The Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA), which serves as the foremost organization for organized 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 the prestigious Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
A pivotal point of discussion during the FAPRA Head of Delegations Meeting was the selection of the host country for the Asia Pacific Retailers Association Conference & Exhibition 2024 (APRCE 2024). This decision holds substantial implications for the global retail landscape and is determined through a voting process among 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 7th Sri Lanka Retail Forum. The announcement was made by distinguished individuals, including Mr. Roy Nicolas Mandey, Chairman of FAPRA, Mr. Roberto Claudio, President of the Philippine Retailers Association, Mr. James Loke, Presidential Advisor of the Malaysian Retailers Association, and Mr. Murali Prakash, the Former President of the Sri Lanka Retailers Association.
Mr. Roy Nicolas Mandey announced that Sri Lanka has been voted as the host nation of the upcoming Asia Pacific Retailers Conference & Exhibition 2024, which will be heled from September 4th – 6th 2024. Mr. Mandey also announced that Mr. Murali Prakash has been appointed as the next Chairman of FAPRA for a period of 3 years from 2024 onward.
In his address to the Forum, Mr. Roy Nicolas Mandey said, “FAPRA is the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association. 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 FAPRA consists of 18 countries in total. Our main event in a calendar year is the Asia Pacific Retailers Conference & Exhibition or APRCE, and all of you are invited to join us as it will be held in Sri Lanka from the 4th to the 6th of September 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 Mr. Murali Prakash has been appointed Chairman of FAPRA from 2024 onward for 3 years. “
Mr. Roberto Claudio, who holds the position of President within the Philippine Retailers Association, also addressed the Forum, and emphasized the pivotal role that FAPRA plays in shaping the retail industry throughout Asia. Additionally, he delved into the transformation and evolution of the retail sector over the years.
Mr. James Loke, the Presidential Advisor of the Malaysian Retailers Association, also addressed the forum. His focus was on shedding light on FAPRA and the 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.
Law Boon Eng, Deputy President of the Malaysian Retail Association also shared his thoughts, stating “Congratulation to Sri Lanka Retail Association (SLRA) for hosting the 21st APRCE on 4th to 6th September 2024. At the last Head of Delegates (HOD) meeting in Bangkok on 31st May 2023, we were very skeptical 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 HOD meeting in Colombo, we were impressed at the local conditions which is conducive for 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.
Image Caption – FAPRA delegation