Issue 9: 4 Aug 2014

The Honorary Trade Advisor (HTA) of Thailand in Germany tells Horizon Thailand of his work and passion for matters green.

Eberhard Trempel, the Honorary Trade Advisor (HTA) of Thailand in Germany

How did you get involved with business in Thailand?
My first business with Thailand was exporting original Adidas football shoes for the Raj Pracha Thailand team in 1979. Thailand`s famous player and later national coach, Vithaya Laoakul, was living in my parents’ house like a brother when he was playing for Berlin`s Hertha BSC in the German First Division.
 
You became HTA in 2004. How did this come about?
The honour was granted for my promotion of German-Thai business relations in Germany. Being the chairman of Germany`s Thailand Forum, I had the privilege of cooperating with Thailand’s foreign affairs and economic relations ministries for years.

What is your responsibility as a HTA?
I assist Thai authorities, the embassy, the Thai Trade office and businesses to develop business networks, promote trade, products and services, attend relevant fairs, as well as providing legal and tax consultancy services for both German and Thai partners from public and private sector.

What are the main trade links between Germany and Thailand?
Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, goods and services for the automotive sector, home accessories, jewellery, textiles, audio & IT equipment, gifts, medical services, machines, machine tools, cars and tourism.

How do you see the relations between the two nations developing over the next few years? 
The potential is considerable and not fully exploited. The efforts and investments made in Thailand on the German side are considerable. Since Thailand offers an attractive business environment more action and less talking is required. The German industry is willing to offer the tools Thailand needs to keep the level of quality strong.

How does the German Global Trade Forum help promote trade between Thailand and Germany?
The Thailand Forum, being the country Forum of the German Global Trade Forum, organises seminars, conferences and develops strategic tools suitable for Thai exporters worldwide. Last week we organised two conferences in China in close cooperation with our partner China Council for the Promotion of International Trade for example. We create, offer and execute business opportunities wherever possible. Networking and cooperation are the key factors of success.

How important do you feel it is for cities such as Bangkok to become greener?
"More green" is a "must", not for Bangkok only. To combat the damages and challenges of climate change green solutions are of urgent need worldwide: to save money, reduce energy consumption, optimise present solutions, reduce waste, use waste for recycling, reduction of raw material costs and to help to avoid further overheating of cities. Invest less but to achieve more with the present financial resources is a key message. 

What are your main activities as a HTA for this year?
The key activities for this period will focus on the participation of Thai business delegations at German fairs and the organisation of Magdeburg 3rd. "Green Cities-Green Industries Conference 2014 (November 24 to 26) with a special focus on "green jobs". We hope to welcome a delegation from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or other cities.

For further information, visit: http://www.tradewiththailand.com