Bangkok--26 Apr--PROCONFEX
Over 3,500 international buyers and 7,000 local corporate buyers are expected to place orders worth $21 million of lifestyle products at the April edition of BIG and BIH exhibitions at BITEC and shore up Thailand’s $3.3 billion exports bid for 2011.
All eyes are on the 500 key international buyers who are flown-in and hosted by the Department of Export Promotion specifically for this occasion.
HE Mrs Porntiva Nakasai, Minister of Commerce, said in her opening address of the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair being held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre from 19-24 April 2011 “I believe that we will see another export increase this year. In fact, we are expecting to earn around 3.3 billion US dollars by the end of the year. That would be a 12 percent export growth for the Thai lifestyle industry in 2011.”
Of the 500 key international buyers visiting during the trade-only days from 19-22 April, 101 would be from the US, 85 from Europe, 29 from Africa, 16 from the Middle East, 73 from China, 116 from East Asia Japan and Korea, 20 from South Asia, 30 from ASEAN and the remaining buyers coming from those who are based in Thailand.
In all, including the public days on 23-24 April, some 100,000 visitors are forecast to flock to BITEC and view the exhibits of 585 companies from Thailand, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
“Visitors will appreciate that the 6 halls occupied by BIG and BIH have ample space and are within a very short walking distance of each other,” says Mr. Sarnit Karunyavanij, Business Development Director, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
“More importantly, a Skytrain station located very near BITEC is expected to start operation by August this year, which is about the same time as the completion of our 270 million baht Skywalk that will provide visitors more convenient access to BITEC,” says Mr. Karunyavanij.
The thirty-first edition of BIG and BIH highlights the theme of ‘Asian Inspired,’ which the Mrs Porntiva says reflects the creativity of Asian manufacturers in crafting products that are distinctly Asian.
BIG and BIH are organised twice a year at BITEC, in April and October, by Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, in cooperation with seven member associations of the Thai Lifestyle Products Federation comprising Thai Gifts, Premiums and Decorative Association; Thai Toy Industry Association; Thai Housewares Trade Association; the Northern Handicrafts Manufactures and Exporters Association (NOHMEX); the Thai Stationeries and Office Supplies Association; the Design & Objects Association and the Home Decorative Design Association.
It incorporates several events, including the Design Forum Exhibition, Thailand’s Brand Exhibition, the Design Excellence Award 2010 (DEmark), the Silpakorn University National Pottery Exhibition and the Editor’s Choice 2011 -- a special activity showcasing design trends for the global market and award-winning lifestyle products.