Asia/Pacific sales were € 181 million or 31.6% higher than the previous year’s level of € 137.5 million, which corresponds to a currency-adjusted increase of 28.1%. Without the effects  from the initial consolidation of PUMA Japan (April 1, 2003), sales rose by  11.8%. The Asia/Pacific region contributed 11.8% to consolidated sales. Footwear sales increased by 26.9%, Apparel by 15%, and Accessories by as much as 70.3%. Next to Japan (Footwear and Accessories), Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands also contributed to  consolidated sales. Apparel sales in Japan and all other markets in this region are recorded under license sales.  The gross profit margin in this region improved by 3.7  percentage points, moving from 44.5% to 48.1%, and the  operating margin rose from 17.7% to 21.9%. As of December  31, 2004, orders on hand were up 23% to € 82.8 million,  showing a significant increase over the previous year’s level. In  Africa/Middle East consolidated sales increased significant- ly by 52.6%, moving from € 29.2 million to € 44.5 million. The region thus contributes 2.9% to consolidated sales. All product segments reported significant growth: Accessories grew by 114.6%, Apparel by 92.9% and Footwear by 41.5%. The Africa/Middle East region also  contributed to company profits with  a significant increase in profitability.  The gross profit margin climbed from 27.4% to 34.4%, and the operating  margin went up to 8.6% from 3.1% in  the previous year. As of December  31, 2004, orders on hand improved by 65.5%, amounting to € 35.2 million. Foreword | Mission |  Management Report  | Share | Marketing | Consolidated Financial Statements - IFRS - | Report of Supervisory Board | Board of Management 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Africa/Middle East sales (million €) 0 10 20 30 40 50 +62.3% +9.8% +77.0% +51.6% +52.6% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Asia/Pacific Rim sales (million €) 0 50 100 150 200 +18.3% +1.2% +4.7% +190.2% +31.6% 23