Bangkok--Sep 7--OTOP
The “Living with Thainess Fair,” including OTOP Premium and Kitchen to the World 2005, held during August 19-28, 2005 at the Exhibition Center, Department of Export Promotion, Rachadapisek Road, has finally come to the conclusion. In the fair, OTOP products with more attractive packages and Thai cuisine were featured. Over 70,000 audiences visited over 200 booths. Trade deals which generated income of over 77 million baht were conducted. In addition, the order for the year 2006 will continuously bring additional 16 million baht. The Department of Export Promotion aims to increase the sales of OTOP products in international market by 20% by the end of 2005.
One Tambon One Product Coordinating Committee , Department of Export Promotion has cooperate with other public sectors, namely Tourism Authority of Thailand, Food Institution, Department of Business Promotion, Department of Public Relations and Mass Communication Organization of Thailand, successfully featured premium OTOP products at the “Living with Thainess Fair.” In addition, authentic Thai cuisine was showcased at the “Kitchen of the World.” Demonstrations by world renown chefs attracted a lot of public interest. The next step is to promote the “OTOP Village” as a tourist attraction.
Mr. Suvit Maesincee, Vice Minister of Commerce and Director of the One Tambon One Product Coordinating Committee, expressed that without the assistance and cooperation from different departments, the event would not be a success.
This success proves that Thailand can do extremely well. Representatives from over 100 countries agreed to assist Thailand in the trade negotiations. Therefore, the sales of OTOP, tourism and food industry should increase by 20% and should bring in around 1 billion US dollars.
The strengths of products and services were reflected through interactive displays. Participants could actively experience and test the products as well as participate in the cooking demonstration. Since Thai products have been more widely accepted, the Department expected to receive orders of over 16 million baht this year. Over 8,000 Thai restaurants would be established all over the world by the end of next year. By 2008, there should be over 20,000 Thai restaurants worldwide. This aim has been noted as a national agenda and trategic plans are being developed.
Mrs. Chantra Purnariksha, Director - Generale of The Department of Export Promotion, reveled that The Department expects that the sales of OTOP in 2005 will increase over 20%. The sales should increase from 874 million US dollars to 1,049 million US dollars. The leading products are household products, food, beverage, clothes, herbal and spa products. The Department of Export Promotion commits to promote these Thai folk wisdom products to the global market.
Mrs. Chantra also reported on the upcoming “OTOP Life Style Fair” that will showcase Thai lifestyle, OTOP Exhibition and premium OTOP products. This fair, aimed to attract exporters, local and international visitors, will be organized during September 21-25, 2005 at Impact Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani. The Department also would like to encourage the Thai to experience Thai folk wisdom and to make this fair another great success.
Contact:K.Kessiri Loilawa T.01-4261139 End.