The recently concluded Thaifex - World of Food Asia provided the strongest evidence yet that the exhibitions business in Bangkok is back on track. This year's event, held from June 30 - July 4, attracted more than 21,000 visitors from 101 countries and 992 exhibitors from 24 countries.
According to Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia-Pacific of organiser Koelnmesse, the return of international visitors showed that the event remains important to global players in the food and beverage business and that Thailand is back in business after the political tension of the preceding months.
Overseas visitors make up 20 per cent of this year's delegates with the highest numbers coming from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, USA and Hong Kong. This year Thaifex took up three halls for the first time.
The Director-General of the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Mrs Srirat Rastapana said, "Thailand is one of the top food exporters in the world. Our food exports in 2009 have increased by about 20 per cent from the previous year and reached $8.7 billion in the first five months of 2010. Thaifex is a key business platform to facilitate our export trade so it is gratifying to see international buyers continuing to support the event."
