The Thai Trade Center Dubai (an overseas division of the Royal Thai Government's Ministry of Commerce), has confirmed that the volume of trade between the two countries is expected to rise significantly, coinciding with the Thailand Exhibition currently underway at Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre.
The 15th edition of the annual exhibition was formally launched by HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Emirates Bank, and HE Mr. Karn Chiranond, Thai Ambassador to the UAE.
Commenting on the exhibition, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, Director of the Thai Trade Center explained that while some exhibitors were on the verge of signing lucrative contracts with UAE based importers and retailers, several others were expecting conclusive discussions leading to orders, during the course of the four-day exhibition.
"Last year, the total volume of trade generated during the exhibition was around US$ 1 million in direct sales, and an additional US$ 10 million in trade. This year, we expect these figures to grow by a minimum of 50 per cent," he stated, adding that the mainstay of the exhibition were construction materials, air conditioners, automotive parts, furniture and furbishing, and fresh and processed foods. Sales at the venue for public visitors will focus on popular Thai decorative items, jewellery, foods and fruits and their derivatives, and herbal and spa products.
Maneenetr also pointed out that 'construction materials' was a broad title, under which Thai companies were offering architecture consultancy, steel and construction materials, interior decoration, and several services including maintenance, cleaning and facilities management.
The 200 participants at the Thailand Exhibition represent a 100 per cent increase over last year's exhibition. The participating Thai companies and pavilions broadly represent the following categories - automobile parts and accessories, chemical products, construction materials, electronics, flowers (artificial and natural), food and beverages, footwear, furniture, garments, textiles and fashion accessories, gifts and decorative items, hardware and machinery, health and beauty products, household and kitchenware, jewellery, pharmaceutical and sanitary products, plastics and packaging products and stationery.
The four-day Thailand Exhibition will continue until September 13, from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. While trade visitors have unlimited access to the exhibition, residents of Dubai can visit and shop between the hours of 3.00 and 7.00 pm on the last two days of the event (September 12 and 13).
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© Press Release 2006
