BANGKOK, April 18 – The twin 33rd Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair April 2012 (BIG+BIH April 2012) is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and generate more than Bt1 billion in circulation, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
More than 600 leading entrepreneurs and designers from some 80 countries are joining the event organised by the ministry.
Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol said gifts and home decorative items have continued to generate revenue for the country. Last year alone saw lifestyle goods exported at a value of US$2.9 billion, or some Bt90 billion, despite the global economic slowdown.
Thailand’s main trading partners for such merchandise include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.
Export growth has expanded annually, Mr Poom noted as reflecting the acceptance of Thai products and designs among foreign customers. It also demonstrated Thailand’s readiness to become a leader in designing international lifestyle products in order to support the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), set to take effect in 2015.
The International Trade Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce plans to promote the gifts and lifestyle goods industry with differentiated products and adding value regarding product development, quality, and outstanding designs.
The department will also push domestic retailers to retain their existing markets while expanding to new ones.
Overall export value during the first quarter of this year is now being assessed, the deputy minister said.
BIG+BIH April 2012 carries the theme ‘Heart of Design & Lifestyle, Showcase of ASEAN’ through April 22 from 10am-9pm daily at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna.
