Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, presided over the opening ceremony of “STYLE Bangkok 2023” at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. STYLE Bangkok, which is a comprehensive, one-stop lifestyle and fashion products fair, features 500 companies exhibiting and selling a wide range of goods from as many as 1,000 booths.
The dignitaries present at the inauguration included Mr. Keerati Rushchano, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce; Mr. Buntee Parnichprapai, Secretary to the Minister of Commerce; Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion; Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand as well as Ambassadors representing a host of countries; officials from state agencies as well as executives from the private sector, various councils and associations. The momentous event is taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 1-4, G Floor.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Jurin said STYLE Bangkok had returned on a grand scale in its 6th edition after having been scaled down to a small event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year the event is co-organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Board of Trade of Thailand.
The Lifestyle and fashion products industry is playing an important role in driving the business and economic sectors because 90% of the industry comprises SMEs and micro-SMEs that employ more than 1 million workers, the Minister pointed out. The industry has also earned the country export income of more than 450 billion baht, witnessing a 16.5% growth rate year on year. In January this year alone, the sector made 30 billion baht in revenue, with the major markets being the United States, Japan, Australia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and other nations, Mr. Jurin said.
Furthermore, lifestyle and fashion products from Thailand are widely accepted by the global market for their strengths in terms of quality and unique designs with a Thai identity, which is regarded as contemporary “soft power” that has high potential in helping the Kingdom earn substantial income, he said. The government is strongly committed to steering Thailand on the path to becoming Asia’s hub for lifestyle and fashion products.
“STYLE Bangkok 2023 is more than just an international trade fair that comprises 1,000 booths displaying and selling interesting products. It is also a stage for Thai business people and foreign importers to negotiate trade deals. This event, which is expected to generate more than 1.4 billion baht, is a crucial place for Thai exporters and foreign importers to exchange knowledge on production, marketing, design and identity. This stage will help them develop products that meet international demand and maintain true Thai identity. Most importantly, the mega fair helps Thai SMEs and micro-SMEs to shine on the global market,’’ Mr. Jurin added.
STYLE Bangkok 2023 is being held from March 22-26 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Halls 1-4, G floor. Business negotiation days are set for March 22 to 24 from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and retail sales will take place on March 25 and 26 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. For more details, please visit the website www.stylebangkokfair.com or STYLE Bangkok Fair on Facebook or Instagram.