News Room - Business/Economics

Posted on 10 Nov 2008

Quality and added value the keys to export growth

Thailand's furniture exports are expected to grow in value by 0.8% this year to US$1.33 billion despite an unfavourable global economic situation and rising competition from rivals in China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

 

According to Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Export Promotion Department, furniture and parts shipments remain promising as long as local manufacturers develop designs and quality through research and development.

 

For the first eight months of this year, Thailand shipped furniture and parts worth $844 million, an increase of 0.2% from the same period last year. Last year, the country exported furniture and parts worth of $1.29 billion mostly to the US, Japan, the UK, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.

 

According to Mr Rachane, manufacturers need to focus on producing more value-added products such as interior designs and spa decorations to improve their competitiveness in international markets.

 

To promote Thailand's furniture and parts exports, Mr Rachane said the department was now promoting the Thailand International Furniture Fair 2009 (TIFF 2009), which will take place from March 11 to 15, 2009 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

 

A variety of promotional activities are planned for various international media, with the key goal to attract foreign buyers to visit and take part in business matchmaking activities with leading Thai furniture companies. The activities are an effort to reach out to potential international buyers and also lift the confidence of exhibitors considering participation, he said.

 

''So, from the exhibitor's point of view, this is a great opportunity to meet and engage in direct business negotiations with target buyers from around the world,'' he said. ''Our aggressive marketing strategies will include e-mails aimed at furniture associations and organisations as well as key buyers in existing and new markets throughout the world.''

 

Mr Rachane said the department was also promoting TIFF 2009 through the Thai Trade Centers and honorary trade advisers as well as various international media and news agencies including websites, magazines and direct mail throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Australia.