Thursday 9th July 9am – 3pm (Cambridge)
Friday 10 July 9am- 3pm (Gateshead)
Hosted by: HSBC
In Association with: Thailand Board of Investment, UK Trade & Investment
Marketing Support from: Asia-Pacific Technology Network
Opening Speakers
Speakers
Why Thailand?
Thailand, the second largest economy in south East Asia, has rapidly become one of the world’s fastest growing and attractive markets, providing major commercial opportunities for UK businesses. Thailand is a pro-British market, ranking highly as an important market for outward trade and investment. Two-way trade between the UK and Thailand exceeded £3 billion in 2008. During 2008 Rolls-Royce announced two major new contracts for its Trent range of engines with Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways worth US$550 million.
The UK is the fourth largest European investor in Thailand with well in excess of £1 billion invested. Major UK investors in Thailand include Boots and Tesco, who have invested £400 million and £1.5 billion respectively over the past ten year’s establishing their largest operations outside the UK; Standard Chartered which owns a local bank and British Gas, which is the biggest UK investor in the energy sector.
Most UK investors in Thailand however are small and medium sized companies such as Triumph Motorcycles, whose UK operation has remained in place but whose Thai manufacturing presence has facilitated increased global sales/market share. Indeed, many small and medium sized companies have established representative offices in Thailand or have invested in joint venture partnerships over the past decade to capitalise on the opportunities in the market. Small and medium sized companies look to Thailand due to its competitive start up and labour costs, good infrastructure, and its strategic location at the heart of Asia. It serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong sub-region, where newly emerging markets offer great business potential.
Who Should Attend?
Any business with an active or passive interest in doing business in Thailand should attend this seminar.
It will provide UK companies with an excellent opportunity to learn about the trade and investment opportunities Thailand presents from business people with many years experience of living and working in the market. You will also hear first-hand from a high-profile UK case study that has capitalised on the business opportunities in Thailand. It is also an ideal opportunity to gain an understanding of the real reasons and impact of recent political developments. Participation is free of charge.
Locations:
Date: Thursday 9th July/Friday 10 July
Time: 9:30am - 15:00pm
Pricing: Free
Contact: ian.fletcher@enterprise.uk.com (please mention APTN)
Tel: 07766 225144