Newsletter Volume 7

 

September 2003

 

Economic & Trade Office, Embassy of Israel in Thailand

 

Dear All,

 

Beside Telecommunication sector, Medicare is another sector which growing very fast in Thailand. Economic & Trade Office, Embassy of Israel in Thailand participated “HOSPImedica Thailand 2003” during 4-6 of September as an Information booth. There are about 15 Israeli companies sent information to participate this event. (see company list in Business Opportunities section)

You may find more information about Thailand Medicare & Healthcare market in our website at http://www.israeltrade.gov.il/thailand

 

            If you have any inquiry, please feel free to contact us.

 

Thank you,

Marie-France Majer

Counsellor for Economic & Trade

 

=============================

 

·         Thailand Economic in brief

 

·         APEC Thailand 2003

 

·         Upcoming Events in Thailand

 

·         Upcoming Events in Israel

 

·         Business Opportunities

 

·         Business News   

 

Thailand Economic in brief

 

The overall economy maintained favourable growth momentum, supported by both domestic and external factors.   Private investment accelerated, and private consumption continued to expand well despite some deceleration from the previous month.  Government spending also accelerated slightly.  Meanwhile, exports grew favourably and imports rose in tandem with robust domestic demand and exports.

On the supply side, manufacturing production continued to expand well, and farm income increased with rising farm prices.  The service sector recovered visibly, and the number of foreign tourists and hotel occupancy rate were nearly back to their normal levels.

Economic stability stayed sound.  Inflation remained low; employment rose; and the current account balance continued to be in surplus.  The services and transfers account returned to surplus with a strong rebound in net tourism receipts.  Even though the balance of payments was in deficit, it was due entirely to the last instalment of early repayment to the IMF.  This also caused a decline in international reserves, which nevertheless remained at a very sound level.

          During the period of 1 – 25 August 2003, the baht averaged at 41.77 baht per US dollar.  In the early part of the month, the baht weakened following the terrorist bombing in Jakarta, Indonesia.  However, it subsequently strengthened as a result of investor confidence in the Thai economy.

 

(Source: Bank of Thailand)

 

APEC Thailand 2003

 

The Theme for the 2003 APEC year is “ A World of Differences: Partnership for the Future”. Bringing together the best potential of all APEC economies to confront the challenges of the future is the overarching goal of the 2003 APEC Year hosted by Thailand.

 

This central theme is further explained and supported by a series of five sub-themes that are designed to APEC’s Working Groups and Forums in achieving their goals for the year:

 

·         Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE) for all: KBE is a foundation of economic growth in the APEC region.

·         Promoting Human Security: Empowering people to become active and self-reliant in the regional economy is the essence of Promoting Human Security.

·         Financial Architecture for a World of Differencess: Reducing vulnerabilities while enhancing investment and trade between the differing social systems and economies requires sound international financial infrastructure.

·         New Growth Enterprise: SMEs and Micro-Businesses

·         Act on Development Pledge: The future prosperity of the APEC region depends on the dedication of APEC economies to implement development pledges.

 

In October 2003, the Presidents and Prime Ministers of APEC countries will meet for a join declaration of their economic targets and bilateral Free Trade Agreements between some of these countries.

 

Upcoming Events in Thailand

 

1^st – 4^th October 2003

 

FCA & FTA, Food Catering Asia and Food Technology Asia

Exhibition and Conference on Total Food Chain Networking from Raw Material to Catering and Hospitality Section

Organizer: BITEC

Tel: 66-2-7493939 Ext 2153, 2154

www.fca-fta.com

Venue: BITEC

 

2^nd – 4^th October 2003

 

Aquatech Asia 2003

International Trade Event and Conference for Water Technology and Water Management

Organizer: RAI Exhibition (Thailand)

Tel: 66-2-9600141

Venue: BITEC

 

 

19^th – 21^st October 2003

 

The 28^th World Congress of World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) 2003

Organizer: RAI Exhibition (Thailand)

Tel: 66-2-9600141

Fax: 66-2-9600140

www.bkkrai.com

 

           

3^rd – 7^th November 2003

 

3G World Congress 2003 – 8^th Annual Global Wireless Business Event

The 3G World Congress is Asia’s biggest annual mobile gathering attracting over 1400 senior executives from around the globe. With over 100 industry expert presentations – including more than 15 International 3G operator perspectives – this year’s 3G World Congress represents the best opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders.

Web: www.3Gcongress.com

Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

 

 

7^th –8^th November 2003

 

Legal Guidance for Foreigners: Investing, Working, and Living in Thailand -

The two-day seminar--all in English--will feature top experts drawn from the Thai government, the judiciary, major international law firms, and academia. Speakers will talk about: laws relating to foreign investment; issues related to visas, work permits, immigration and business startups; the structure of the Thai court system and commercial arbitration; taxation issues; laws involving land ownership and the family; latest developments in financial laws; trademark, patent and copyright protection; labor law and employment issues; and, liability of legal representatives and executives of companies.

For more information contact law@dpu.ac.th

Venue: Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok

 

Upcoming Events in Israel

 

19^th – 20^th November 2003

 

Prime Minister's Summit for Export Promotion 2003 - will take place in Tel Aviv.  The Prime Minister's Business Summit" is an annual event sponsored by the Prime Minister of Israel, which brings together leading international and Israeli business people. 

This year's summit will explore two main issues: growth at a time of crisis and Israel's preparation towards it's changing target markets. International leading figures from the High-Tech and finance industry are invited to come at this time to Israel, in order to assist the efforts of the Hi-Tech industry, the emerging companies and the Venture Capital funds. For more information please contact us

 

1^st – 3^rd March 2004

 

MEDAX 2004 – The 15^th International Exhibition for Medical Technologies and Hospital Supplies.

For more information contact Expo@stier.co.il

 

Business Opportunities

 

 

Business News

 

·         Bangkok Post

·         Business Day