China becoming key ad market

BEIJING, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The head of one of the world's largest ad agencies says China will overtake all advertising markets except the United States in one in three years.

Martin Sorrell, chief executive of WPP, the world's second-biggest advertising group, said the Beijing Olympics of 2008 and overall national economic development are driving China's ascension into the top ranks of advertising markets, China Daily reported Monday.

He said the rise of the Chinese market, which now ranks sixth globally, reflects the "two-paced" nature of the advertising industry, with slower growth in mature markets and rapid expansion in the Far East, Central Europe and Latin America.