Made-in-China.com revenues up 9%, profits down 21%

News this week: Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, operator of Made-in-China.com, released its results for the six months ended 30^th June 2012. Revenues were US$35 million, up 9.1% year-on-year. Focus Technology’s net income in the first half, however, was down 21% from same period last year at US$9.2 million. Diluted earnings per share during the period were RMB 0.50 (US$0.0787).

The majority of Focus Technology’s revenues were generated through the operation of its online sourcing platform Made-in-China.com. Membership fees generated US$17 million or 49% of total revenues, while its “Audited Supplier Services” accounted for US$8.7 million (or 25% of total revenues) – a jump of 159% over the same period in 2011.

As of 30^th June 2012, Made-in-China.com had a total of 13,589 registered members, of which the vast majority (12,741) were registered on the company’s flagship English-language site. The remaining 848 were registered on its Chinese site.

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ICCA urges more MICE development in India

News this week: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has highlighted the need for increased investment in India’s MICE infrastructure – in order to accelerate the development of the industry there.

According to Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA, India’s economic status offers strong potential to attract international MICE events, but he emphasised the need for a “more cohesive” working relationship between public and private sector players. He also highlighted the need for Indians to treat the MICE industry as a knowledge industry.

Speaking at the MICE travel event IT&CM India, Sirk was quoted, “India is certainly on the minds of MICE organisers because global companies are interested in doing business in India. But one has to understand that MICE is not just a tourism business. Business considerations take a front seat when a company plans its event in a particular destination. India needs better and modern convention venues in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

New international business division added at Tokyo Big Sight

News this week: Venue management and event organising company, Tokyo Big Sight Inc. (TBS), announced the establishment of a new company division – International Operations. The division operates under TBS’ existing Business Development Division to focus on overseas operations of the company.

Tokyo Big Sight also stated that partnership agreements have been signed with Korean exhibition venues including COEX and KINTEX, in addition to an event partnership agreement for Aerospace Industry Exhibition Tokyo (ASET) with the ILA Berlin Air Show in Germany.

Last month, Tokyo Big Sight also announced the signing of a MoU with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) designed to facilitate cooperation related to organising exhibitions. According to Tokyo Big Sight, the company will continue to pursue additional collaboration opportunities with other Asian governmental organisations.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.