Issue 28

Held from November 6, 2014 to April 11, 2015, The Thai Pavilion at Global Village Dubai provided a compelling stage for Thai entrepreneurs to take their business to the Arabian market.

For more than two decades, the Global Village Dubai has combined a thriving marketplace with cultural shows and entertainment from various countries around the world.

“Global Village is the biggest trade show with a mixture of trade and consumers welcoming over 7 million visitors from around the world each year,” says Akavut Tangsilikusolwong, chair of Thailand Business Council (TBC) – Dubai and the Northern Emirates of UAE. “Our Thai Pavilion is ranked in the top five highlights of the fair. The Middle East people basically have a positive attitude towards Thailand. Our hospitality and craft is well known for our products and services.”

TBC is a non-profit organisation set up by the Thai business group under the approval and permission of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was officially founded in August 2010 with the support of the Royal Thai Embassy Abu Dhabi, Royal Thai Consulate-General Dubai, Thai Trade Office in Dubai, Tourism Authority of Thailand (Dubai Office) and Thai Airways.

“TBC comprises of the extensive Thai business sector in the UAE, for instance, restaurants, spas, hotels, oil and gas, media, event organisers, food, construction, building materials, general trading, etc.,” says Tangsilikusolwong. “Recently, about 100 companies and individuals have joined TBC. Our Team Thailand’s role is to promote and update news and information to support Thai and Thai-related business in the UAE in order to find cooperation and business opportunities for our members as well as … promoting cross-cultural exchange between UAE and Thailand.”

 

 

The Thai Pavilion at Global Village Dubai is a great tool for Thai entrepreneurs to experience UAE market, according to Tangsilikusolwong.

“If they [exhibitors] have good products or services, receive the right information and are patient enough to learn the nature of both the locals and expats here, this is a good stage for them to present their business potential,” he says. “Now we are trying to push the ‘Thai Mart’ as our next plan.” The Thai Mart will be a Thai commercial centre containing an array of Thai shops, as well as offering visa, accommodation, transportation, and business permits and license services.

For more information, please visit www.tbcuae.com

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi