Saint-Gobain Asia-Pacific’s Post

As Paris is getting ready for the Olympics Game (depending on who you talk to, but I'm sure Parisennes will nail it), I had the opportunity to spend the week in the city to reconnect with contacts and friends at brands and partner agencies Fireworks team used to work with, and to meet new ones to develop new China projects for 2024 and beyond. Though the sentiments from the French brands are low in regard of initiating new China projects (concerns of current geopolitical tensions, bad experience during the Covid years, and doubts about the overall economic well being in China), but there were also stories of encouragement - big French auto groups are sending their top executives to China to learn about Chinese EVs; and different levels of tourism bureau in France are still promoting heavily the country in occasion of the Olympics Game. Just like this quote from Lao Tseu, it's going to require many steps for bilateral ties to be strengthened again, but we should never doubt new business opportunities will be developed and new partnership will be formed between the two countries.

𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕?🌍 Spain ranks 4th in the European Union in 2024 with 54 UNESCO World Heritage (UWH) and European Heritage Label (EHL) sites, just behind Italy, Germany, and France! These prestigious recognitions, based on the most recent data, highlight Spain's rich cultural and natural heritage, making it an incredibly attractive destination for events that incorporate a unique cultural component. 🔹 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (UWH): Recognized for their outstanding universal value, they are protected for future generations. 🔹 European Heritage Label (EHL) Sites: These sites hold symbolic European significance, contributing to the history and culture of Europe. At AIM Group Spain, we are proud to bring the magic of Spain's cultural heritage to life through our expertise as a #DMC, #PCO, and #Corporate Event Organiser. Whether you're planning a corporate gathering, a cultural experience, or a large-scale congress, Spain offers an inspiring backdrop to create unforgettable moments. Tap into the unparalleled cultural wealth of #Spain and elevate your next #event with us! ✨ Source: EU Tourism Dashboard European Heritage Label Bureau - EHL Bureau, UNESCO, European Commission

At Quadrian we believe passionately in the importance of fostering global linkages among zones worldwide and creating regional synergies, so it was exciting to see the strong representation of Latin America’s free zone leaders at the World Free Zones Organization ("World FZO") Annual Congress in Dubai last week. Leading the charge was the Asociación de Zonas Francas de las Américas - AZFA, alongside Curinde N.V., ANDI - Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia and free zone trailblazers and innovators from across the region. Julio Rodríguez, newly appointed Executive Director of AZFA, and Claudia Pellerano, President of AZFA and Board Member of World FZO, brought great vigour for global collaborations with peers and partners across the world. The delegations also included a roster of young leaders who are coming up the ranks and reinvigorating the LatAm free zone landscape. While in Dubai, CEOs of Latin American free zones also made site visits to leading hubs such as DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority – a strong indicator how topics such as AI which are core to Quadrian’s innovation drive are shaping the future of zones. As the event progressed and prepared for the closing, it was increasingly clear that this is a new chapter for free zone ecosystems across the globe, represented in force by Latin America and in concert with Africa and the Middle East to write a new chapter of innovation and global collaboration. We are now preparing for free zone leaders and investors from around the world to join us in Curaçao for the XXVII Conferencia de Zonas Francas de Iberoamérica taking place 13-15 November 2024. This milestone event for the region will showcase the latest trends and best practices for zones globally, explore new investment opportunities and examine the impacts of innovation and technology. Quadrian is honoured to be a supporting partner. For more details check out: https://lnkd.in/ehpcYxR3 #FreeZones #Investment #Collaboration #LatAm #FDI #Curacao #AFZA Jorge Alberto Diaz Rivera Karim Palmieri

Travelling for work, study or leisure? What to know before you go…   🏃🏼♀️ International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is recognised by the UN on 6 April https://lnkd.in/d4qzAji   With a rich variety of historical, regional and cultural influences there may be upward of 8,000 sports globally.   Travelling presents an opportunity to reflect on the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and the lives of people globally. Sport is a powerful mechanism that can strengthen social ties, promote sustainable development and peace, and support solidarity and respect for all.   With an historical link to the birth of the modern Olympic in 1896, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was declared on 6 April, 2013 by the UN General Assembly.   Want to know more?   ▶ Watch the launch of ‘Scoring for People and the Planet’ on the UN YouTube Channel https://lnkd.in/d7_XMtN5 ▶ Sport and Development: A global hub sharing knowledge and good practice, facilitating coordination of partnerships in sport and development for those pursuing social, economic and environmental objectives https://lnkd.in/dGmKrGa ▶ Sport Tourism: promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. This UN agency offers global leadership and support to the sector worldwide https://lnkd.in/dafmhzfd ▶ View International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach’s message, https://lnkd.in/gamBS928   Sports diplomacy is increasingly present, formally and informally, in politcal policy.   🇫🇷 France Diplomacy https://lnkd.in/g2ZgkYWZ 🇦🇺 Australian Sports Diplomacy 2030 Strategy https://lnkd.in/gBdqRXuw 🇪🇺 Developing EU Sports Diplomacy https://lnkd.in/dS5xDcxi 🇬🇧 UK Sport and International Relations https://lnkd.in/g-tY34bf 🇺🇸 U.S. Sports Diplomacy https://lnkd.in/gJ_4FFRK   Understanding local sports can uncover the way a community lives, what’s important to them and assists understand a country and people’s history. Start your journey before you leave by explore the sports played in your destination.   👍🏼 Follow Three degrees of latitude for tips to enhance your overseas experience.   #intled #travel #tourism #business #studyabroad #sport #sportday2024

Discovering South Korea: Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations South Korea is a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Here are three must-visit destinations that showcase the best of what Korea has to offer.

