Issue 55

The Ministry of Commerce will promote Thailand as a hub for elderly care services to supply the growing global senior market, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn announced on July 19.

“With service-minded people, affordable medical and healthcare costs, world-class and international accredited medical facilities and tourist destinations where patients and their families can relax and recuperate, Thailand can serve this group of the population, and could be a global hub for medical and healthcare services,” Tantraporn said.

Currently, Thailand has about 400 healthcare service businesses, 49.2% of which are in Bangkok.

Issue 55

Deputy Minister of Commerce Suvit Maesincee paid an official visit to the UK from July 11 to 14 to promote trade and investment between Thailand and the European nation.

During the trip, the Deputy Minister of Commerce and his team had a meeting with representatives from the UK’s Department for Business Innovation and Skills to discuss cooperation in various fields such as culture, creativity, high-value services and strategic partnerships.

Maesincee met representatives from the Association of Thai Businesses in the UK who reported a lack of Thai skilled labour in the service sector, especially Thai chefs and massage therapists.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce was present at the signing ceremony for the Thai-UK Business Leadership Council, which aims to stimulate cooperation between the two countries and make recommendations to each government. The council plans to host annual meetings with the first scheduled to take place in Thailand in September or October 2016.

Issue 55

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has given its full backing to the DITP for organising the 58th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair 2016 (BGJF58), which will take place at Challenger Hall, Impact, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from September 7 to 11.

The FTI has teamed up with the DITP in promoting and supporting companies in the country’s gem and jewelry sector to become stronger and compete on the global market.

“BGJF58 will provide an important opportunity for Thailand’s gem and jewelry businesses to meet and exchange innovations and knowledge, and trade with companies and buyers from more than 160 countries,” said FTI Chairman Chen Namchaisiri.

Issue 55

Thai entrepreneurs are advised to explore business opportunities in India, which has a fast-growing middle-class consumer market, DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd said on July 13.

“In the past, Indian consumers liked to eat freshly cooked food, but their consumption pattern has changed now they have higher purchasing power. Frozen food is an essential component of the Indian kitchen. This trend provides a great opportunity for Thai businesses,” she said.

Choklumlerd added that tourism, wedding planners and organisers, e-commerce and online restaurants offer great opportunities.

Issue 55

Thailand was the largest exporter of rice to Hong Kong in the first four months of 2016 with 59.5% of the market share, according to a report from the DITP’s Hong Kong office.

However, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn advised Thai companies to diversify their products in order to respond to an overall decline in consumption.

“Thai companies should expand their customer base and offer new rice products to add more value, in response to the decrease in rice consumption by the new generation,” Tantraporn said.

In April 2016, Hong Kong imported 30,497 tonnes of rice. Fragrant rice imports amounted to 29,065 tonnes, of which 17,916 tonnes were imported from Thailand. Thailand accounted for 59.6% of Hong Kong’s fragrant rice imports, followed by Vietnam at 28.5%.

Issue 55

The DITP hosted Top Thai Brands 2016 in Vientiane from June 29 to July 3 to promote Thai products in Laos.

Featuring 212 exhibitors from Thailand, the event attracted about 56,000 visitors, who viewed Thai products, such as food and beverages, seasoning sauces, fresh fruit, cosmetics products, household items, sports equipment and fashion products. It’s estimated the event generated around US$3.4 million (125 million baht) of orders.

According to DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd, Laos is seeking further Thai business investment, especially in organic agriculture.

“The Ta Kaek specific economic zone, located near the third Thailand-Laos Friendship bridge, is one of 11 specific economic zones where the Laos government allows foreign investment,” Choklumlerd said.