The Board of Investment (BoI) is calling on local exporters and investors to look to Russia, which offers potential as a new market, Vittaya Prisuvarn, an investment adviser with the body said.

He said there were opportunities for investors in garments, furniture, and service businesses, especially hotels and resorts.

If investors are interested in the Russian market, they can contact the BoI, which has a relationship with the Russian Union of Industrialists & Entrepreneurs, Vittaya said. - The Nation.

Commercial property: New direction for hotel group

The Richmond Group has spent Bt1 billion on converting the Richmond Hotel on Rattanathibet Road into a  "convention hotel" in an effort to tap into the meetings and exhibitions market, its managing director Luckwarn Wongworakran said.

The hotel will have its grand opening tomorrow. - The Nation.

Logistics: Facility opens in Laem Chabang

Ticon Logistics Park Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Ticon Industrial Connection Plc, has completed phase 1 of the Laem Chabang Logistics Centre, which is now ready for occupation.

General manager Manop Charoenkajonkul said there is strong demand for rental space in specialist parks not only from logistic companies but also manufacturing companies. - The Nation.

Networking: AmCham completes directory

The American Chamber of Commerce has completed its 2006/2007 Membership Directory, which lists 1,700 people and 620 companies. Each firm gets one copy for each person listed. Members can buy extra copies for Bt1,000. Non-members pay Bt3,000 (locally) and US$200 (Bt7,500) overseas. - The Nation.

Cosmetics: Alticor acquires Laura Mercier

Alticor Inc, the parent of Amway Corp, yesterday said it had acquired Gurwitch products from the Neiman Marcus group, a luxury cosmetics and skin-care company that manufactures and sells products under the brand name Laura Mercier.

Gurwitch products will operate as a stand-alone, wholly owned subsidiary of Alticor and maintain current retail sales channels through department stores and online. - The Nation.