Industry associations and exhibition organisers from across Asia discuss market trends, exhibition collaboration and greater cross-border cooperation

The Federation of Asia Print Exhibitions (Asia Print) brought together representatives of printing industry associations and exhibition organisers from across Asia for its latest working meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 13.

Representatives from China, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and other Asian markets participated in discussions covering the changing dynamics of the regional printing industry, international exhibition cooperation, sharing of industry resources and opportunities for coordinated market development.

The meeting also provided a platform for members to exchange information on their respective markets and explore ways of strengthening cooperation across the Asia-Pacific printing community.

Asia Print Builds a Regional Industry Network

Established in 2009, Asia Print has developed into an international cooperation platform connecting printing industry organisations and exhibition stakeholders across Asia.

The federation currently brings together organisations from 15 countries, including China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam and Laos.

Its activities focus on facilitating industry and exhibition cooperation, sharing resources and information, encouraging technology exchange and creating opportunities for business collaboration between markets.

Over the years, annual meetings and industry exchanges have provided members with a platform to understand developments in neighbouring markets and strengthen connections between regional printing communities.

Focus on a Changing Printing Industry

The Kuala Lumpur meeting took place against the backdrop of continuing digital, technological and environmental transformation across the global printing industry.

Representatives shared updates on developments in their respective domestic markets, changing customer requirements and upcoming industry exhibitions. Discussions also covered potential areas for greater cooperation, including joint promotion of the Asian printing industry, cross-border business matchmaking and the exchange of emerging technologies.

The discussions reflected a broader trend across Asia, where traditional commercial printing is increasingly being complemented by packaging, labels, digital printing, automation, personalised applications and other higher-value segments.

For industry associations and exhibition organisers, closer regional cooperation can provide opportunities to share market intelligence, improve international visitor and exhibitor participation and create stronger connections between suppliers and printing companies across national boundaries.

PRINT CHINA 2027 Invites Asia-Pacific Industry

A key part of the meeting was the presentation on PRINT CHINA 2027 by Prof. Yang Bin, Chairman of Asia Print.

Prof. Bin YANG formally invited representatives from across Asia to participate in the 6th International Printing Technology Exhibition of China (Guangdong), PRINT CHINA 2027, which will take place from April 12–16, 2027, at the Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Centre in Dongguan, China.

The exhibition will focus on a range of technologies and applications shaping the future of printing, including green printing, smart printing, digital packaging and new materials.

PRINT CHINA 2027 is expected to bring together equipment manufacturers, technology companies, material and product suppliers and integrated solution providers from China and international markets.

For Asian printers and converters, the exhibition is positioned as an opportunity to explore developments in printing and packaging technology, identify potential suppliers and engage with companies across China’s extensive printing equipment and solutions ecosystem.

Asia Print Members Invited to PRINT CHINA 2027 Press Conference

Prof. Yang also invited representatives of participating countries to attend a dedicated PRINT CHINA 2027 press conference scheduled for the afternoon of October 13, 2026, at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai.

The event is expected to provide an early briefing on the exhibition, including the latest developments in its preparations, participating companies, technology highlights and international visitor programme.

For industry associations and media representatives, the press conference will also provide an opportunity to connect with the PRINT CHINA 2027 organising team and other industry stakeholders ahead of the exhibition.

Associations to Strengthen Participation and Cooperation

Representatives attending the Asia Print meeting expressed their recognition of the growing importance of the PRINT CHINA and CHINA PRINT exhibition series to the international printing industry.

Participating organisations indicated that they would continue to follow developments related to PRINT CHINA 2027 and its October press conference, while encouraging printing companies and industry stakeholders in their respective markets to participate in future exchanges.

The meeting also reinforced the potential role of Asia Print as a platform for connecting regional industry resources and encouraging greater interaction between printing communities.

Towards Greater Regional Integration

The Kuala Lumpur meeting underlined the value of regional cooperation at a time when the printing industry is undergoing significant structural and technological change.

While individual Asian markets face different challenges, many share common priorities: improving productivity, adopting automation and digital technologies, developing sustainable production practices, finding skilled manpower and moving towards higher-value applications.

Stronger links between industry associations and exhibition organisers can help address some of these challenges by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, technology and business opportunities.

With Asia remaining one of the world’s most important printing and packaging regions, Asia Print’s continued efforts to connect industry stakeholders could play an increasingly important role in supporting cross-border cooperation and the international development of the regional printing industry.