Thailand’s fast-growing textiles, fashion and leather industries are focusing on lucrative Middle East markets as part of their expansion plans. The country is looking to strengthen its presence in markets in the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
As many as 40 exhibitors from around Thailand have already confirmed their presence at the upcoming MOTEXHA Autumn 2004, being held from September 12-15 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC). This will be Thailand’s biggest participation ever at an international fashion and trade event.
Commented Wittayakorn Maneenetr, Director, Thai Trade Center, Dubai, “Trade exhibitions are an important marketing tool in promoting Thailand’s fashion industry as it offers our designers and manufacturers an opportunity to interact directly with local traders. Thailand has gathered expertise in manufacturing quality garments – we are transitioning from OEM to OBM (own brand name) where ‘Made in Thailand’ is increasingly valued in international fashion circles. MOTEXHA with its strategic advantage of being located in Dubai, the fashion hub for the Middle East, will help us achieve greater visibility in the region.”
Commented Geoffrey Booy, Exhibitions Director of IIR Middle East organisers behind MOTEXHA, “Thailand, cited the largest textile exporter to the Middle East by a 2003 ICON report, is one of this year’s biggest participants. Thai companies are tending to the Middle East markets as more important than the traditional European countries for business and have the support of their enterprising trade associations. Members of the Thai leather goods association, the Thai garment manufacturers and the Thai footwear association are all exhibiting at Motexha.”
Textiles are Thailand’s second largest export commodity, generating US$ 3.2 billion of export earnings yearly, with an expected increase of up to 20 per cent expected for 2005, as Thailand branches out into diverse markets and campaigns to improve its global standing. In 2004, the government conceptualized the US$ 456 million ‘Bangkok: A Fashion City’ project, roping in international designers like Giorgio Armani to help Thailand establish brand awareness in the fashion world.
Among fashion exhibitors this year are fashion accessories company Karat Co., Ltd.; Anchor Knitwear Co., Ltd.; Alberto International Co., Ltd. manufacturers of fashion handbags and wallets, fashion house Michel Angelo; Tanasub Garment Ltd., that does made-to-order garments for babies and children and Kyra Mode Co., Ltd. In textiles, Thai exhibitors include Bischoff Gamma (Thailand) Co., Ltd, manufacturer and exporters of high class embroidered lace; Bulliontex Co., Ltd, manufacturers of lining in silk, polyester and taffeta.
Thailand being the world's eleventh largest shoe exporter, Motexha will also feature Thai footwear and leather companies including Colon Footwear; Tai Chiang shoes; FERRANITM; Heaven Leather, Gian Ferrente and MBP Leather Industries Co. Ltd, manufacturer and exporter of men’s executive leather goods and recipient of the Thai ‘Prime Minister Export Award’ of leather goods and Prime Minister’s Industry Award’ for outstanding achievement in SMEs Management.
About MOTEXHA
MOTEXHA, a bi-annual exhibition, is the leading, definitive fashion and textiles trade event in the Middle East. Now in its 27th year, MOTEXHA has grown and developed to reflect the evolving and diverse needs of the global and regional fashion and textiles industries; the trends, styles, and real business needs.
MOTEXHA’s objective is to bring together international and regional exhibitors, leading buyers, local government agencies, and international trade delegations from over 30 countries worldwide. MOTEXHA Autumn 2005 takes place from September, 12-15 and MOTEXHA Spring 2006 will be held from April, 3-6.
MOTEXHA is organized by the Institute for International Research Exhibitions & Conferences (IIR). IIR, over the last 20 years, has evolved into a dynamic firm with a global network of companies doing business in over 44 countries, and is recognized today as the world's largest knowledge and skills transfer company. With unrivalled local market knowledge and experience, IIR adds value to exhibitions by working with, and supporting the industries it serves.
