BCCT Chairman encourages business growth between Pattaya and the UK-European markets
BCCT Chairman Graham Macdonald (left) and
Peter Malhotra, BCCT Eastern Seaboard committee member address the PBTA.
Hot on the heels of a most fruitful meeting with
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh at the Pattaya City Hall in June this
year, the BCCT team comprising of Graham Macdonald, BCCT chairman and
Peter Malhotra, BCCT Eastern Seaboard committee member attended the
monthly meeting of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA)
to seek and enhance avenues of cooperation between Thai and
British-European businessmen for the purpose of increasing the numbers
of business investments and tourism between both countries.
Graham Macdonald, BCCT chairman gave a brief
description of the background of the chamber saying, “The British
Chamber of Commerce Thailand is the oldest foreign chamber and the
largest non-Asian foreign chamber in Thailand. In addition, it is
the largest and oldest British Chamber in Asia. At its inception
there were only 17 founding British members and three associate
members.
(L to R) New PBTA
President Wiwat Pattanasin, Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Thanes
Supornsaharungsri, PBTA’s chief advisor discuss important matters
affecting Pattaya.
“In 2011, the BCCT has a membership of
approximately 600 including 550 companies with nearly 2,700 named
representatives covering a broad cross-section of business interests
in Thailand. Membership is open to companies of all nationalities
and sizes.”
He said, “Our mission is to serve the needs and
promote the development of British business in Thailand and as
‘Partners in Progress’ contribute directly to Thailand’s economic
advancement.”
He went on to say, “The objectives of our visit
today is to explain how the West views the kingdom at the moment
along with showing you statistics on the decline of western holiday
makers and new investors.
“We are here because we want to help the city and
the rest of the Eastern Seaboard attract more western tourists and
investment.”
Graham showed statistics of some of the business
dealings of note between the UK and Thailand. He showed that,
“Thailand was the biggest foreign investor in the UK in 2010, that
Tesco invested more into Thailand last year than any other country
apart from UK. He went on to say that most of the world’s Strepsil’s
are made in Thailand. Even Boot’s want to increase their stores in
Thailand by 50% by the end of next year. More Triumph motorbikes are
made in Chonburi than anywhere else and Durex is moving its
worldwide R&D centre to Chonburi.”
Macdonald also pointed out the SWOT (Strength,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of doing business in
Thailand. “The Strengths are that Thailand is in the right place at
the right time which is amongst the fastest growing parts of the
world. We have a good advantage in the service sector pertaining to
tourism and healthcare. Thailand has strong business fundamentals
regarding balance sheets and the banking sector.
“Our weaknesses are clearly the political
disturbances which hinder medium to long term strategic planning.”
“But opportunities are in abundance. There is a
strong regional integration between ASEAN and East Asia Community
not to mention capital inflows from China and other emerging
markets.
“There are also certain threats which will affect
our business opportunities and those are regional integration of
ASEAN and East Asia Community, consolidation of western MNCs away
from Thailand and the growing competition from China and other low
cost production bases.”
Graham said that even with some negative comments
from the overseas business sector, according to the World Bank
survey of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ amongst 183 countries, Thailand
is ranked at an impressive 12th place overall worldwide.
“In the Corporate Governance Watch report, which
assesses the quality of corporate governance in 11 Asian countries,
Thailand moved up four spots in October 2010 to rank fourth in Asia
on this year’s list compiled by the Asian Corporate Governance
Association and CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets. Thailand scored 5.5, up
from 4.7 in 2007 and was recognised as the most improved country due
to highest score improvement.”
In conclusion the BCCT delegation answered the
question that was on everyone’s minds, “What about Pattaya and the
Eastern Seaboard?”
Graham said, “Without doubt, Pattaya has its
seedy side but how can we overcome it? Promote medical tourism and
golf. Advertise MICE capabilities, work with local industry on the
Eastern Seaboard to encourage expats to come and live in Pattaya and
not elsewhere.
“We are here to work with you. It is our job to
enhance cooperation between businesses of both our countries, to
become Partners in Progress.”
Macdonald also aired the possibility of
organising a large scale exhibition in Pattaya, inviting all British
companies to display and advertise their products and services.
“This would really put the spotlight on Pattaya and show that we are
an important MICE destination.”
