Bangkok--12 Feb--HSBC
HSBC in Thailand today officially launched its Trade Academy, an interactive, classroom-style training programme that provides HSBC clients with guidance on regulations, best practices and other trade-business advice. Leveraged on HSBC’s rich trade finance experience, the Trade Academy is the first-of-its-kind in Thailand.
With the current global downturn, HSBC forecasts global export volumes to decline 3% in 2009, before recovering to grow 4% in 2010. In any case, international trade has helped the world prosper more than ever over the past 50 years, and will play a key role in global growth going forward as well. Trade should remain a key component of economies throughout this region, including in Thailand where exports make up more than 70% of GDP.
Renu Sachdev, Senior Vice President, Trade and Supply Chain, HSBC in Thailand noted, “The launch of HSBC’s Trade Academy in Thailand is a timely response to meet the needs of our corporate clients and ensures that we help them to keep pace with the rapid changes in today’s global economy.”
“With our rich trade finance experience and having been a trade bank from our earliest years, HSBC is uniquely qualified to provide our clients with the knowledge to effectively and efficiently manage their trade transactions in today’s increasingly sophisticated and globalised trade world. Our trade experts can also guide clients on how to mitigate international trade risks in the current economic environment,” she added.
HSBC’s Trade Academy consists of regular half-day training programmes held at HSBC premises. Each seminar is designed to provide comprehensive, yet ‘easy-to-digest’ information and updates on various facets of trade finance and trade-related topics. Current seminar topics include ‘An Overview of International Trade’, ‘Introduction to UCP600’ and ‘Understanding Documentary Credits’. Four seminar sessions will be held in 2009, which are expected to draw around 150 clients from 90 companies.
In addition, HSBC’s Trade Academy also offers bespoke programmes for larger corporations having more complex needs. Seminar topics, tailored to reflect the diverse and industry-specific requirements of such companies, will be conducted by HSBC trainers over a half-day learning programme at the client’s premises.
“The HSBC Trade Academy demonstrates our commitment to helping our clients’ businesses grow. Through these in-person forums, our trade specialists provide guidance and share trade expertise - gained from years of experience - to help our clients develop their own capabilities and succeed in their overseas business ventures,” said Ms. Sachdev.
Media enquiries to Varanandha Sutthapreeda on 0-2614-4609 or Savittree Muadmuang on
0-2614-4606.
Notes to editors:
1. HSBC in Thailand
HSBC was established as the first commercial bank in Thailand in 1888. With access to global expertise and enriched local knowledge, HSBC in Thailand provides a full range of financial services including corporate, commercial and institutional banking, global markets, securities services, trade and supply chain, payment and cash management services to corporate customers; personal financial services and credit cards to a growing retail customer base in Thailand. HSBC is globally recognised for its high service standards, ethical practices and full commitment to corporate social responsibilities to benefit the local economy.