January
28th, 2010 - The SEA-LAC Trade Center in collaboration
with Thai Chamber of Commerce and Office of Thailand
Trade Representative, conducted a seminar on "Trade
and Investment Opportunities in Latin America (Argentina,
Brazil, Chile)" at the University of the
Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok.
The speakers were Dr. Vachara Phanchet,
Thailand Trade Representative, Mr. Somkiat
Anurat, Vice Chairman of Thailand Board
of Trade, Mr. Phairush Burapachaisri,
Secretary General of Thailand Board of Trade and
the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Thanomwong
Taepaisitphong, Betagro’s Deputy Managing
Director, Ms. Supawadee Vitoonrapakorn,
Aeroflex International’s Deputy Managing Director
and Mr. Chompol Pornchindarak,
Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association Representative.
Dr.Vachara Phanchet gave a presentation on trade
results of “Thailand Road Show in Latin America
(Brazil, Argentina, and Chile)” co-organized by
the Office of Thailand Trade Representative, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Federation of Thai Industries,
and Thai Chamber of Commerce during October 27th
to November 7th, 2009. During the visit, Thai
delegation held bilateral meetings with high level
representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Investment Committee, and Chamber of Commerce
of Brazil, Chile and Argentina; and signed Mutual
of Understanding (MOU) between Thailand and these
three countries, such as MOU of Cooperation between
Board of Trade Thailand and the Chilean National
Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism to increase
trade and investment activities among the two
sides. Moreover, Dr. Vachara mentioned “Although
the long-distance and high costs of transportation
may be obstacles for doing trade and investment
in Latin American region, Thai exporters should
not ignored the opportunities in this region.
Countries in Latin America have high potential
as manufacturing bases for several Thai products.
Also, producers of processed food, furniture,
automobiles, and agricultural products and equipment
should consider investing in this region. There
are ample rooms for growth and abundance raw-materials,
as well as high market demands.”
On the panel discussion, the other five speakers,
who joined the Road Show project, shared their
experiences of doing business in Latin American
and the successful stories, together with, gave
the suggestion to Thai enterprises. For example,
Mr. Phairush Burapachaisri, said Thai enterprises
should seek partners in Latin America because
it could be easily for understanding market demand
and conducting business in accordance with local
regulations and within the local financial system.
Mr. Chompol Pornchindarak, Thai Gems and Jewelry
Traders Association representative, said Latin
America was not only a potential market for Thai
jewelry exports, but also a source of raw materials
for the industry.
