With a large domestic market, an ideal location at the heart of ASEAN - and its ever-expanding economic growth, Thailand is now recognized as the "Right Marketplace" and the gateway to Indo-China. In the period 2003-05, there was a 32% increase in the number of exhibitions and trade shows held in Thailand- with an estimated 385 exhibitions and trade shows being staged in 2005 itself.

According to Mr. Vithaya Sintharapantorn, Director of Exhibition Division, TCEB, "With strong government support, Thailand is now gearing up to become Southeast Asia's Premier exhibition hub. Thailand's accessibility, infrastructure and market potential have become the key message in attracting major exhibitors and visitors."

"For the Indian exhibition organizers, both large and small, we have introduced new International exhibition, and High-growth incentive schemes, offering financial as well as non-financial support, to make Thailand their preferred exhibition destination. With its large domestic market, strategic geographical location, world class exhibition venues, professional service providers, IT-oriented industry, organizational skills, Thailand stands apart from other exhibition destinations", stated Mr. Gandhi, a member of the executive committee of Thailand Trade Exhibition Association, Managing Director, CMP South-East Asia and South Asia

Mr. Vithaya added, "The industries of national focus are Electronics & IT, Food, Automotive, Fashion & Jewellery, Spa & Health Care, Furniture, Leisure Tourism, and MICE Tourism, and the Thailand exhibition industry offers great platform for Asian multinational corporations as well as small-medium sized companies in a variety of industry sectors".

Thailand's robust economic climate with annualised GDP growth running at around six per cent over the past four years, has seen rapid growth in its trade exhibition sector. Thailand also has the largest total Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the ASEAN region. Factors contributing to this growth include the availability of world-class purpose-built exhibition venues and facilities. Additionally, the new "Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport", and strong economic performance will further boost Thailand as a regional hub for both business and aviation.

With its well-deserved reputation as a world-class leisure destination offering outstanding value for money, Thailand is attracting an ever-increasing number of regional trade shows. Exhibitors actively seek out new markets, and in so doing help stimulate their development. Thailand also has strong domestic demand for imported technologies and know-how. International exhibitors are assured of domestic buyers keen to buy equipment and technology and find out more through exhibitions.

Thailand is often called the "Detroit of Asia" with its large automotive industry- with General Motors, Toyota and BMW choosing the country as their Southeast Asian hub. Thailand also has one of the most advanced food processing industries in Asia: is the top hard drive manufacturer in the region, and is the 2nd largest exporter of gems and jewellery in the world. It is also called the "Wellness Capital of the World" because of the phenomenal growth in the Spa & Health Care sector.

Thailand's wealth of resources and attributes are highly attractive to potential exhibitors and investors. These include a supportive stable government; abundant raw materials; high value and well-trained labour, and burgeoning manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

For more information regarding the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and its 2006 exhibition calendar, please access its website at www.tceb.or.th

About Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) (www.tceb.or.th) is an official organization dedicated to the promotion of association and corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions. These are usually referred to collectively

by the acronym MICE. The Bureau's establishment reflects Thailand's growing stature as a destination of choice for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

TCEB is the national flagship for the country's rapidly growing MICE industry.

It was established as a public organization by "The Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) B.E. 2545*," effective as of September 28, 2002, the date of the decree's publication in the Royal Gazette.

TCEB commenced operations in August 2004. Besides being a significant milestone in Thailand's MICE development, TCEB's existence represents a long-term commitment by the Thai government and private sector for the promotion, sustainable growth and development of the country's MICE industry. The Prime Minister is named the minister in charge of executing the "Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Convention and Exhibition Bureau", reflecting the importance afforded by the Royal Thai Government to the MICE industry as an economic sector. The promotion of MICE events now sits high on the national agenda alongside tourism as one of the key drivers of economic growth and development.

About Trade Exhibition Association (Thai)

The Trade Exhibition Association (Thai) "TEA" (www.thaitradeshow.com) was founded in accordance with the Trade Association Act of 1996, under the supervision of the Trade Association Registrar Office, Bangkok Metropolitan. Among the objectives of the Association are to promote the Association, and the operation and servicing of national and international exhibitions for exhibitors and visitors; to earn revenue for the country by promoting Thailand as a location for national and international exhibitions; to promote international standards of facilities and services for exhibitors; and to promote and facilitate cooperation among members and to exchange information and ideas related to national and international trade exhibitions; to cooperate with the government and the private sector, e.g., organizations, associations, companies and individuals which the Association considers beneficial to our Association.

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