Issue 19

This year looks set to be a great year for the Thai garment industry according to the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association
The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA) has set a goal to drive export growth by three to five percent in 2015. The association will collaborate with the DITP to develop skills for Thai entrepreneurs and to proceed with an ASEAN road show.

Realising that the industry needs to improve the quality of production, pattern and design, Thavorn Kanokvaleewong, Director of TGMA said that, “the association and related departments are looking to provide entrepreneurs with training sessions to enhance their skills and capabilities needed for branding, designing and manufacturing products that ensure a high standard.”

The association has 350 members, and works with related government departments to support its members to find ways of minimising manufacturing cost. “In addition, we are seeking new export markets for both wholesalers and retailers,” said Kanokwaleewong.

In the first six months of 2014, garment exports rose by 2.5 percent and is expected to expand to 3 percent in the second half of the year. Thailand will export more synthetic fibres and fabrics to ASEAN countries, whereas apparel manufacturers are likely to see an increase in orders from their major export markets, the US and EU. This is due to the depreciation of the Thai baht and the recovery of the global economy.

“In 2015, we aim to increase garment exports to Muslim countries,” said Kanokwaleewong. “At present, over two billion people or about 28 percent of the world population is Muslim. Asia alone houses around 258 million Muslims and therefore, presents lucrative business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to venture into these new markets.

“We will also continue to focus on sportswear and lingerie, which are likely to see an increase in export value as Thai operators are able to provide quality by utilising advanced manufacturing technologies. The main export markets for these products include Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.”
According to Kanokwalee, the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 willenhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and reduce international trade barriers.

“Thai entrepreneurs are specialised, skillful and efficient but they should diversify their experience and skill set in order to meet with demands from foreign markets, giving them advantage over competitors in the region,” he says.

“In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia are leaders in the garment industry, with the capability to offer a full service and various products ranging from synthetic fibres and fabrics to apparels.”

For more information, visit www.thaigarment.org
Words by: Manisa Phromsiripranee