Recently, Mr Rachen Pojanasunthorn, Director General of the Department of Export Promotion, and representatives of the Fashion, Textile, Garment and Leatherwear Associations, gave an interview on the trends and promotion of Thai fashions to the world market and the grand fashion event BIFF&BIL 2008 at the DEP conference room.
 
According to Mr Rachen, total exports for Thailand in the first five months of 2008 (January-May) amounted to US$70,944 million, a 22.1% increase over the previous year. The DEP projects that total exports for 2008 will increase by 12.5%, making a total of US$171,537 million. Textiles (garments, textiles, fibres etc) accounted for US$2,948 million in the first five months of the year, up 7.9% compared to the previous year, and equivalent to 4.2% of total exports. The DEP projects a growth of 10%, or US$7,673 million for 2008.
 
Without a doubt the textile, garment and leatherwear industry is a star in the Thai export world, with a continuous upward trend. According to Mr Rachen, Thailand is the leader among ASEAN countries because of its strength and readiness in every aspect of the process. Each segment of the industry is represented by its own association, from fibres, textiles, bleaching and dyeing, garments, designer fashions and leatherwear. The DEP has therefore been given the green light from the government to lead the Thai fashion army into the global arena.
 
From the point of view of the private sector, Mr. Dej Pathanasethpong, president of the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association, added that Thailand and Indonesia are currently the only two countries in the ASEAN region with a comprehensive textile industry, although Thailand has several advantages over Indonesia such as an abundance of raw materials, qualifed labour, production potential, product quality, and delivery, to name a few. However, when compared to the fashion, leatherwear or jewellery industries, the textile and garment industries are still lagging behind in terms of design. The DEP has been providing its support to help rectify this situation, with training courses for manufacturers and the creation of opportunities through national trade fairs for product presentation, such as the upcoming BIFF&BIL 2008 this August.

 

 
Mr. Suchai Pornsirikul, president of the Textile Merchants Association, also remarked that the quality of production and design of Thai textiles is highly regarded among other ASEAN countries including Japan, with a trend towards expansion. Customers in several countries buy textiles from Thailand and send to neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Vietnam for production. Customers have remarked that Thai textiles are beautiful, and the reception at BIFF&BIL 2007 was very satisfactory as well. Thai textiles therefore should do well at BIFF&BIL 2008 too, especially with the joint cooperation between 15 associations, whether OEM, ODM and OBM.
 
Branding is another important aspect of the fashion industry, since it helps raise the level of the product to an expected standard, provides value-added, and recognition among customers. Thai brands have to receive a level of recognition that is sustainable since it reflects the image of the entire product base of Thailand.
 
Mr. David Chiu,president of the Thai Leathergoods Association, remarked that Italy took over 30 years and an enormous budget to gain recognition for its leather products. Thai leatherwear has now reigned in first place for two consecutive years in the ASEAN market. To aim for the global market is another thing. The European market has yet to recognize Thai brands, yet on the bright side, they are considered better than Chinese and Indian products. In any case, the Association places great emphasis on manufacturing and design. Italy is currently Thailand’s mentor in developing our leatherwear manufacturing. The government is also supporting with ongoing training programmes in market and brand building, with international experts being invited as advisors. BIFF&BIL 2008 has successful attracted an increase of 20% in the number of booths, with a lot of top quality leatherwear ready for display.
 
The reason that the DEP has organized several fairs and promotional events, both on a national and international level, almost back to back, is that the government is trying to enhance the marketing of Thai products to keep manufacturers on their toes, said Mr Rachen. The Made in Thailand fair highlights the manufacturing sector in several fields including “Blue Flag Economic Products”, while BIFF&BIL 2008, on the other hand, is an annual international fair which emphasizes fashion products in the textile, garment and leatherwear industries.
 
So if you want to update yourself on the fashion trends of Asia, and get a comprehensive look at the textile, garment and leatherwear industries, BIFF&BIL 2008 is the place to go.
 
BIFF&BIL 2008, the greatest international fashion and leatherwear fair in the ASEAN region, organized by the Department of Export Promotion for over 20 years, will take place from August 27-31, 2008 at BITEC Bangna. August 27-29 are trade days, while August 30-31 will be open to the public. For details, visit www.biffandbil.com.
 
If you may require further information please contact: Supapan Danthoala;
supapan@pimplus.co.th (PimplusPR; Account Manager)