Issue 59

The DITP and Reed Tradex jointly organised the TILOG-LOGISTIX 2016 trade fair to bring together logistics service providers from the ASEAN+6 nations and beyond while demonstrating that Thai logistics are at a world standard.

“This is the 13th year of the TILOG exhibition. The show is now broader and more international in concept, while clearly emphasising Thailand’s role at the centre of logistics in the ASEAN region,” said Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn. “This exhibition will make logistic service providers realise the importance of developing their capabilities to compete on international markets.”

TILOG-LOGISTIX 2016 was held from September 21 to 23 at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok, with exhibitors from 25 countries representing 415 leading brands in the logistics industry.

Issue 59

The Ministry of Commerce and the private sector are working hard to boost exports to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV), Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said on October 13.

“We had meetings with the public and private sectors from Thailand and neighbouring countries to discuss reducing barriers and expanding trade. We also hosted other activities such as trade fairs, business matching activities and seminars to support our mission,” Tantraporn said.

In 2015, total trade between Thailand and CLMV countries was up 5% on the previous year to over US$911 million (32 billion baht). Trade in the first eight months of this year was down 4% to just over US$569 million (20 billion baht).

Issue 59

Three large American importers – Lucky’s Farmers Market, Grocers Specialty and Mid-States Service and 30 Thai companies attended a business matching activity hosted by the DITP in Bangkok on September 29.

“Thai companies from the food and beverages industry … joined this event. We expect total sales of at least US$12 million (420 million baht) in the first year,” said DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd. “Coconut juice, organic rice crackers, rice oil, dried/freeze dried fruit and seasoning sauces are getting the highest attention from the American importers.”

Choklumlerd added that the US natural and organic product market has a great potential for further growth. It expanded more than 200% in the past 10 years, and it is expected that organic food will account for 20% of the total food market in the near future.

Issue 59

DITP hosted the Thailand Trust Mark (TTM) certification presentation ceremony 2016 on October 21 at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok.

In 2016, 32 companies received the TTM, taking the total number of certified TTM companies to 696 since its launch in 2012.

“Next year, DITP will host several activities to promote Thai brands including the T/MARK Event Store in China to allow consumers to experience quality Thai products and services as well as setting up a distribution centre in Guangzhou to showcase TTM certified products and services,” ML Kathathong Thongyai, Director of the Thailand Institute of Design and Innovation Promotion, said.

The TTM is a symbol of international quality products and services — an endorsement of excellence in categories ranging from food production, heavy industry, lifestyle and fashion to pharmaceutical products and spa supplies.

Issue 59

The DITP hosted a business matching activity for Khonan Shoji, a major Japanese distributor of construction materials, home appliances and DIY products, and 30 Thai exporters from October 5 to 6 at the DITP’s office in Bangkok.

“This activity was very successful and the Japanese distributor showed positive interest in Thai products, especially food and beverage plastic containers, tableware and traffic equipment. At least US$1.42 million (50 million baht) of sales are expected within a year,” said DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd.

Currently, Khonan Shoji has 315 branches in Japan and the company recently opened a new branch in Vietnam. The DITP plans to distribute Thai products to the Vietnamese market through this channel in the future.

Issue 59

The DITP presented its Design Excellence Awards 2016 (DEmark) to outstanding Thai designers at a ceremony hosted on October 21 at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok.

“This year, 330 companies and designers submitted 616 items, while 67 items from 54 companies were awarded the DEmark logo,” said ML Kathathong Thongyai, Director of the Thailand Institute of Design and Innovation Promotion. The awards went to furniture products (nine) lifestyle (26), fashion and textiles (four), industrial (nine), food, health, and beauty packaging (six), and graphic design (13).

DEmark Award’s mission is to support Thai companies and designers in adding value and making a difference in terms of design and function. Its logo is an assurance of good design and an international quality standard.