New Report by Mercator Advisory Group -- Emerging Card Markets in East Asia-Pacific: Beyond the Horizon

The East Asia-Pacific region (EAP) has some of the most developed economies in the world, and represents tremendous opportunities for global payment card industry. Developments of payment card markets have varied from country to country within this region. While the card market in some markets, like South Korea and Australia, are developed, other markets are growing rapidly, such as China and Malaysia. Some payment card markets are in a nascent stage, like Vietnam; nonetheless they possess great potential and should certainly not be overlooked. Despite their geographic proximity to one another, each individual market offers unique opportunities for foreign investors who wish to reap the benefits in EAP.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 27, 2007 -- The East Asia-Pacific region (EAP) has some of the most developed economies in the world, and represents tremendous opportunities for global payment card industry. Developments of payment card markets have varied from country to country within this region. While the card market in some markets, like South Korea and Australia, are developed, other markets are growing rapidly, such as China and Malaysia. Some payment card markets are in a nascent stage, like Vietnam; nonetheless they possess great potential and should certainly not be overlooked. Despite their geographic proximity to one another, each individual market offers unique opportunities for foreign investors who wish to reap the benefits in EAP.

Report Highlights:

* The East Asia-Pacific area is the largest and fastest regional card market in the world by cards issued.

* The individual markets in the EAP area differ greatly in their economic developments, card issuing penetration, card usage, consumer borrowing, and card preferences. Different strategies are needed for different markets.

* Emerging card markets in the EAP area provide both short-term and long-term business opportunities to players in the global card industry, but have been overlooked by many stakeholders in the industry.

* Stakeholders need to carefully evaluate the individual card markets and understand the underlying reasons behind the obvious differences.

* This report provides an overview of the EAP card markets as well as an introduction to the most promising individual markets in the area which have not caught enough attention by stakeholder worldwide.

Terry Xie, Director of Mercator Advisory Group's International Advisory Service and principal analyst on the report comments, "Card markets in the East Asia-Pacific area share similar cultures, beliefs, and consumer behaviors. However, foreign companies should be aware that strategies that are applicable in one market are not necessarily applicable across the entire region. To benefit from the opportunities in these markets, the differences and uniqueness of each individual market within the region should be recognized, and strategies tailored accordingly.

The most recent report from Mercator's International Advisory Service provides an overview of current state of the East-Asia Pacific card market and an analysis of recent market trends and metrics, and profiles of select card markets within the region, including China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to these reports as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits. Please visit us online at www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com.

For more information call Mercator Advisory Group's main line: 781-419-1700 or send email to info @ mercatoradvisorygroup.com.

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