AEC+Expo 2015 Set To Yield Economic Impact Of Over US$6.8 Million

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The inaugural AEC+Expo 2015 is expected to yield an economic impact of over US$6.8 million (RM28 million) and US$3.40 million (RM14 million) from visitors' expenditure in the country. Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Zulkefli Sharif, said the event would be jointly organised by Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and the Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Association (AFECA). He said AEC+Expo 2015, which would be held from Nov 11-13, was timely as Malaysia would assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) this year. "As MACEOS is also a member of AFECA, we believe this collaboration will create a huge impact on the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market and enhance our brand position in Asia as we expect a lot of first-time visitors from other AFECA members, thus creating new opportunities and potential cooperation in the future," said Zulkefli. He said this at a media briefing on the event, themed, 'Innovations in MICE -- The Way Forward' here Friday. "It is expected to attract 150 exhibitors, including from 10 ASEAN countries, Australia, China and Taiwan, and will boost the development and growth of the regional MICE industry and tourism sector," he said. Meanwhile, MACEOS President, Vincent Lim, said event was expected to attract strong participation from the local industry players as it would greatly benefit the MICE industry due to the economic paradigm shift of the integration and implementation of the AEC. "The event will also include forums and award presentations like the AFECA MICE Youth Challenge 2015," he said. AFECA, founded in 2005, comprises 28 MICE associations and over 100 corporate members. It aims to promote the development and growth of the exhibition and convention industry in Asia. (US$1 = RM4.11) --BERNAMA