According to Oscar Davis, Procurement Advisor of RMA Group, organizer of AIDF – Aid and International Development Forum-, the first Asia Pacific edition of the event will take place in Bangkok on January 30 and 31 will help positioning Thailand as the hub for relief and assistance in the region.
BANGKOK- Until recently, most of Asia –excepted for countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan or Singapore- has been perceived in the global relief help movement and prevention more as a receiver than a provider. This image could dramatically change as the RMA Group, a Bangkok-based company- a provider of equipment and services to humanitarian and commercial needs in aid will sponsored the first edition of the Aid and International Development Forum in Bangkok. The event will take place at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Conference Centre on January 30 and 31.
“We are very pleased of this development. It will certainly highlight the capacity of Thailand as a gateway to Southeast Asia to host such an event but also become the hub and distribution centre of humanitarian and commercial aid and relief measures”, tells Oscar Davis, Procurement Advisor of RMA Group.
RMA identified that there was a growing need to expose players in the field of relief and aid development. “Traditionally, Asian companies dealing with aid and relief adopt a low profile. With such an event, we will be able not only to provide a forum for discussion but also a space for companies to show their abilities and skills”, adds Oscar Davis.
RMA expects to attract 1000 participants from private companies, NGOs, governmental bodies and agencies as well as experts and officials from the United Nations. “We will do our part of work to help local NGOs. We will provide a dedicated area where they will be able to expose to the delegates their work as well as their needs”, highlights Mr. Davis.
Originally hosted in Geneva, AIDF moved in 2009 to Washington DC. The last AIDF edition hosted 1,700 people. According to Oscar Davis, the inaugural Asian Pacific edition could also welcome 100 exhibitors. Direct mail campaign has been sent to over 30,000 organizations and persons already. The conference will be hosted in Hall 2 of IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre offering 5,000 m2 of exhibition and conference area.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
