Bangkok--20 Aug--JWT Public Relations TCEB joins forces with Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Islamic Trade and Industrial Association and The Halal Science Centre from Chulalongkorn University to organize “World of Muslim 2007” for the first time in Thailand from September 7-9, 2007. The objectives are to hold a conference and exhibition to showcase Thai entrepreneurs’ full capacity and readiness, and to create new investment opportunities between Thai and Muslim people. This will undoubtedly strengthen the Thai-Muslim relationship, the relationship between the government and the private sectors, as well as the rural public, paving the way for a long-term connection at every level. Mr. Kwanchai Modpradit, Acting Director General of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) disclosed, “The government realizes the importance of business and investment expansion in the Muslim world. Islamic countries not only show significant potential but also provide a golden opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate our private sectors’ full capacity and promote the MICE industry. In response to the government’s policy, TCEB has collaborated with the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand, Thai-Islamic Trade and Industrial Association (TITIA) and the Halal Science Centre from Chulalongkorn University to hold a “World of Muslim 2007” for the first time in Thailand from September 7 to 9, 2007 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok. The objectives are to encourage cooperation and opportunities in economic, trade and investment, to enhance cultural awareness of the Muslim world and to strengthen relationships between the government and the private sectors, as well as the rural public. It also aims to strengthen confidence amongst foreigners and Muslims in local entrepreneurs’ production standards that comply with Islam, in order to expand international trade networks and promote culture and tourism. The event will demonstrate Thailand’s great potentials as a professional host of international conventions and exhibitions and will attract entrepreneurs and targets of the MICE industry from the Muslim countries.” Mr. Kwanchai added. The “World of Muslim 2007” consists of 2 parts: the 2nd International Islamic Economic, Cultural and Tourism Conference in Thailand 2007, an annual conference of Islamic countries in economic, culture and tourism aspects, and World of Muslim Trade & Exhibition, a key event that attracts local entrepreneurs and the related parties. The event will provide a good opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to network with traders from the Muslim world and widen trade perspectives through a clear understanding of rules and regulations in doing business with the Muslim countries. Participants will be able to exchange knowledge, experience, trade visions and be able to generate new business opportunities for export. They will also be able to attend useful seminars for Halal business run by leading business figures and experts from Thailand and abroad. Mr. Kwanchai also stressed that “World of Muslim 2007 will reinforce Thailand’s full capacity and readiness in opening the gate of trade to the Muslim countries, which will bring immense benefits to the country at every level from government and private sectors to the rural public. Apart from the Halal Science Centre, a government unit at Chulalongkorn University that provides academic and technological support, a number of local industries are welcoming Islamic investment such as health care and wellness, finance and food. Meanwhile, the Muslim units, like Islam Bank and Sakad Funds, are ready to provide financial support. The latter also receives strong support from Thai government.” Mr. Chatchai Boonyarat, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Thai Chamber Exhibition, disclosed, “The World of Muslim 2007” was initiated by Thai Chamber of Commerce as an exhibition fair to sustain the success of THAIFEX — World of Food Asia. We realize significant potentials of Halal-certified products, particularly the globally-recognized Halal certification standard of the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University. This event aims to strengthen confidence, amongst foreigners, in local entrepreneurs’ production standards that comply with Islam, to expand international trade networks and promote good international relations, and most importantly, to position Thailand as the leading manufacturer and exporter of Halal foods in the South East Asian region. “World of Muslim 2007” offers an unmatched opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to penetrate the Halal foods market to demonstrate their capability, strength and confidence in production standards amongst foreigners.” “Thai Chamber of Commerce strongly believes that the “World of Muslim 2007” will act as an important arena for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge technologies, to reinforce credibility in production standards and to create new business opportunities for the country’s economic growth. Participants will have a clear understanding of trade and marketing and will gain useful facts about the Muslim community.” Mr. Chatchai stated. Mr. Anirut Smutkochorn, President Thai Islamic Trade and Industrial Association commented, “TITIA and ICCI (Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry) have realized the importance of establishing relationships, image and good understanding between Thailand and the Muslim countries. We place great emphasis on this conference since participants will be able to exchange knowledge and gain a better understanding; furthermore, we expect that OIC-ICCI members from 57 countries will join the seminar.”The first day of conference, “Thailand Day”, will present local leading experts to demonstrate Thailand’s capability for investment and cooperation in several aspects such as, Halal products, medical care and tourism. Participants will receive useful information about Thailand and OIC-ICCI.” Associate Professor Winai Dahlan, Dean of Allied Health Sciences Faculty and Director of Business Incubator for Halal Products Centre at Chulalongkorn University disclosed, “The Muslim market in Thailand is growing steadily every year, at the rate of 12.47% from the year 2000 — 2006, generating a revenue of 11,052 million Baht yearly. Thailand ranks 12th in the world in terms of food export. Thailand’s share in Halal products market in 2006 was 330 million USD or 0.057%, suggesting an immense potential for food export, particularly to the Muslim countries. The consumption of Haral foods is not just limited to the Muslim world but has become widespread in non-Muslim countries with the major markets for Halal foods being the EU and the USA.” “To date, the Muslim population in the world is estimated at 19,000 million people with a rapid growth rate that almost doubles or triples other populations. This suggests a shining opportunity for Thailand to expand business in Muslim countries. It is essential to have a clear and correct understanding of Halal business since Halal covers a wide range of business such as industry, restaurant, tourism, garments, finance, education and much more. It is necessary that the government encourage 99% of non-Muslim Thai entrepreneurs to realize the great opportunity of Halal products. Thailand’s significant advantage is the establishment of Halal Science Centre, the world’s first centre specialized in Halal products. The centre provides a variety of Halal-related services for instance, thinking process systems, documentation, management and logistics that serve individual needs and comply with Halal standards.” The “World of Muslim 2007” is a major conference and exhibition to showcase Thai entrepreneurs’ full capacity and readiness, and to provide trade and investment opportunities in Muslim countries. More than 200 exhibitors from the government and private sectors will set up the booths to display Halal products. There are also many interesting seminar topics with the support from Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). These two organizations play a crucial role in negotiating trade, business and culture for more than 57 Muslim countries around the world. Participants will greatly benefit from this event as it is expected that more than 15,000 people will join and it will generate 400 million Baht to the country. For more information, please contact: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau Khun Parichat Svetasreni Tel: 662 694 6000 Ext. 6091 Mobile: 6681 840 4701 E-mail: [email protected] Khun Arisara Thanuplaeng Tel: 662 694 6000 Ext. 6092 Mobile: 6681 561 4745 E-mail: [email protected] JWT (Thailand), JWT Public Relations Khun Wongchan Tangsongsak Tel: 662 204 8221 Mobile: 6689 127 2089 E-mail: [email protected] Khun Kaanporn Piromautta Tel: 662 204 8232 Mobile: 661 402 0218 E-mail: [email protected] Yada Srisammasheep Tel: 662 204 8214 Mobile: 668 4640 0058E-mail: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net