Thai government proceeds with business matching campaigns

BANGKOK, December 11 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Commerce, carries on its business matching campaigns by now bringing about 160 traders and importers from other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as China, Japan, India and Australia to meet with about 220 Thai exporters for their business matching. Thai Commerce Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya told journalists on Thursday that the new move followed a recent and successful business matching effort, involving Thai exporters and key importers from North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), set from December 1-3, which has resulted in year-long orders of 41 importers for Thai products, totally worth 11.81 million US dollars or 367 million baht, from 116 Thai manufacturers and exporters. General Chatchai said that the latest business matching campaign involves representatives of about 160 department stores, retail stores and supermarkets in Thailand and about 220 Thai exporters, as well as importers from other ASEAN member countries, China, Japan, India and Australia. Under the ongoing campaign, General Chatchai noted, the foreign businesses will inspect potential enterprises and markets of important Thai products, namely Bobae and Worachak markets, aimed at building up their confidence in the quality of Thai products and services which have potential in their countries. According to the commerce minister, Thai products being promoted include food, ready-to-eat food, rice, household appliances, gifts and fashion products. The commerce minister stated that his ministry, in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism & Sports, will, next year, bring Thailand's large, medium and small-scaled business operators to conduct roadshows in other ASEAN member countries and Asian markets. The commerce minister revealed that the ministries plan 4-5 roadshows annually, staring from January 2015, to present Thai products which suit demands in those countries, pointing out that Thai products with high potential include food, rice, products made from rice, cosmetics, vitamins, services, Thai traditional massage and Muay Thai. (TNA)