When China lifted its pandemic prevention and control measures at the end of 2022, many expected Chinese tourists, having been confined to the country for almost three years, to swarm to foreign destinations, with some reputable research institutes saying 2023 could see the outbound tourism market recover to 90 % of the pre-pandemic level in 2019 when 155 million Chinese people travelled abroad.

This happened after European manufacturers have been facing the effects of Russia – Ukraine War causing material shortages, while the Federation of ASEAN Pulp and Paper Industries (FAPPI) and members are very pleased with Thailand for organizing the great Tissue & Paper Bangkok 2022.