Natural rubber is a plant of economic importance of Thailand, which has been the world’s biggest producer and exporter since 1991. In 2014, Thailand covers the cultivation area of natural rubber of 3.6 million hectares, of which tapping area is 2.78 million hectares. Thai rubber production reached 4.2 million tons in 2014, being domestically consumed for 541,000 tons and exported in primary-processing form of 3.78 million tons, data from the Office of Agricultural Economics. Natural rubber generated export revenue of over 600,000 million Baht per annum. The cultivation area is mainly in the South, in which the province of Suratthani has the largest cultivation area, followed by Songkhla, Nokornsithammarat, Trang and Yala respectively. In addition to having the large area of rubber plantation, Suratthani is also home to many rubber processing factories. It plays a significant role in generating income and contributes to the economic growth of the country.
With regards to the above data, Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce in association with Suratthani Government and other agencies, viz. Suratthani office of Commercial Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Federations of Thai Industries, Board of Trade of Thailand and southern tourism associations are to arrange “Southern International Trade Expo” in Suratthani to promote economic growth and image of the South, to expand export market in China, India, ASEAN, East Asia, Middle East and other regions to stimulate the export of potential goods and service from the South, including food, halal products, spa and health products, construction materials, household products, natural rubber products and innovation, logistics as well as tourism and culture industry on 23-26 July 2015 at Central Plaza Shopping Mall, and Business Matching and Seminar at Diamond Plaza Hotel, Suratthani.
The said event is considered an important part that strengthens rubber industry of the South, bringing about trade expansion, fostering business cooperation with key consumers, and stimulating exports of raw rubber and products as well as other potential goods from the South.
The Thai Rubber Association is pleased to promote the said event and would like to invite interested parties to exhibit goods and service or attend the exhibition on the said time and venue. Further information can be required at the Office of International Trade promotion, Southern Regional Chapter in Hatyai.
Southern International Trade Expo