Mr. Richard Martin has more than 20 years' experience in analysis, research, publishing and consulting in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to returning to Australia he was the Economist Intelligence Units Director for South-east Asia based in Singapore . During this time he established the regional office there and set up briefing programs with associates in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines. From 1982-1985 he was Director of Asia-Pacific Consulting & Research based in Hong Kong. He joined the Economist Intelligence Units Asian operations (at that time known as Business International, a New York-based advisory firm) in Hong Kong in 1980.

His consulting and research business, IMA Asia helps clients assess political, economic and commercial developments across Asia and to integrate key market insights into their operational and strategic business plans. This is done through a range of interactive peer group briefings for regional managers, in-house briefings, and client projects.

Mr. Martin speaks at many forums each year on the outlook for markets in Australia-Asia and the implications for corporate strategy. From 1998 to 2000 he was one of the lead speakers for Investment 2000, the investment arm of the Sydney Olympic Games, speaking at more than 40 conferences in 22 countries. From 1994 to 1997 he contributed to the national debate on industry and investment policy in Australia with a series of reports, including Make or Break (1997, for the MTIA) and Australia s Foreign Investment Challenge (1996 for the Economist Intelligence Unit in Australia . In addition, he edits the monthly Asia-Pacific Executives Brief, which brings together the analysis of the 14 country directors in Economist Corporate Network.

Mr. Martin holds an Honours Degree in Politics from Sydney University and a Masters Degree in Asian Area Studies from London University (LSE and SOAS).

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