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TCEB draws together public and private sectors to join 'Open Day' : 100% support for Thailand bid to host 2020 World Expo |
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Bangkok / 22 February 2010 - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau TCEB calls for further studies of the feasibility of bringing this event to Thailand, noting that winning the bid to boost the World Expo would bring even greater returns to the government’s current investment in expanding the mass transit system, and provide an enormous boost to the country in all aspects, including the economy, trade and investment and education. TCEB will also be capable to be confident of a consensus among all stakeholders before this proposal is presented to Cabinet this March. Mr Akapol Sorasuchart, the President of TCEB stated that “the response from this Open Day seminar under the theme ‘Thailand for World Expo 2020’ has been very encouraging. The participation of over 400 people indicated the strong interest of both public and private sectors. The event offered all groups an opportunity to voice their opinions, study the available information for all sectors and assess the overall feasibility. The event is in line with the government’s policy and National Development Master Plan. In economic terms, investment in infrastructure and transportation in the coming 5-10 years reflects the findings that Thailand has high potential and readiness. However, the government’s full backing will be critical to help Thailand succeed. So far, 7 countries have entered the bidding competition. At today’s event, both the public and private sectors have fully recognized the enormous benefits that Thailand will gain from hosting World Expo 2020, according to secondary data from a study of previous World Expo events. TCEB has appointed Nielsen Thailand Co Ltd to conduct a study and collect and analyze data from the Shanghai World Expo, People’s Republic of China, and the city of Aichi, Japan. The study’s findings clearly indicated that GDP and employment rates of cities hosting World Expos mostly showed an upward trend in the year prior to the event, and also that inward direct foreign investment to these countries was also boosted. Event revenues derived from investments by other countries in building exhibits and national Pavilions have been widely distributed among industry sectors, benefitting the construction, service, transportation, public sector and communications industries, and boosting circulation of money within the economy for at least six months prior to the event. Thailand is fully prepared to host World Expo 2020, and stands in line with the selection criteria set out by the “Bureau International des Expositions”, or “BIE.” In terms of the feasibility of being selected to host the event, we have a good relationship with countries represented on the BIE Board, our locations and venues are ready, and Thailand has considerable experience in hosting international events, for example the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek international horticulture expo, and several summits of world leaders. Moreover, Thailand organises over 400 conventions and exhibitions per year and ranks 2nd in Asia in terms of numbers of events and visitor numbers,” Mr Akapol added. Moreover, the national infrastructure development plan represents another major selling point for Thailand. The Ministry of Transport’s 20-Year Master Plan for the mass transit rail system in Bangkok and municipalities has been approved by the Cabinet, and when complete will extend to 495 km, covering 680 square kilometers, and serving a population of 5.13 million people around Bangkok. “The initial investment budget required for Thailand to mount a strong bid will be approximately 500 million baht, and will take approximately three years to study and develop all aspects, including building Thailand’s image, marketing and promotion from 2011 to 2014. We estimate the actual venue location will require approximately 1,500 Rai, served by a full infrastructure, transport network and essential services. It is therefore likely that we would need to look at State-owned land as a priority”, Mr Akapol concluded. In regard to the latest progress by competing countries, so far 10 cities for 7 countries have declared their intention to bid. These are Brisbane, Copenhagen, Dubai, Manila, San Francisco, New York and Houston, Montreal, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. # # # Media Queries: |
