Asian based market and brand research agency Orient Pacific Century published today an update of their analysis of Market Research Asian trends based on the number of Requests for Proposals received by the company.

The first half of 2003 saw the proportion of RFPs for research in China and East Asia declining slightly, possibly due to the effect of SARS, a heightening of security concerns over North Korea and a downturn in in-bound and out-bound travel and tourism. Thailand was the country representing most increased interest from companies wanting to commission market research.

The authors of the report suggest however that this trend may be temporary as the fears of SARS and it's effects decrease, tourism and air travel increases and the Chinese economy makes a strong comeback.