PROCOLOMBIA is one of Colombia’s most impactful organizations. Their commitment to help Colombian talent reach new markets has allowed companies like Paperplane to grow their capabilities and impact. 💪

11 Best Cities to Visit in Italy

🎉 Excitement is building as Portugal 🇵🇹 prepares for Expo 2025 Osaka! Portugal Expo 2025, #Portugal, one of 161 countries participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, has launched its official website, 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.𝐩𝐭, developed by AICEP, the organization responsible for Portugal’s participation under the leadership of the Commissioner General, Joana Gomes Cardoso. 🌊 🐟 With the theme 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲, Portugal’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka aims to highlight the importance of marine sustainability and ocean preservation, in alignment with global commitments to combating climate change and protecting ecosystems. The website is available in three languages – Portuguese, English, and Japanese – serves as a central hub for communication professionals, partners, and the general public, offering access to information about the Portugal Pavilion and its initiatives at the Expo. Soon to be available on the website are press kits and releases, regularly updated newsletters, an image bank, and multimedia content, ensuring clear and accessible communication. This online platform will play an essential role in strengthening dialogue and promoting Portugal’s vision at this major international event. Expo 2025 Osaka, held in the Japanese city from April 13 to October 13, is set to be an impactful event, expected to draw over 28 million visitors, primarily from Japan, with 161 participating countries all united to discuss innovative solutions to global challenges. Portugal, committed to the oceans and sustainability, will bring a strong message to Japan on the importance of environmental preservation, inspiring the audience to adopt more conscious and sustainable practices. With the website launch, AICEP reinforces its mission to promote Portugal’s image and enhance its international reputation, spotlighting the nation’s culture, economy, innovation, and commitment to sustainability in an ongoing dialogue with the world. 🔗 Visit the website ⬇️  https://lnkd.in/gHFDTE43 and stay tuned for more updates! 🌏💙 #BlueEconomy #Oceans #Maritime #Susutainability #Innovation #MadeInPortugal #BuyFromPortugal #InvestInPortugal #BusinessMatchMaking #PortugalOpenForBusiness #AICEP By AICEP | Malaysia

Is it worth it to be an Olympic city host? 🤯 The Olympics are more than just a global sports celebration; they are a significant economic catalyst for host cities. With the Paris 2024 Olympics underway, it's crucial to understand the multifaceted economic impacts these games bring. ✅ Economic Benefits: The Paris 2024 Olympics are projected to generate between €6.7 billion and €11.1 billion in net economic benefits for the Paris region. ✅ Tourism Surge: Paris welcomed 11.2 million tourists during the Olympics. This influx boosts hotel occupancy, local spending, and future tourism as visitors explore beyond the capital to lesser-known areas. ✅ Employment Opportunities: The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have created around 150,000 jobs worldwide, with 78,000 employees in organizational roles and 60,000 new jobs in the tourism sector. I can't help but wonder what Barranquilla (and Colombia) missed out on by not hosting the 2027 Panamerican Games. It is estimated that the city could have generated approximately $900 million dollars in revenues, similar to the impact reported in the Panamerican Games in Santiago de Chile in 2023, where the GDP impact was 0.3%. The city and the whole country lost approximately U$34 million in income and economic benefits expected from hosting the Games. The Olympics, and most of the massive sports events, offer significant short-term and long-term benefits, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and investment for sustainable growth and development. Hosting the Olympics undoubtedly boosts many aspects of the local economy, strengthening tourism and local commerce. What massive events have been hosted in your city that have had a major impact? Which Latin city is prepared to host the Olympic Games? 🤔 Looking forward to your comments! Sources: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eUECpjeA 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e9VCn-jw 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eB28tBU7 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e4pRQNAP -- 🏅 #Olympics #EconomicImpact #Paris2024 #Tourism #Employment #Infrastructure

:🇮🇹✨ Reflecting on Italy's unparalleled cultural legacy and its leading position on the global stage fills me with immense pride. As an Italian expat in the USA, it's a joy to share that Italy stands at the zenith of cultural influence and heritage preservation: 🥇 Global Leader in Cultural Influence 🥇 Top Country for UNESCO World Heritage Sites Italy's impressive tally of 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of September 2023 is a testament to its rich tapestry of history, art, and natural beauty. This distinction not only highlights the country's commitment to preserving its legacy but also its role in fostering international cooperation and understanding through culture. From the architectural marvels of ancient Rome to the Renaissance masterpieces that define our cities, each site tells a story of innovation, resilience, and human achievement. It's this shared heritage that Italy offers to the world, inviting exploration, learning, and inspiration. These recognitions are underpinned by rigorous data and analysis from The European House – Ambrosetti, reflecting Italy's significant contribution to global culture and heritage. As we celebrate these achievements, let's continue to support and engage with the arts and historical preservation, ensuring this legacy endures for future generations. ##ItalianExcellence #MadeInItaly