TAPA 2006’s Success Announced with Trade Missions Up nearly 40%

The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, announced the
successful results of Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories (TAPA) 2006, Thailand’s
showpiece automotive trade event which had attracted a 40% increase in trade
missions compared to last year.

TAPA 2006, held for the second consecutive year, had its trade days running from
October 11 to 13, 2006 and public days from October 14 to 15 at BITEC. The fair
attracted more than 3,500 high profile potential international buyers and importers –
over 300 of them being trade representatives from around the world. The number
reflected an increase of 37.5 % compared to last year. Despite the political situation,
Thailand’s flagship auto parts trade fair was a magnet for foreign buyers and importers
who flocked from India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, China,
Iran, Australia, the US, and Germany. 

Among those trade visitors with highest potential were executives from Volkswagen,
Germany, who were sourcing in auto parts to supply their worldwide factory network
and also plan to open an automotive production plant in Thailand. Also executives
from Japan’s Toyo Sangyo, who annually spend in excess of US$ 5 million on Thai
made auto parts were in attendance, as well as senior executives from Korean
Hyundai and TOBO International Co. Ltd.

TAPA 2006 featured 366 exhibitors, an increase of 189 companies or 95.5% compared
to last year, who displayed their merchandise across 649 booths – an increase of 333
booths or 102.5% compared to last year. The 9,600 square meter exhibition area at
this year’s event represented an expansion of 4,020 square meters from last year’s
total of 5,580 square meters, or 72.05 percent.

Exhibitors of the fair expressed positive feedback as they had found quality trade visitors
from target markets. Trade negotiations had been very fruitful while useful advice gained on how to adapt their products to meet market demands to gain greater international appeal. 
   
The event was open to the public on Saturday October 14 and Sunday October 15, with more than 10,000 general visitors attending the fair.

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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 0 4147 7575, fax 0 2650 7738.