Thailand's furniture exports to the GCC expected to exceed $30m in 2008

In 2007, of the total exports of $30.5m to the region, the lion's share went to the UAE, with a record $20.3m of furniture exports recorded during the year.

Against this backdrop of healthy trade, and the constantly increasing demand for their products in the region, an official Thai delegation of furniture manufacturers and their export representatives are scheduled to visit the GCC next week.

Comprising 13 Thai companies - from industries as diverse as household furniture, bathroom accessories, carpets, fabrics and recycled products - the delegation will meet retailers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

A special organised 'business matching' programme will also ensure best fit between the visiting manufacturers and domestic customers including retailers, hoteliers, real estate developers, architects and designers, contractors, and assorted service providers.

Thai Trade Centre Dubai, the representing the Royal Thai Government in the region, has confirmed that the delegation will attend scheduled events on June 3 at the Millennium Hotel in Doha, on June 5 at the Sheraton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and on June 8 and 9 June at Novotel Hotel in Dubai. The delegation will also participate in the Hotel Show at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre on June 9.

According to Mr. Pilun Bhanich Supapol, Executive Director of Thai Trade Centre, furniture and related items rank high on the list of Thailand's exports to the region, and the UAE in particular.

"If you include air-conditioning machines and parts, woven fabrics, television receivers and parts, iron and steel products under the broad category of 'furniture', it constitutes a hefty percentage of trade between the two countries."

He also stated that the delegation would focus primarily on construction material, interior decoration and household and garden furniture with highlights including ceramics, carpets, furnishing and furbishing, and air conditioners (all of which Thailand is internationally renowned for).

Further, the delegation also aims to address the needs of local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, and offer vital support in developing home-grown, 'Made in the UAE' brands.

The business matching programme between the visiting manufacturers and regional audiences is also expected to further boost trade between Thailand, and the UAE and Qatar.

"The UAE imported $16.85m worth of furniture from Thailand in 2006, and $20.3 in 2007.

The UAE is also one of Thailand's top 10 export markets in the furniture category, together with USA, Japan, UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, The Netherlands and Germany.

These 10 countries currently account for 80% of furniture and furniture parts exported from Thailand, amounting to a staggering $1.26bn.

Thailand sees great potential in the Emirati and Qatari markets, and this visit augurs well for all parties," added Mr. Supapol.

The Thai Trade Center Dubai is one of 54 overseas offices of The Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government.