Private sector backs Manila hosting of APRCE

MANILA, Philippines - Private sector support for Manila’s hosting of this year’s Asia Pacific Retailers Convention & Exposition (APRCE) continues to build up as businesses recognize the importance of a successful staging of the event to the country’s image as a strategic retail hub in the region in time for the ASEAN integration.

The country, through the efforts of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) - the recognized national organization of retailers and suppliers in the country – will host the biennial conference and expo again after more than two decades.  The 17th APRCE, organized by the Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers Association (FAPRA), is slated Oct. 28-30 this year at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

 PRA president Lorenzo “Enchong” C. Formoso, COO of Duty Free Philippines, said they need the full support of the private sector to ensure the success of the 17th APRCE Manila 2015.

“We already have the full backing of the government, with no less than  President Aquino and DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. committing to give our guests from Asia and other parts of the world a great experience while they are here for the grand staging of the APRCE 2015 in October,” Formoso stressed.

Companies that have committed their support to the APRCE 2015 include: The SM Store, Wyeth Nutrition as co-presentors; Bench, Flight 001, and Penshoppe, platinum sponsors; Duty Free Philippines, HP, Wilcon Depot and MET Tathione, silver sponsors; Philippine Airlines, official carrier; Media Blitz Group, official PR partner; Retail Asia, official international publication; and Fascin8, as  official digital advertising partner.

“We thank the companies that have already signed up for the event and we hope more groups will help us in ensuring the success of APRCE 2015. We need greater private  sector participation as this will showcase the country to the rest of the world,” Formoso emphasized.

The APRCE is a major activity of FAPRA. Every two years, FAPRA members choose a member association to host the grand gala for retailers in the Asia- Pacific region.  The event has become Asia’s largest and longest- running retail convention and exhibition since it was first held in 1983.

For inquiries, call the APRCE secretariat at 6874180, 6874181, 6874985, or email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or visit its website at www.philretailers.com, www.2015APRCEMANILA.com.ph