Based in Colombo, the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) represents 288 printers and 125 suppliers. It has links with a range of public authorities and associations such as the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the South Asia Print Congress and the Sri Lanka Institute of Printing to support and promote printing in country.

The Nepal Printers' Association (NPA) has 211 members operating in all types of print and provides training in both printing and business skills among other services. It also lobbies the government to help secure work for its members and help shape policy in a way that supports the industry.

NPA president Uday Narsingh Shrestha said that joining Fespa would enable it "to offer our members even greater value, thanks to Fespa's international links and industry expertise."

Fespa head of membership services, Chris Smith, said that the industry body now has members ranging from one in the Netherlands at below sea level to the top of the world, with the addition of the NPA. He added that the new members can expect to receive support from Fespa such as help sourcing expert speakers to headline events, technical and managment skills, and other information such as its Planet Friendly guide that will help printers access work for blue chip clients.

Fespa chief executive Nigel Steffens said: "We are thrilled to welcome both SLAP and the NPA to Fespa's international community. We are committed to expanding our global reach and influence, particularly in emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region. We're confident that our partnership with the SLAP and the NPA will be mutually beneficial and look foward to collaborating with these new members in the coming months."