The Bangkok International Fashion Fair & Bangkok International Leather Fair 2010 (BIFF & BIL 2010) will start this week as scheduled despite the prolonged red-shirt rally.
The event will be held in Impact Muang Thong Thani's Challenger Halls |1-3 from Thursday until Sunday.
Department of Export Promotion director-|general Srirat Rastapana last Friday said the |agency was working |closely with the private sector and expressed confidence the fair would run smoothly despite the demonstration.
"Security will be tight. Previous rallies have not affected other events, such as the Furniture Expo and the Bangkok Gem and Jewellery Fair.
Traders are not worried about their safety," he said.
To boost confidence among exhibitors and visitors, the organiser has set up a crisis-management team to address potential disruptions and closely cooperate with the Royal Thai Police in implementing stringent security measures at the exhibition.
Srirat admitted some traders had questioned the situation in Thailand and expressed worry about travelling to Bangkok.
However, the department and private companies insisted the event would not be affected by the red shirts.
Some 1,200-1,500 foreign traders and 35,000 visitors are expected at the BIFF & BIL 2010 expo. More than 600 exhibitors from Thailand and abroad have confirmed their participation.
The number of pre-registered foreign traders has increased considerably from last year.
Foreign visitors from almost 100 countries and territories have pre-registered, including Japan, Hong Kong, China, the US, India, Egypt, Australia, Brazil and EU and Asean members.
Moreover, 524 foreign trade delegations have confirmed their attendance.
