Thailand, in conjunction with all ASEAN member countries, is hosting the ASEAN Trade Fair 2002 (ATF 2002) to showcase the region’s diverse production capabilities, skilled workforce, and investment potential to the world. ATF 2002, the most significant trade fair the region has ever witnessed, will be held from Oct. 14-20 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, entrusted as the fair organizers, hosted the official launch function recently to a captivated audience of ambassadors from all ASEAN member countries, the business community, as well as the regional and international press corps. Dr. Adisai Bodharamik, Minister of Commerce, presided over the event while director-general of the DEP, Banphot Hongthong, led the fair organizing committee to receive their guests.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Bodharamik said: “ASEAN is a synergy; it is more than the sum of its parts. Our diversity is our strength. With resources in varied fields such as agriculture, food, the automotive industry, technology, and fashion, we can pool these assets to thrive in even the most adverse economic conditions.
“The ASEAN Trade Fair is an arena to exhibit our strengths; our potential is largely untapped, waiting to be explored. Millions of opportunities propel us towards regional affluence and economic stability. We must increase our level of competitiveness as a region as we maintain our vision of economic prosperity. We must build on the foundation that is ASEAN,” he added.
Following Dr. Bodharamik’s speech was a brief presentation that will be used as part of a public relations blitz to ensure the success of the fair. In an impressive finale of the event, Attawadee “Mint” Jiramaneekul, a top recording artist from GMM Grammy, was invited to give a specially arranged rendition of the ATF 2002 theme song: “The ASEAN Pride” that was specifically written to promote ASEAN unity and the upcoming event in October.
ATF 2002 will introduce a new dimension to the region’s growing trade and investment communities, thanks largely to the dedicated efforts of everyone concerned. The fair aims to attract trade visitors from around the world and to generate global interest in the region’s production expertise.
To achieve this goal, the DEP has publicized the event through various media, from printed materials and advertisements, radio, television, newsletters and magazines, electronic and multi-media exposure, to billboards and publicity activities such as seminars, press conferences, and the release of the ATF 2002 theme song: “The ASEAN Pride.”
The ATF 2002 is expected to attract buyers not only from ASEAN countries but also from around the world. It is expected that there will be 10,000 trade visitors during the course of the four-day trade event, while another 70,000 visitors are anticipated for the three remaining days which will be open to the public. ATF 2002 offers millions of opportunities to establish contacts with ASEAN corporations and governments for both regional and international entrepreneurs and investors.
Ten national pavilions will form a section in which each member country will display the nation’s pride. Another section features various pavilions for exhibitions by the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CCI).
For further information and inquiries, contact the ASEAN Trade Fair 2002 Secretariat, Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, tel. 66 2511 6020-30 ext. 762, 764; fax. 66 2511 6008-10; E-mail: atf2002@depthai.go.th or visit www.thaitrade.com, www.depthai.go.th. and www.aseantradefair.com.
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