2.1.2) The advent of the 10-nation AEC in late 2015 is forecast to substantially increase employment and
investment opportunities with tremendous bearing on MICE industries. The AEC has combined markets of
over 600 million people, a more liberalized labour market, improved work conditions, as well as a region
endowed with natural resources. It also encompasses marine and air logistic hubs connecting the Middle
East, the Indian Sub-continent, East Asia, and the Oceania