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Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau organized its business forum in Taipei, Taiwan, to explore how Thailand’s exhibition industry can facilitate Taiwanese open doors to business opportunities in ASEAN.
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB organized its business forum in Taipei, Taiwan, looking to promote interest in Thailand international exhibitions among Taiwanese trade visitors and exhibitors. Business forum was held to explore how Thailand’s exhibition industry can facilitate Taiwanese open doors to business opportunities in ASEAN as well as showcase available attractive incentives for Taiwanese trade and travel associations.
The event received a great honor from high ranking officers of both countries –Taiwan and Thailand – including the Executive Director of Thailand Trade & Economic Office – Mr. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, Secretary General of Bureau of Foreign Trade Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan – Ms. Chiang Wen-Juo and Executive Vice President of Taiwan External Trade Development Council – Mr. Walter Yeh, who have shared their insight perspective on the amicably long lasting relationship and the future collaboration of both countries in the future of ASIAN era. Additionally, the audiences also got more informative details on “AEC and Business Opportunity in ASEAN through Thailand’s Exhibition Platform and Bilateral Trade between Taiwan and Thailand” by the Director of Thai Trade Center at Taipei, Taiwan – Ms. Pitinun Samanvorawong.
Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Director of TCEB exhibition department, said that “Thailand’s exhibition industry, with the upcoming rise of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, could be used to help springboard business and extend the reach in ASEAN market. Considering the fact that Thailand’s exhibition industry marks the highest growth in ASEAN at 70% growth rate annually in terms of event space sold and the top 10 visitors and exhibitors are from ASEAN countries, this puts Thailand in a leading position to help businesses tap into the emerging markets of the region.”
While Taiwan is paving the way to expand trade relations with ASEAN, Thailand and Taiwan have already established their bilateral trade relations. In 2011, Thailand’s trade value with Taiwan was worth USD 10.53 billion, ranking 5th among other trade partners from ASEAN countries. Trade between the two countries has shown a growth trend over the past decade with export growing by 16.09% and import growing by 14.75% last year. The key industries that the two countries have put emphasis on are electrical and electronic products, metal, machinery, chemicals and textile. Thailand has been a home to many international “champion” shows related to these key industries.
TCEB has been a driving force to promote international trade shows held in Thailand as a crucial engine to drive further economic growth. Core industries that make up to attract Taiwan market is including electronic, machinery & metals, textiles, plastic chemical, and medical instrument, for example. Manufacturing Expo 2012, InterPlas Thailand 2012, Fastener Fair Thailand 2012, METALEX 2012, GFT 2012, Thailand Lab 2012 are some of the key international leading trade shows that is considered to be a platform for business opportunities in Thailand and the platform to reach out for ASEAN market.
TCEB is a government organization whose role is to promote the country’s event and trade show industry. The bureau has various incentive packages in place to provide subsidy to the industry associations bringing into the country trade visitors and exhibitors including 100-A-HEAD program. To be eligible for this promotion, a visitor promoter (travel agents, International associations or chambers of commerce) should bring at least 15 people to attend trade shows in Thailand for a minimum stay of 3 days and 2 nights. A promoter will receive USD100 for every delegate. Application can be submitted via 100ahead@tceb.or.th.
“Thailand is a truly destination of choice when it comes to business investment. Thailand’s exhibition platform can offer unparalleled business opportunities in the emerging AEC. ASEAN countries together have a population of more than 580 million people that will soon become the world’s biggest market. In addition, Thailand is also a member of ASEAN +6 including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand which incorporates six other high-potential Asia-Pacific countries that have the total trade value of 6.4 trillion US Dollars – ¼ of the global trade – and a total population of 3,296 million equivalent to 48.5% of the world’s population and also provides easy access to the Greater Mekong sub-region” added Mrs. Supawan.
According to the latest statistics compiled by UFI, the exhibitions industry of Thailand continues to lead rivals in ASEAN with total of value of 132 million US dollars gained through 75 events, putting Thailand above competitors in the region. Furthermore, Thailand has maintained the leadership in the exhibitions industry of ASEAN in other aspects, such as the exhibition space totaling up to 432,500 square meters each year, as well as having eight exhibition venues which are well-recognised by UFI.
Thailand’s world-class facilities and event venues, transportation infrastructure with more than 500 international flights per week to 191 major cities around the world plus airport-to-city linkage, good-value-for-money in business and leisure, professional service with Thai hospitality are in place as the country is consolidating its position as the top-of-mind exhibition venue in ASEAN.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
