Shillong: Come July, the growing economic corporation between India and Thailand will get another boost at the ITPO-sponsored India Fair, 2008 at Bangkok to provide an ideal platform for domestic companies to explore potential for their products in Thailand as well as in the ASEAN market.

"The four-day event, beginning on July 24, has been programmed in light of the bilateral relations between India and Thailand, which got a boost with rise in economic and commercial links, high level visits on both sides and dialogue partnership with ASEAN," General Manager, ITPO, N K Sehgal said.

Pointing out that today Thailand is India's fourth largest trade partner in the ASEAN, Sehgal said the fair would facilitate our companies to explore the market in the whole of ASEAN region, with special emphasis on Vietnam, Malayasia and Singapore.

"Besides projecting scientific and technological advancement in different spheres, the fair would showcase potential for trade, technology transfer, joint ventures investments and RD activities on both sides," he added.

Thailand was the first country in ASEAN with whom India signed a Free Trade Agreement in 2003. Moreover, the South Asian country's "Look West" Policy compliments India's "Look East" visage, thus triggering growing economic corporation between both for last few years.

The total trade between two countries went up by three times in 2006-07 as compared to four years back.

Sehgal said that these developments are of great significance for Indian entrepreneurs for expanding the  scope of trade not only with Thailand, but also utilizing the linkages with other regional economies ike ASEAN, BIMSTEK to carve a niche in the entire market of South East Asia.

ITPO has undertaken an extensive publicity campaign to create awareness amongst Thai buyers through tele-marketing teams, internet and other publicity campaigns.

While India would focus on its tourism potential, the fair would also include activities like business seminar, food festival and cultural programmes.

The fair is being organized in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Thailand and other trade organizations of the country.

Source : PTI