Thursday 29 December 2011

BOI Fair Ready to Boost Flood Recovery and Investor Confidence


The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) is gearing up for the BOI Fair to be held from 5 to 20 January 2012. The fair was earlier postponed from 10 to 25 November 2011 because of severe floods in Bangkok and adjacent provinces during the period.

The Fair will take place at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, under the concept “Holding Hands and Going Green for the Future.” The concept derives from His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy philosophy, which is the basis of sustainable development.

The BOI Fair is part of an activity to celebrate the 84th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King on 5 December 2011. It will also showcase the potential of Thailand’s industrial sector and exhibit the latest innovations and advancements of the country’s industry. The fair will demonstrate the readiness of the country's industrial sector to follow a sustainable, eco-friendly course in future development. BOI has long supported green business, investment, and technology, such as renewable energy and alternative fuels.

Industry Minister Wannarat Channukul said that the upcoming fair would serve as a forum to assist flood-hit people and boost investor confidence, as well. It will include a bazaar of low-priced products, flood-relief activities, and counseling services for repairing houses damaged by floods. Proceeds from the sale of goods at the fair will be presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to help flood victims.

BOI Secretary-General Atchaka Sibunruang said that the BOI Fair would play an important part in rebuilding confidence in Thailand among business people and investors in the aftermath of the flooding. This will help promote Thailand’s investment, tourism, and the overall economy.

BOI has offered assistance measures to flood-hit companies, which may seek import tax exemptions on machinery brought in to replace equipment damaged by the flooding. The affected firms will also be allowed to outsource some parts of the production process to maintain business continuity.

Around 500 executives from all over the world will join the CEO Forum, one of the highlights at the fair. The forum provides an opportunity for top executives from leading international companies to meet and discuss business with investors from Thailand and abroad.

There will be 84 pavilions with 3,200 booths. Among them are the Royal Pavilion, Thailand Pavilion, and BOI Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion, in particular, will feature an exhibition on His Majesty the King’s activities and projects, which will reflect his ideas and principles in connection with nature and the environment. The latest technologies and innovations at the fair include 3D cartoon animations and 3D LED screens.

The fair is expected to attract five million visitors, which will also contribute to the country’s economic recovery efforts.

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