KARACHI: Three-day “Top Thai Brands 2019” exhibition opened on Saturday aiming to enhance bilateral trade and specifically Pakistan’s exports to Thailand which was $225.5 million last year in 2018.
In year 2017, Pakistan’s exports to Thailand were $142.9 million however it witnessed an increase of 57.8 percent bringing up this figure to $225.5 million in 2018.
The inaugural was attended by KCCI President Junaid Madka and Mr. Suebsak Dangboonrueng, Director of Thai Trade Centre, Dhaka, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, Mr. Thatree Chauvachata, Consul General, Royal Thai Consultate-General, Arif Suleman, Honorary Trade Advisor to Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai government.
Guests paid visit to different stalls and provided information about Thai products and technology displayed at the exhibition.
This three-day exhibition is being managed by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government and Event & Conference International.
A large number of products is on display including cosmetic & herbal, food items, plastic house ware, bulbs, gas stove, locks, auto parts, chemical adhesive, water pump & generator, agricultural machinery, industrial paints, footwear, fishery equipment, corrugated plastic sheet for packaging, advertising etc.
Addressing at the opening ceremony and later talking to media persons, President KCCI said that Pakistan and Thailand maintain sound bilateral trade relations. “Pakistan’s import from Thailand totaled at $1466.1 million in 2018 against $1400.3 million in 2017 showing a growth of 4.7 percent,” he told.
The trade balance is favorable for Thailand at $1240.6 million in 2018 as compared with $1257.5 million in 2017, a decrease of 1.3 percent. There exist great potential to enhance bilateral trade, investment and cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand. Signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is in process and expected to be signed in 2019. Pakistan has reportedly demanded concession on 115 products on textiles, agro products, plastic and pharmaceuticals, in the manner granted by Thailand to other FTA partners on these products. Pakistan will likely to benefit by $200 million after signing the FTA, Junaid Makda informed.
