Thailand as an Asean fashion hub

In addition, the Thailand Textile Institute plans to position the Kingdom as a production hub for tropical tex¬tiles.

Experts believe Thailand has high potential to serve demand in the world market, particularly in Japan and Asean.

Department of Export Promotion (DEP) directorgeneral Rachane Potjanasuntorn said garments, textiles and leather goods would continue to be among Thailand's top 10 exports, because of the Kingdom's ability to serve the various demands of importers.

"Exports of the products should grow gradually, 510 per cent a year. Export expansion shows that Thai fashion goods have high potential to achieve world recognition," said Rachane.

He expects exports to Asean and Japan to grow significantly, particularly as a result of zero import tariffs under the JapanThailand Economic Partnership Agreement implemented last November.

Exports of garments, textiles and leather goods were valued at Bt943.3 billion last year. In the first half of this year, they were worth Bt478.9 billion.

Rachane said design and innovation were key to the industry's success. Thailand is moving in the right direc¬tion, which will not only assure steady export growth, but also add value to exports.

Thai Garment Manufacturers' Association president Dej Pathanasethpong said clothing exports had a bright future, because of better conditions facilitating export growth.

"We're confident of a brighter future, because Thailand has integrated knowledge based on textiles and gar¬ments. The focus on design and inno¬vation will assure that our products are better accepted in the international market," he said.

As part of plans to promote Thai fash¬ion goods to the world, the DEP, in partnership with private enterprises, will host the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2008 from next Wednesday to August 31 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

More than 800 exhibitors and 1,300 foreign companies will visit the fair.

"We're one of the leading textile man¬ufacturers and suppliers in the global market. It's time for us to build up the country's image by focusing on tropical textiles," said Thailand Textile Institute executive director Virat Tandaechanurat.

Thailand's main export destinations are the United States, Europe and Japan. It plans to penetrate more Asean countries.