Bangkok--22 Nov--TV Direct JETRO Bangkok has planned to launch “Japan Food Fair 2007” for the third year during December 6-9, 2007 with a wide range of top quality Japanese agriculture and fishery products and original Japanese food to be presented by more than 70 booths at Bangkok Convention Center, Central World Plaza. The Fair will be organized under the concept: Discover Real Japanese Cuisine: The Gift of Nature. Thais who love Japanese food and food business operators will have a chance to experience the quality of authentic Japanese cuisines among more than 70 booths whose best delicious selections importantly include, for example, low-calorie seafood, famous ingredients, and fresh fruits directly imported from Japan. The Fair is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors from Thailand and neighboring countries. It will also serve as a significant forum for business talks and information exchange on a variety of agricultural and fisheries products. Mr. Yoichi Kato, President of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), said the increasing popularity of Japanese food among Thais and the trend for healthy food have convinced the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan to introduce Japan Food Fair 2007 for the third time in Thailand. “It’s very much indeed an auspicious occasion to hold the event this year as part of the celebration of the 120th Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Relations It’s a mega food fair to display food and raw materials in Thailand for businessmen in the Japanese food industry and Japanese food lovers. Our target groups are those business operators in Thailand and from adjacent countries,” he said. JETRO operates the Fair, which is fully funded and presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. Among 52 companies participating in the Fair, 42 companies are from Japan and 10 are companies in Thailand with either Thai and Japanese partnership and purely owned by Thais. The Fair also features “Supermarket Zone” for the visitors to enjoy shopping with varieties of fruits, vegetables, and products from fisheries from Japan at more reasonable prices. The visitors can also enjoy activities such as Japanese food shows from Japanese chefs who will demonstrate original styles, the display of products from agricultural and fisheries industries. Many of them have neither been imported to Thailand nor displayed nor for sale in Thailand, such as Unshuu Mandarin oranges. The orange will be introduced for the first time in Thailand. Importantly, all of them are directly imported from Japan. Mr. Kato added, “Japan Food Fair is held in nine cities in seven countries around the world. But the Japan Food Fair in Thailand is the most important since it was invested by 32 million yen or 8.0 million baht. The market for Japanese food in Thailand has high growth potential since Thai consumers are interested in Japanese agricultural and marine products. In addition, both countries have long-term relationship. Moreover, Thai consumers love dining at Japanese restaurants. The taste of Japanese food is favored by Thai comparing with other foreign cuisines. Also, Japanese food is good for health because they are low in calories. Thai people really love Japanese food at heart. Mr. Seiji Tazo, Director of JETRO Trade Promotion, said there are 750 Japanese restaurants in Thailand. This Year 2007, it is expected that Japan Food Fair will draw more than 20,000 visitors and bring up 2,500 business talks and 480 business deals. In 2004, there were more than 3,900 business talks and 413 business deals were concluded. In 2005, since the number of days was reduced from five to four, it brought more than 2,500 business talks and 480 business deals were reached. JETRO has expected the increase in trade talks between Thailand and Japan and planned to help the operators of Japanese restaurants in Thailand to discover more choices of raw material products under the concept “Discover Real Japanese Cuisine: The Gift of Nature”. December 6-7, 2007: 10.00-18.00: Business Days December 8, 2007: 11.00-19.00: Public Days December 9, 2007: 11.00-18.00 Public Days For more information: www.japanfoodfair.com. Admission is free