Issue 21
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) presented the opportunity for Thai hotel groups to showcase their wares in front of buyers from across the world.
The 2015 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) presented the perfect opportunity for Thai hotel brands to reach a targeted market. Held in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw from 22 to 29 January, the event brought “sellers” from across the region to meet potential “buyers”, which included global tour companies and travel agents.
The theme of this year’s ATF was ASEAN-Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership. Songsri Toperngpong, vice-president Sales and Marketing for the Sukosol Hotel Group, said the event afforded her the chance to explain the hotel groups range of products to potential buyers. The group founded by Kamala Sukosol features the Siam Bayshore and The Bayview in Pattaya as well as the Wave, The Siam and the flagship The Sukosol hotels in Bangkok.
Issue 20
Tropical Thai orchids are in high demand around the world. Developing the quality of Thai orchids could enhance both sales volume and value.
The uniqueness of orchids lies in their appearance, shape, colour and durability. However, many factors, such as temperature, humidity and water play important roles in determining the quality of the orchid, according to the head of the exporter association.
“Thai orchids are originally derived from wild orchids which bloom once a year and become houseplants and then economic pants subsequently,” explains Jade Meyanyieam, President of Thai Orchid Exporter Association. “There are many new orchid species, both flowers and plants, due to the many orchid farmers who are developing their own types. The main focus for developing a new species is to be able to grow increased blossoms and have colours and shapes according to market demand.”
Issue 18
The formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 will provide many opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chair Supant Mongkolsuthree gives a glimpse of what is to come for Thai SMEs.
SMEs are the backbone of the Thai economy,” says FTI Chai Supant Mongkolsuthree. “They represent more than 2.7 million entrepreneurs, which also account for 81% of employment. The promotion of SMEs, which has been added to the national agenda, indicates the vital role of SMEs in the economic growth of the country.”
The FTI has set strategies to improve and enhance the competitiveness of Thai SMEs and to provide opportunities for them to prepare for the AEC in 2015. The first strategy is to take a proactive approach in seeking new markets.
“The FTI has joined the SMEs-Proactive project initiated by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), where Thai entrepreneurs are given opportunities to display their products at international trade shows,” says Mongkolsuthree. “Furthermore, the FTI organises business-matching activities to create business opportunities for Thai SMEs in ASEAN markets.”
Moreover, the establishment of Special Economic Zones along the border areas is believed to widen the distribution channels for Thai products which would lead to higher employment and an increase in economic output. This would allow SMEs to widen their perspective from domestic to foreign markets, which will in turn enable them to grow and be more competitive.
A second strategy is to help SME entrepreneurs reduce their manufacturing costs. According to Mongkolsuthree, Thai entrepreneurs should focus on research and development, and innovation to further production capacity. Greater use of technology and e-commerce can also help increase long-term profits. The FTI offers various courses for SMEs to improve their technological knowledge.
To further assist Thai operators, the FTI has conducted various workshops and training sessions to help SME entrepreneurs sustain their businesses.
The final way that the FTI assists SMEs is through paving the way for financial aid. “The FTI is willing to assist with financing,” says Mongkolsuthree. “We have negotiated with major financial institutions to help them [SMEs] by offering low interest loans to meet their financial needs. The FTI has also discussed with the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation to increase the loan guarantee rate for SMEs operators.”
For more information, visit www.fti.or.th
Words by: Manisa Phromsiripranee
Issue 19
The global fragrance market is expected to reach US$33 billion by 2016, Thailand is in a unique position to capitalise on its market position.
Delve beneath the label of the world’s finest perfumery and you may well discover Oud oil. Made from agarwood resin, this oil can be more expensive than gold, with prices rising as high as US$50,000 for the highest quality perfume. These inflated prices reflect a combination of the depletion of natural resources and heavy demand from markets in the Middle East, the EU and the US. They also represent great business opportunities.
Suadi Arabia is the world’s largest market for Oud oil with imports reaching 5,763 kg in 2013, 250% that of 2012. Thailand alone exported 7,536 kg of Oud oil in 2013, a 65% increase on 2012. The Thai Oud oil export market is valued at approximately US$150 million.
One of the country’s leading producers of Oud oil is the Treedom Group. The company has ten years experience operating with over 120 in house specialists as well as some of the largest manufacturing plants in ASEAN. According to Dr Andrew G. Steel, the Treedom Group’s CEO, Thailand has clear strengths in the production of Oud oil.
Issue 17
Thai Halal products aim to grab the growing Halal product market share.
The global Halal product market is expanding rapidly, with increasing demand from consumers and entrepreneurs seeking to export more Halal products to the global market. In order to increase the value of Thai Halal exports, the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIP) has taken a leading role in pushing Halal food products from 150 Thai entrepreneurs into both the ASEAN and global markets.
Arthit Wuthikaro, Director-General of the DIP, said “the department has set strategies to promote Thai Halal SMEs and make their products more acceptable to international markets. The plan includes providing more knowledge of Halal food standards, expanding local and international markets, organizing business networking activities, and creating a database of the food industry in ASEAN and other Islamic markets. Furthermore, the department will also organise business matching activities between Halal SMEs and OTOP producers and share knowledge on production and marketing.”
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