Asia Plantation Capital Triumphs Again, Taking Home Another Prize in the European Magazine's Emerging Markets Awards 2015

SINGAPORE, July 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Never content with 'resting on its laurels', and fresh from winning CFI.co's 2014 award for the 'Best Sustainable Forestry Management Team, Global', Asia Plantation Capital has garnered yet another significant accolade. The European has just named Asia Plantation Capital as the 'Best Forestry Investment Company' in the magazine's Emerging Markets Awards 2015.

In announcing the award, The European magazine said, "Asia Plantation Capital has demonstrated a level of excellence that has set them apart from the competition. Over the last several years, The European has been celebrating achievement, innovation and excellence through its annual awards programme that are designed to give corporate organisations an insight into various achievements within a range of organisations. Our award programmes are tailored to provide a comprehensive analysis of the very best in all major market sectors globally."

The European -- named after the continent's cultural traditions of freedom of expression and open debate -- is a highly respected and authoritative discursive magazine and forum (both in print and online). Despite its name, it focuses on global geopolitical issues, and features expert commentary and analysis on politics, science, culture, economics and business. Contributors have been prominent world figures such as Jose Manuel Barroso (former President of the European Commission), and Joseph Stiglitz (the Nobel Prize-winning former World Bank Chief Economist).  Previous winners of The European awards include Deutsche Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Hong Leong Group and OCBC Bank.

"Our judging panel has extensive experience across a range of sectors," continued a spokesman for The European, "supported by a highly dedicated research team that works around the clock to ensure that our awards programme is a success. Asia Plantation Capital has demonstrated a consistent commitment to improve and update their practices with research from its international Board of Scientific Research Advisors, while embracing new industry developments and standards."

Established officially in 2008 (although operating privately since 2002), the group now has plantation and agricultural projects on four continents, with operational projects at various stages in Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, North America and Europe.

Part of the Asia Plantation Capital Group, Asia Plantation Capital (APC) also serves as plantation and agricultural managers and advisors to several Private Equity Funds that focus on the forestry, farming, and renewable energy sectors. To date, in excess of US$600 million worth of plantations and biological assets are currently owned and/or under management on behalf of private clients, and this is expected to rise significantly over the next decade, with a near horizon forecast of US$1 billion.

Asia Plantation Capital has recently been granted Shariah compliance approval for one of its products by the IBFIM (formerly known as the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia), which is the advisory body for Shariah compliance on all matters pertaining to Islamic banking in Malaysia. The company has also recently opened a distillery and factory in Malaysia, further strengthening its vertically integrated business model that maximises the ability to leverage every opportunity throughout the supply chain.

"We are both delighted and honoured to be receiving this award from The European in recognition of our efforts," said Mr Barry Rawlinson, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Plantation Capital. "We are, and continue to be aware that sustainable forestry and the management of agricultural resources have a very direct and immediate impact on the world in which we live. Not only do they offer ample opportunities for people to capitalise on business opportunities, but they also provide many other benefits for society as a whole. At Asia Plantation Capital we strongly believe in the triple bottom line of 'people, planet, profit', and we will ensure that it will always be an integral part of our overall ethos."

Gary Crates, CEO for Europe, Asia Plantation Capital receives the award for Forestry Investment Company of the Year 2015 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFJ_ETwPAA8

Notes for Editors:

About Asia Plantation Capital

Quick facts:

• US$ 600 million - combined value of assets owned and under management
• US$ 53.5 million - turnover in the last financial year
• US$ 64.7 million - turnover forecast for current financial year

Asia Plantation Capital is the owner and operator of a diverse range of commercial plantation and farming businesses across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world, and is part of the Asia Plantation Capital Group of associated companies. Its focus is on multicultural and diverse plantation projects geared to the domestic and commercial demands of the countries in which it operates. Working closely with, and supporting local communities, is an underlying core principle of the Asia Plantation Capital business, providing social and cultural support, as well as investment, to move these communities away from deforestation and illegal logging activities, previously seen as a main source of income in some regions of Asia. Established officially in 2008 (although operating privately since 2002) the group now has plantation and agricultural projects on four continents, with operational projects at various stages in Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, North America and Europe.

Promoting the use of sustainable and certified wood is the best way of preventing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and combatting poverty in the tropical rainforest regions. For the yachting sector (a major user of teak) which strives for excellence and which is already involved in environmental efforts, this is also a way of ensuring that no wood from illegal logging is used.

For further information, please contact:

Adrian Heng
Group Marketing Director
Email: adrian.heng@asiaplantationcapital.com
Office: +65-6222-3386
Mobile: +65-9750-7440

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