Commerce Ministry hopes gift and houseware fair to boost Thai exports

BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) - The Commerce Ministry hopes that the Bangkok International Gifts and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG + BIH) being held now will boost Thailand’s exports by three per cent this year, said Chutima Bunyapraphasara, permanent secretary for the Ministry. Miss Chutima told journalists after presiding over the opening ceremony of the fair at the International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) on the outskirt of Bangkok that her ministry hopes that the fair would stimulate Thailand’s exports, especially products, which are being displayed at the fair, by three per cent. The BIG + BIH fair is open to buyers and importers from today until Tuesday and for the general public on Wednesday and Thursday. On a planned meeting between the ministry officials and Thai exporters this Tuesday, Miss Chutima said the meeting could produce a clearer picture on Thailand’s exports in 2015 and lead to proper adjustment. Expressing optimism after the country’s exports during the first quarter suffered contraction, she said she believed Thailand’s exports this year would not contract. The meeting will be chaired by Commerce Minister Gen. Chatchai Sarikulya. (TNA)