For several years we have been reporting on the events in Asia Pacific, the most dynamic region that the coatings industry has ever seen. The key meeting for the region takes place under the auspices of APIC, the Asian Paint Industry Council. APIC is to Asia Pacific what CEPE is to Europe and NPCA to America. It meets once a year in different Asian countries and is the only event of its kind in the region.
The 14th and latest meeting took place in Suzhou China, in October 2010 hosted by the China National Coatings Industry Association.
Eight APIC member associations were present including the three largest nations, China, India and Japan. In total there were some 65 participants at the meeting. Included in the participants were 21 from overseas country associations, 39 from China, 2 representatives from the International Paint & Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) and 3 members of the international coatings media, ably supported by the CNCIA and sponsors staff.
Some 27 companies of major importance in the China coatings industry were represented by senior company executives, mostly paint producers but also including 5 companies from the supply side.