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Thailand points to exhibitions as Lao promotion platform
Laos has so much to offer the world but doesn't get involved in enough international exhibitions to realise this potential, according to the Thai ambassador to Laos.
Mr Vitavas Srivihok recently remarked “Laos has many things it could show to the world and Thailand is the best stage on which to showcase that.”
“By cooperating, we can increase the bond between Laos and Thailand by promoting each other.”
Mr Vitavas was speaking at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Lao Roadshow 2011 held in Vientiane on Tuesday.
The event was titled ‘Business Opportunities through the Exhibition Industry in Thailand' and took place at the Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The seminar was attended by local business people, officials and the media.
“Connectivity is important for the development of the region. With this, Laos is no longer landlocked but is now a strategic land link containing many important routes including the East-West Economic Corridor and the planned Laos-China high speed railway which will link China with Asean countries,” Mr Vitavas said.
“Laos also has fertile land, natural resources, mining potential and energy industries which will soon make it the battery of Asean, as well as a stable political environment making it an attractive place for investment.”
“Tourism is another potential for Laos as it is rich in natural beauty and culture. Next year the Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane will give Laos unparalleled international exposure due to the huge media coverage of the event,” he added.
“Next year will also be Visit Laos Year, providing a great opportunity to promote Laos internationally to ensure it's a success.”
The ambassador encouraged Lao businesses to exhibit their industry in Thailand. Thailand holds 80 exhibitions every year on various topics, bringing in average revenue of 10,508 million baht per event. Thailand's exhibitions cover 466,500 square metres each year - about 6,220 square metres per exhibition.
General Secretary of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Khanthavong Daravong, said “As Laos opens up, there are many things Lao business people have to learn, and here is a good opportunity.”
“The cooperation between our chamber and the Thai counterpart is increasing and trading issues between our two countries have been resolved in recent years.”
TCEB Exhibition Director Ms Supawan Teerarat said Thailand's trade exhibitions can make an important contribution to enhancing trade and investment between Laos and Thailand.
“Thailand is the best place for Laos to promote itself. Thailand welcomes many visitors from all over world to its international trade exhibitions.”
Bangkok is potentially the ‘exhibition city of Asean' because of its location and transport infrastructure, with more than 500 flights connecting 191 cities in the world, including cities in the Mekong region.
The five core exhibitions are VIV Asia, focusing on livestock and agriculture, BIG and BIH for gifts and decorative items, Renewable Energy Asia, Propak Asia for packaging technology, and Metalex for machine tools and metal working equipment.
To encourage greater participation, organisers have offered various privileges and incentives to participants.
vientiane times
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