Asia-Pacific region 

In the Asia-Pacific region, the market for new equipment continued to be good, especially in China and India. The Southeastern markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand also showed positive development.

In China, residential buildings constitute approximately two-thirds of the construction segment. Residential building construction continued to be active and increased especially in suburbs and new satellite cities. The office-building sector and infrastructure projects also developed favorably. All in all, the Chinese market was slightly more subdued in the latter part of the year after a buoyant first half.

The Indian market grew considerably in 2005. As in China, the residential building sector is the engine of growth, but all segments developed well.

The service business is still young in the growing Asian markets, but the demand is expanding rapidly in line with new equipment installations.

Demand in Australia was at a good level with demand shifting from highrise construction to low- and mid-rise buildings.

KONE’s order intake in the Asia- Pacific region increased extraordinarily well. Significant orders in the Asia- Pacific region included an order for the new terminal of the Beijing airport, the first destination control elevators in Australia for the City Central Tower in Adelaide, and the Delhi Metro expansion.