Bangkok--1 Aug--TTIS Aiming to becoming a regional hub for fashion and leather enterprises, BIFF&BIL 2007 has been upgraded into a comprehensive exhibition of ASEAN fashion and leather goods that meet world class standards. This organized fashion event will take place at BITEC Bangna, on August 22-26, 2007. Response to the Department of Export Promotion‘s invitation to join the ASEAN region’s unique exhibition of fashion goods and leather products has been overwhelming. The number of confirmed exhibitors comprising local and overseas producers and entrepreneurs, organizations and trade associations totals 540, equivalent to an increase of 14.4% from the previous year. As a result of the “ASEAN One” strategy adopted by member countries, the number of ASEAN organizations and trade associations that accepted the invitation to participate in BIFF&BIL2007 is overwhelming. In line with the “ASEAN One” strategy to strengthen regional unity and to enhance the competitiveness of fashion industries based in ASEAN countries, the Department of Export Promotion sent delegations to Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore to promote BIFF&BIL 2007 and to invite member countries to participate in this year’s fashion fair. As a result of this pro-active approach, BIFF&BIL 2007 has won full support and cooperation from fashion and leather associations of ASEAN member countries. “As a result of domestic and international public relations campaigns undertaken by the Department, the number of exhibitors from ASEAN region which are from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar and other Asian countries, i.e., Taiwan, Japan, India, Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China, has increased when comparing to last year. Higher number of regional producers and foreign trade associations will enhance BIFF&BIL standing amongst international buyers and testify to the wide-ranging capabilities of Asian fashion industries. In the long run, this project will also help to promote Thailand’s ambition to become a regional commercial and industrial Hub,” said Ms. Benjawan Ratanaprayul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Export Promotion. Leather goods producers and foreign trade associations that have reserved booths in the Supporting & Association zone include the Association of Philippine Leathergoods Exporters and Manufacturers and the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association. Organizations in the fashion goods category to be located in the International & Asia Power zone will include Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Taiwan Weaving Industry Federation, Taiwan Synthetic Texturize Industry Association, Taiwan Textile Federation, Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), and Vietnam National Textile & Garment Group (VINATEX). In order to maximize the benefits arising from the recent conclusion of Japan Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA) will set up the “JTEPA: Thailand-Japan Fashion Pavilion.” A group comprised of medium-sized and large scale Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) will occupy this booth to showcase the capabilities of local entrepreneurs who are now ready and willing to secure a larger share of the Japanese fashion market. This pavilion will also provide matching and translation services to facilitate discussions between exhibitors and Japanese buyers. Thai exhibitors numbering 484 will comprise 382 fashion goods producers (up from 287 in 2006) and 102 exhibitors in the leather goods category. Thai enterprises and producers will present their products and services in various zones such as “Fashion Design” zone. Top Thai designers and 40 young designers will present their creations. Thailand’s home-grown brands such as Vanson and Blue Corner that have won international acclaim will also show their collections in the “Brand Preference“ zone.A group of producers from the wholesale garment districts of Bobae, Pratunam and Jatuchak as small-medium-large OEM that have developed export capabilities will display fashion garments under the brand “Pick and Pay” in the concept “Street Fashion Runway. Exotic Asia incorporates the beauty of traditional Asian artistic expression into hand woven fabrics, costumes and accessories. The “Bag & Totes” section will show all kinds of bags and leather made from a variety of raw materials while the “Foot Moves” zone will exhibit footwear for all occasions. Last but not least, group of fashion manufacturers from fiber to fabrics, tannery supplies, accessories, machineries and service in fashion and leather industry will also participate in the fair. The ASEAN region’s largest exhibition featuring fashion, leather goods and fashion-related services will occupy total space of 22,000 sq.m., all under one roof. The fair organizers expect over 33,000 visitors from 60 countries worldwide. Scheduled to be held at BITEC Exhibition and Conference Hall on August 22-26, 2007, the first 3 days of the fair (August 22-24) will be reserved for trade visitors and buyers. The last 2 days (August 25-26) of BIFF&BIL 2007 will be open to the general public and retail consumers. Go to web site www.thaitradefair.com/fairin/biff07 for more information. Public Relations: Miss Nujaree Sriwanayos TTIS Co., Ltd. Tel +662 661 2442 ext.660 Fax +662 661 2439 Email [email protected]