JEDDAH, 9 December 2003 — As part of an ongoing campaign to promote itself in the Kingdom and bring relations on a more even keel, Thailand is the second biggest exhibitor at Saudi Arabia’s International Trade Fair 2003 here. The biggest is Malaysia.
Showcasing their products and services are 40 businessmen and executives representing 25 Thai companies at the five-day fair, which ends on Thursday.
The wide range of products on display include handicrafts, plastic ware, kitchenware, garments and textiles, cosmetics, electrical and home appliances, and a wide spectrum of services.
“Fifty percent of our participants are first-timers at this annual show and looking for agents and distributors,” said Somsak Srisamrith, assistant director at the Jeddah-based Thai Trade Center under Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion.
New products include herbal cosmetics and food products, aluminum kitchenware, decorative and leather products, costume jewelry, furniture and bathroom accessories.
Herbs and spices used in Thai cuisine, many of them said to have medicinal properties, are also on display.
Under the Thai government’s “One Tambon One Product” scheme, each of the country’s myriad districts — tambons — focuses on one hand-made product, often textiles or wooden objects.
The Thai textile industry is famous for its distinctive silk. “The country’s garment industry has grown by leaps and bounds as well,” he said.
Other participants range from are micro photo labs to stainless steel and glass manufacturers.
“We aim to further expand our bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia, which stands at $1.7 billion during the January-October period this year over $1.2 billion last year,” Consul General Suvat Hanafi Chirapant said.
Thai exports have increased by seven percent to $356 million, and imports from the Kingdom were up by 49 percent to $1.4 billion during the 10-month period. Oil forms 78 percent of Thai imports from the Kingdom, the rest being chemical products and fertilizers.