The markets that make up the Asia-Pacific area are of great interest to Roberlo. This has resulted in the efforts made in these territories that have led to a growth during the first nine months of 20% with respect to the previous year.
The main countries that have driven this growth have been Korea, Cambodia, Australia and India. If we focus on this last country, the data is even better as the turnover has grown 30% with respect to the first nine months of 2017, and in the first quarter it has even became the top country for sales in territories where Roberlo does not have a subsidiary.
This good performance stems from the excellent sales team made up of seven salespeople exclusive to our brand who focus on distribution, and also to the network of distributors that promote Roberlo among their bodyshops thus creating a fluid and successful arrangement.
India also stands out for having increased market penetration with the Disolac and Dicrom color systems. It heads a list of countries that have committed to our paint such as Bangladesh and Indonesia with the Dicrom auto body repair system; and Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand with our Disolac industrial system.
Moreover, we are continuing to research new markets in the region and this year we have opened clients in Sri Lanka and French Polynesia.
Lastly, Roberlo seeks to develop its Social Responsibility actions wherever it is present, and this is what we have done in Asia. In this regard, we want to highlight the participation in Worldskills ASEAN of two students from the Malaysian school that we sponsor. The event took place on 31 August to 4 September in Bangkok and is an example of the support that the company gives to young Asian people.