail as an industry contributes to 14 percent of GDP and 15 percent of the workforce and is growing. APRCE 2024 is poised to play a pivotal role in orchestrating initial discussions around investments, connecting local vendors with international retailers and sharing knowledge and experience to drive retail as a key driver of the economy. 

With over 350 foreign delegates, this year’s theme captures the essence of a paradigm shift in retail, highlighting how the industry can catalyse positive change. During the sessions, participants will discuss and explore case studies demonstrating how retail can drive community development, inclusivity and sustainability. The focus will be on innovative strategies that showcase retail’s potential to create lasting, positive effects on both business success and societal well-being.

The conference will host an impressive line-up of speakers, with senior representatives of 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.