Thailand's one-of-a-kind trade fair "OTOP to the World 2007" has opened its doors today
(April 17, 2007) to showcase a new and complete range of OTOP products, highlighted by “OTOP Product Trends Exhibition” featuring OTOP products developed in line with European market trends. The event runs daily until April 22, 2007, at Challenger 1 Hall, IMPACT,
Muang Thong Thani.

Presiding over the opening ceremony of the event, organized by the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, was Deputy Minister of Commerce Mrs. Oranuj Osatananda. She was joined by DEP’s Director-General Mr. Rachane Potjanasuntorn, high-ranking officials and representatives of the private sector to greet a long list of buyers who
had come from around Thailand and the world to source quality OTOP products, as well as distinguished guests and media members.

Besides the “OTOP Product Trends Exhibition” that showcases colorful OTOP products which have been developed according to European market trends, there is also a business-matching service that puts buyers in direct contact with local manufacturers.

Mrs. Oranuj revealed: “The OTOP project has helped create careers for rural villagers and bring out the best of Thai craftsmanship for the world to see. OTOP products have earned the admiration of buyers from around the world for their uniqueness, resulting in a consistent growth in sales. In 2006, the revenues from OTOP were reported at over US$ 1,000 million. Distinctive features of OTOP products include the use of attractive local materials as well as the balanced combination of

The annual “OTOP to the World” trade fair holds great significance because it helps promote Thailand's export industry, generating income for the business community and the country, thus leading to sustainable economic development. In 2006, the top five OTOP products for export were cosmetics, soap and skin care products valued at US$ 292.89 million; silver ornaments at US$ 170.53 million; tablewares and kitchenwares US$ 122.95 million; furniture and parts US$ 122.07 million; and home textiles US$ 113.44 million. Major markets for OTOP products include Europe, America and Asia

“OTOP to the World 2007” presents a huge selection of OTOP premium products and 3-star to 5-star OTOP products from all over the country including gifts and decorative items, fashion and jewelry, health and beauty products, as well as food and beverages. A number of appealing activities has been staged to offer knowledge and stimulate interest about the products of local communities and to promote trade negotiations.

Adding more color to the event is the “OTOP Product Trends Exhibition”, which features OTOP products developed according to specific trends and supervised by NellyRodi, a renowned trendsetter. The exhibition comprises four different trends –“Newstalgie : Basic and Simple” featuring minimalist-style OTOP products that evoke images of Europe’s classic era, favored
by those who love luxurious items that are easy to maintain; “Ethnoriental : Ethnic and Oriental” featuring products influenced by ethnic and Oriental civilizations; “Classe Hicks : Symmetric and Regular” showcasing distinctive products in geometric forms that can be set
in groups for eye-catching results; and “Futurustic : Random and Handmade” representing  natural beauty through a range of refined handicrafts and products inspired by nature.

“OTOP to the World 2007”, being held at Challenger 1 Hall, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, is a prime international occasion for buyers, importers, wholesalers/retailers, as well as domestic buyers and traders to meet and develop new channels of business on trade days, April 17 to 20, 2007, from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to browse and buy from 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. daily on April 21 and 22.

Interested parties are invited to discover colors of diversity and craftsmanship
and to buy quality OTOP products at “OTOP to the World 2007”.
For more information, please contact the Department of Export Promotion
at 0 2512 0093-104 ext. 311, 519, 677
or visit www.depthai.go.th และ www.thaitradefair.com

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Issued on behalf of the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce,
by Syllable Co., Ltd. For more information,
please contact Mr. Somkid Charoensak
at 0 2254 6895-7 or 08 4147 7575, fax 0 2650 7738