The Department of Export cooperates with seven supportive associations in recruiting over 650 top-notch designers, producers and entrepreneurs to exhibit at BIG+BIH April 2009. The fairs are expected to build confidence among international buyers and increase export volumes of lifestyle products by showcasing vast variety of uniquely designed & high quality merchandise as well as offering one-stop reliable services.
Mr. Rachane Potjanasuntorn, Director General of the Department of Export Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce, stated that Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair or BIG+BIH April 2009 which will be held during 21-26 April are highly acknowledged by both local and international entrepreneurs as the ideal platform to showcase their products and services to the buyers with purchasing power. To date, the organizer had approved 656 exhibitor applications, accounting for 1,680 booths, from Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, South Korean, Singapore, Ghana and more.
In addition to the opportunities to meet and enhance business cooperation with reputable designers, manufacturers and exporters, international buyers who visit the fairs will benefit from DEP's services such as the provision of business information, guidelines, matchmaking as well as other facilitation services throughout the fair period and beyond.
With substantial support from 7 business associations; Thai Gifts & Premiums Association, Thai Toy Industry Association, Thai Housewares Trade Association, Thai Stationery and Office Supply Association, Home Decorative Design Association, Northern Handicrafts Manufacturer and Exporters Association (NOHMEX), and Design & Objects Association, BIG+BIH April 2009 are expected to draw more than 18,000 visitors during trade days and 90,000 during public days, and generate constant growth in export values of lifestyle merchandise, compared to last year which gained a total of US$ 3,073.69 million.
DEP's targets for Lifestyle products in 2009, in comparison to 2008 are to increase export volume of furniture goods and parts, and home textile by 5% to around US$ 1,307 million and US$380 million respectively while aiming 3% increase in gifts, premiums and home decorative categories to US$ 430 million, tableware and kitchenware by 2% to US$ 734 million. Toy products are expected to do exceptionally well with 10% increase to US$ 272 million. Stationery and office supplies are targeted to reach US$ 75 million this year.
Mr. Rachane added that the global economic crisis causes drastic decrease for Thailand in both the import and export sectors. Therefore, DEP has issued measures designed to immediately boost 2009 export and to cope with diverse impact of global recession. For lifestyle products, DEP has launched a list of strategies to add product values, and to penetrate new markets while maintaining relationship with existing markets.
Some of the recommended approaches for exporters are to participate in regional and international lifestyle product fairs, to stage in international trade fairs in the country, i.e. BIG+BIH in April and October 2009, and to take part in international market visits organized by DEP for lifestyle product representatives to promising countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, India, East Europe (Czech Republic and Croatia), Georgia, Syria and Morocco. DEP put efforts in improving competency of lifestyle merchandise producers, providing assistance to entrepreneurs in developing their products and inviting overseas buyers to meet Thai exporters.
By attending BIG+BIH April 2009, global buyers will be given great opportunities to view a wide range of remarkable Thai products that carry stunning design, world-class quality and safety standards. Brand-new and innovative merchandises will also be launched for the first time in Thailand at the fairs.
BIG+BIH April 2009 will run from 21 to 26 April 2009 at Hall 1-8, Impact Convention and Exhibition Center, Muangthong Thani. Occupying more than 47,000 square meters of space, such two events are reserved for the trade discussions between 21 and 24 April from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs and open to public on 25 and 26 April from 10.00 to 21.00 hrs. In their 27th edition, they are conducted under the ‘Unique Lifestyle’ theme, with an aim to underscore Thailand's position as the production and export center for gifts and houseware in the Asian region. Anticipated to draw more than 100,000 local and international visitors, they are known for being a world-class marketplace where Thai exporters and producers meet purchasers from the world over.
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