New UFI president Comexposium Paris’s John Shaw was optimistic about the long-term despite obvious worrying downturns in most economies forecast for 2009-2010.
“Ours is a dynamic and resilient industry. Nothing communicates the value of a product or service better than bringing exhibitors and visitors together in one venue – and nothing builds business more efficiently.”
Shaw did not underestimate the challenges, telling delegates that the current global environment was one “which we’d only read about in our economics books”, adding, “18 months ago none of us would have expected to be facing such a turbulent situation.”
Some regions of the world were faring better than others and China and Russia both sent big delegations to the congress. China’s growth rate of over 10 per cent and its overtaking of Germany in the world economic rankings was evidence of this new power.
In answer to a question from our correspondent: “Was UFI having to recalibrate its thinking over membership in view of the changing kaleidoscope of economic power in the world,” John Shaw said: “Most probably 2009 will be a year when 100 per cent of growth of the world economy will come from emerging economies.” He added: “Membership of UFI has changed and we have had to adapt our functioning. There is a changed geography.”
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