TradeWinds

image-CCPIT-China-TradeNopawat Singhasakda, the Provincial Governor of Mahasarakham, and Buniga Chamsai, the Thai Director of Consul (Commercial) of Shanghai, visited the Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Beijing to discuss possible future rice trading with Chinese importers. Thailand exports US$6,700 million in agricultural products to China each year.

The talk with Yu Kongyuan, the Deputy Director General of Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, Ministry of Agriculture of China, focused on Chinese imports of Thai Hom Mali rice from Mahasarakham, a province noted for its high-quality Thai jasmine rice. Another key export product from Thailand is cassava, a raw material to produce fuels.

A further meeting was held with Wang Hua-Xiang, the Deputy Director General of Jiangsu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ), where discussions were held about the importing and exporting of Thai agricultural goods to Jiangsu province.

Hosted by the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA), the 2014 Asia Fashion Federation (AFF) Conference was held at the IMPACT Arena, Bangkok from March 12 to 14.

The AFF is an international cooperation between Asian countries aimed at advancing the lifestyle and fashion industry of each country, promoting fashion businesses and exporting fashion items to US and EU markets. Member countries include China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The conference consisted of a series of meetings, business matching and an AFF fashion show featuring the creations of six Asian designers under the theme of Raising Asian Fashion. The six designers were Siriorn Teankaprasith (Thailand), Zhao Huizhou (China), Hey Jin Hong (South Korea) Sabrina Goh (Singapore), Nguyen Quoc Bihn (Vietnam) and Takuya Morikawa (Japan).
http://asiafashionfederation.org/

Recognised as one of the biggest lifestyle fairs in the ASEAN region, the 37th Bangkok International Gift (BIG) Fair and Bangkok International Houseware (BIH) Fair will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from April 19 to 23.

A grand celebration of the creative DNA of designers across Asia, the twin events will underscore Thailand’s strength and leading position as ASEAN’s sourcing hub for lifestyle products. Spread over 40,000sqm of floor space, more than 1,600 booths will showcase high quality products – from gifts, lifestyle products and houseware designs to innovative toys.

Last year’s BIG+BIH attracted 7,487 trade buyers from around the world, and it is expected that this year the twin fairs will welcome at least 7,500 buyers during trade days and over 40,000 visitors on public days. Immediate purchase orders are expected to top a billion baht (over US$30 million). Buyers are expected from the US, the EU, ASEAN, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and China.

“In recent years, Thai houseware products and tableware products have enjoyed continuous expansion, with an impressive 10 percent annual growth,” said Niphon Ratana-arporn, President of the Thai Housewares Trade Association. “Although the recent political movements may possibly halve that growth figure, I am positive that the industry will top 5 percent growth rate by the end of this year.”

BIG+BIH April 2014 will take place at BITEC, Bangna, Bangkok. Exclusive trade days are from April 19 to 21 (10am to 6pm). The general public can enter from 10am to midnight on April 22, and from 10am to 9pm on April 23.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is inviting professional exhibition organisers to join a co-promotional partnership to Spice Up Your Business Agenda. The campaign will enhance MICE travellers’ impressions and experiences in Thailand. “This is an opportunity for professional exhibition organisers who are organising trade exhibitions in Thailand. They would be able to offer special privileges to their international clients which would enhance their experiences in Thailand,” said Sarita Chintakanond, Director of the Information Technology Department of TCEB. “We are working with VISA card and Thai Airways to provide privileges and discounts, including air tickets, airport transfers, accommodation, spa packages, golf packages, dining, shopping and free internet 3G. This is a great marketing opportunity for professional exhibition organisers to participate at no cost.” Organisers interested in this campaign can register at: http://spiceupyourbusinessagenda.com/register.php  
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and VISA International have teamed up for the third year to organise Thailand Splash and Spice 2014. The seven-week festival will celebrate
Thailand’s best hotels, restaurants and cuisine this month.

From April 10 to May 31, 145 leading restaurants from hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui will offer discounts, such as special set menus or buffets for lunch and dinner starting from 399++ baht (US$12).

“This campaign will support the reputation of Thailand as a great destination for travellers around the world, and also help to promote hotels and restaurants in key tourist centres in Thailand,” said Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business. “The campaign aims to highlight the unique flavours of Thai food which are loved by travellers all over the world.”

Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa Country Manager, Myanmar and Thailand, said that the company was proud to partner TAT in the scheme. “We are committed to working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to help local business to get back on track and to promote Thailand as the world class destination it is.”

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