Thailand is targeting to increase its trade with the GCC by 60 to 80 per cent within the next three years, as part of the government’s ‘Look East Policy’, thereby spurring a region-wide campaign that involves a showcase of the country’s high quality products within the most important trade events and exhibitions. As part of this regional initiative, Thai exporters are gearing up for an extensive participation at the upcoming ‘Halal Expo 2009’, which will run from November 10 - 12, 2009 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, under the support of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In addition to highlighting their top-quality products, the Thai delegation will also focus on expanding their regional network and laying the groundwork for the establishment of a trading and distribution hub in Dubai.
In 2008, Thailand has seen a 56 per cent or USD 37 billion growth in its trade with Muslim countries - the majority of which are in the Middle East - as a result of the government’s efforts to step up its production of Halal products under its economic reforms program - ‘Look East Policy’. With a focus on securing more business deals with regional customers, more than 7 Thailand-based companies are participating at this year’s ‘Halal Expo’. The organiser has expanded the venue to 2,600 sq. metres in order to accommodate the 7,000 to 8,000 trade visitors.
“Our commitment towards offering countries around the world an effective platform to showcase their top-notch Halal products and the technologies they use to produce them is in line with our aim to help diversify the region’s economy by promoting the growth of the Halal trade,” said Nafees Ahmed, Project Manager, Orange Fairs and Events. “We are confident that this event will further drive this commitment by catalysing dialogues between the region’s high potential buyers and global Halal traders, which will hopefully lead to major purchases and sharing of technological advances that will further fuel the market’s development.”
Set to welcome over 200 brands from 34 countries within its three-day run, ‘Halal Expo 2009’ primarily aims to provide a platform for global organisations to showcase their products and services, while giving them an opportunity to participate in high impact discussions on regulations and options into modernising this industry. In addition to global companies who have confirmed their presence at the event, several regional and international Halal Certification Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, and International Halal Associations are also gearing up for a bigger participation this year.
“The GCC markets have more opportunities to expand because they are higher-income markets, and we believe that Thailand-made Halal products hold much potential among regional consumers. We have been consistent in our commitment to provide a suitable platform for global exporters such as Thailand to market their Halal products in the region, and this year, we have intensified our efforts to expand the opportunities within the event. We are confident that this year’s expo will produce astounding results exhibitors and visitors alike,” concluded Ahmed.