Thai trade fair in Oman attracts 100 exhibitors
The second Thai Trade Exhibition in Oman aims to enhance cooperation in trade and investment and to develop a business network for business community, particularly SMEs of both countries.
MUSCAT: A major trade exhibition on products from Thailand— the Thai Trade Exhibition Oman (TTXO) 2017—was officially opened at the Oman International Exhibition Centre on May 9.
The only exhibition for Thai goods and services held in Oman, TTXO 2017 features around 100 exhibitors from Thailand and is expected to draw 22,000 visitors from Oman and around the Middle East region, said a press release.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Mohammed bin Yousef al Zarafi, undersecretary for Administrative and Financial affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oman, and Jesda Katavetin, ambassador of Thailand to the Sultanate.
“The second Thai Trade Exhibition in Oman aims to enhance cooperation in trade and invest- ment and to develop a business network for businessmen and women, particularly SMEs from both countries. In the process of doing so, it will help strengthen people-to-people ties, which are fundamental to the attempt of lifting our economic relations to a higher level,” said Katavetin.
“For Thailand, Oman is definitely a market with great potential. Its strategic location together with its historical ties with East Africa and Iran make Oman an ideal regional hub bridging Southeast Asia with this part of the world and beyond,” he added.
In 2015, bilateral trade between Thailand and Oman was worth $1.2 billion, and the two countries aim to triple that trade value by 2020.
The Thai Trade Exhibition Oman 2016 generated international trade worth approximately $30 million in business matching activities, with 85 Thai compa- nies attending.
Organisers Vega Intertrade and Exhibition expect even more trade to be generated this year.
“TTXO 2017 is the perfect opportunity for Middle East and North Africa customers to appreciate what Thailand has to offer,” said Akavut Tangsilikusonwong, managing director of Vega Intertrade & Exhibition, at the opening ceremony. “We are bringing Thainess to Muscat.”
For 2017, TTXO will focus on health and wellness, with the spotlight cast on hospitals and medical services; food and beverages; fashion and accessories; handicrafts and household goods; and spa and beauty products.
“Thailand has a burgeoning global reputation for producing the highest quality goods and services, especially in the health and wellness sector,” said Chamaiporn Chuecharoen, advisor on international marketing to the of- fice of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP).
Major players from the Thailand health and wellness sector, including the Bangpakok 9 International Hospital and Vejthani Hospital, are participating in the show.
“Bangpakok 9 International Hospital attended the Thai Trade Exhibition 2016 last year and received very good feedback from visitors,” added Prateep Kuapisamai, managing director of the Bangpakok 9 International Hospital. “People from the Middle East are confident in the quality of Thailand’s hospital and wellness service providers.” TTXO 2017 has been organised by OIEC, with the cooperation of Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions, the Thai Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates, the Thai Exporters and Manufacturers Association and the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion.