Adspend levels are set to rise by 10% in China this year, according to a new forecast from CTR Market Research, which is based in Beijing.

While this expansion would actually amount to a slight slowdown compared with the growth rate of 13.5% recorded in 2009, it is still a figure that leaves most major markets in the shade.

Recent estimates from Warc, for example, predict that mature markets such as the US, UK and France are all likely to see negligible improvements at best in 2010.

Moreover, countries like Japan and Germany could see ad revenues continue to decline over the coming year.

Companies ranging from Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola to Mercedes-Benz and Ford are all placing a heightened emphasis on the country, so it is likely that this trend will become even more pronounced going forward.