KUCHING, Aug 5: Thai entrepreneurs from various industries are heading this way and to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to seek for business collaboration and networking with Sarawakian and Sabahan entrepreneurs under the event called “Bridging Trade and Investment Relations between Thailand and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak)”.
Jointly organised by the Office of Commercial Affairs-Kuala Lumpur (DITP-KL) under Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, Sarawak Business Federation (FBF) and Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI), the two events will be taking place consecutively.
The first on August 21 will be at the Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu; and the second on August 23 at Pullman Hotel Kuching. Each event will consist of two sessions including the Trade Forum and Business Matching Activity.
In a media release today, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia HE Narong Sasitorn said the Trade Forum under this event aims to portray the future outlook of the Thai economy under the newly elected government and outlines potential trade opportunities between Thailand and East Malaysia.
Chief Ministers of each state have been invited to deliver keynote addresses. Speakers would include Thailand-Malaysia Business Council (TMBC) advisor and former Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia Krit Kraichitti, FSI President Datuk Dr Philip Ting, SBF Deputy President Datuk IR Chong Hon Len, Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) President Kalin Sarasin, Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) committee member and Boutique Newcity Public Company Limited chairman Panitan Pawarolarnwitthaya, and DITP Office of Overseas Market Development Executive Director Prakhan Kordumrong.
The forum will provide insights on arising business potential and challenges which are beneficial to Sarawak and Sabah business owners.
“Malaysia and Thailand have long-standing ties in terms of trade and investment. However, Thailand’s trade with Malaysia is currently concentrated on the Peninsula especially in Klang Valley and Penang. With abundant resources, Sabah and Sarawak are among the states with the highest business potential to grow.
“I truly hope that this event will open up new business opportunities and partnerships between our two countries and bring our business communities even closer,” said Sasitorn.
To be conducted in the afternoon of each event, the Business Matching Activity would be the key enabler to enhance closer collaboration between private sectors from both sides.
There will be 11 Thai companies participating in the business matching session who are eager to meet with business leaders from Sarawak and Sabah including three from the food industry (Unifirm Co Ltd, Trading Aplus Co Ltd, K Nine Business Co Ltd), three from the automotive spare parts industry (Five Star Autopart Co Ltd, PE Technic Co Ltd, Tac Siam Co Ltd), one bathroom and kitchen furniture (Sian House & Home Co Ltd), one architectural design services (Design 104 International Ltd), one security locks and hardware (Solex International (Thailand) Co Ltd, one ice factory machinery (Patkol Public Co Ltd) and one runner pressing machinery (ARC Industry Co Ltd).
Thai Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Patcha Wutipan said: “This event is a great opportunity for Thailand, Sarawak and Sabah entrepreneurs to build up networks. We are expecting to grow two-way trade and explore investment opportunities in Sarawak and Sabah.
“However, there are also a few challenges that we have to overcome particularly lack of knowledge of each other as well as high logistics and transportation costs in order to expand trade volume for either export or import. There are several industries that Thailand has competitive advantages in including agro-industry, food and beverage, automotive industry, refrigeration and air-conditioning, tourism-related and creative service industry.
“These are the potential areas that Thailand, Sabah and Sarawak could start building up business collaborations.”
Businesses in Sarawak and Sabah are encouraged to register for the event by scanning the QR codes.
For further information and inquiry, contact the Trade Forum and Business Matching by emailing enquiry.thaitrade@gmail.com or visiting its Facebook page atvwww.facebook.com/thinkthailandmy.
Those interested can also call Ang at thr Royal Thai Embassy’s Office of Commercial Affairs at +603-2142 4601 or +603-2145 8545. — DayakDaily
