Rich draw for Lladro figurines

LLADRO, the Spanish maker of porcelain figurines, has aggressive expansion plans for Asia to capitalise on the growing wealth of consumers.

Lladro director Juan Vicente Lladro said that during the next two years the company would open stores in Japan, Australia, Singapore and China.

Stores would probably open in Beijing and Shanghai next year before expansion to Tianjin and Shenzhen, he said.

Lladro operates a duty-free store in Beijing catering to tourists and diplomats.

''We are confident we can attract the affluent Chinese,'' Mr Lladro said.

He leaves Hong Kong today for promotions in Australia.