Intrade Malaysia to boost Thai SMEs

       "We are merely providing an additional marketing option for Asean SMEs, as well as larger companies, to,among others, boost intraAsean trade DATO' HUSNI ZAI YAACOB Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand
       Locally based small and medium-sized industries looking to tap the Malaysian market should head to the upcoming Intrade Malaysia 2009 convention, says the country's ambassador to Thailand,Dato' Husni Zai Yaacob.
       "The event will provide an integrated marketing platform for the regional and global trading community to buy and sell Asean products and services," he told the Bangkok Post by e-mail.The annual Intrade Malaysia trade fair is currently in its third year and will be held from Nov 10-12 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
       The general trade exhibition will provide an opportunity for companies, especially SMEs, both in Malaysia and the region to present their products and services to the international market.
       The event drew 300 companies in its first year and generated 3.38 billion ringgit (33 billion baht) in potential sales of products and services . Despite the onset of the financial crisis last year, Intrade Malaysia drew 350 companies and generated potential sales of 2.6 billion ringgit.
       "Intrade Malaysia 2009 is expected to help sustain and generate export revenues as previous years," he said.
       The initial space of 3,000 square metres has been booked, prompting the organ-isers to increase the space by another 20% to boost participation by foreign firms, said Mr Yaacob.
       Intrade Malaysia is one of the region's largest international SME trade fairs, he says. The exhibition allows smaller firms to showcase their products and services more effectively than at events that are tailored towards larger operators.
       "We are merely providing an additional marketing option for Asean SMEs as well as larger companies to, among others, boost intra-Asean trade," he said.
       Thai SMEs which cannot bear the cost of overseas promotions should rely on events such as Intrade Malaysia which attract international buyers, he said.
       The ambassador said Thai companies could hence benefit from the fair on several levels. Those aiming to generate sales can become exhibitors which will allow them to also participate in the Kuala Lumpur International Trade Forum. Those Thai exhibitors will not only get access to the trade visitors but also the quality foreign buyers that will be invited to attend the exhibition.
       Companies seeking business prospects can use the event as a platform to establish new contacts and increase their exports both to the region and beyond.
       "While we are not able to guarantee sales for all exhibitors, please rest assured Matrade will take all necessary steps to promote Intrade Malaysia 2009, both locally and overseas, to the business and trade communities," he said.
       "Alternatively, Thai companies which wish to source can be involved in the buyers' programme."
       The trade exhibition will also serve companies looking to source products and services from Malaysian firms. Buyers will come from a number of sectors and markets such as regional buyers and those representing retailers and hypermarkets from the European Union, the United States and other companies based in Thailand, he said. Multilevel marketing companies, importers, wholesalers, construction firms, assemblers and man-
       facturers will also attend.
       Operators from Thailand's key export industries, such as food, textiles, jewellery and wood are encouraged to join.
       The trade fair will be key in boosting bilateral trade.
       "Asean has concluded negotiations on free trade agreements with China,Korea, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand. These FTAs have provided the impetus for the creation of strong business networks within this region," he said.
       Interested companies can contact Matrade Bangkok, the Malaysian Embassy,02-629-6800 or e-mail bangkok@Matrade.gov.my