Product launch sector benefits from downturn

HONG KONG Companies in Asia Pacific are bucking the economic downswing and zeroing in on product launch specialists to bring their products to market. The crash of technology stocks and the closure of so many dotcom businesses last year was expected to negatively impact the event sector. But top event marketers said trade is growing rapidly, especially in luxury goods and financial service categories. Jack Morton Worldwide claimed its product launch business had increased 200% over the same period last year, albeit from a low base. "In 2001 we will do two to two and a half times as many projects (as 2000)," Hong Kong-based Jack Morton Worldwide managing director Mr Scott Schenker said. Singapore-based firm Anères also saw positive trends. "It has been a surprisingly good year in terms of clients wanting to put products out into the marketplace," Anères creative director Mr Jon de Rule said. "We have 30% more business than last year."