Thailand has had a long-term relationship with China in terms of trade, investment and tourism; especially Thai exports of natural rubber to China have continually expanded as China is the world’s biggest tire producer. In 2014, China produced 449.3 million car tires and 84.8 million truck tires, accounting for 29% and 46% of world tire production respectively, data from LMC. China’s consumption demand of natural rubber is consequently highest in the world for tire manufacture. In 2014, China consumed 4.76 million tons, accounting for 39.25% of the world total consumption (12.125 million tons) and imported 3.80 million tons of natural rubber, accounting for 79% of the world total imports. Thailand is China’s biggest NR source of imports (2.12 million tons), followed by Malaysia (806,400 tons), Indonesia (477,900 tons) and Vietnam (271,400 tons), data from IRSG. Although China is one of NR producing countries, its output is very low. In 2014, China produced only 857,000 tons of NR. Rubber plantations are found in the Autonomous Dai Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, which covers the area of 20,000 square kilometers, out of which 20% in used for rubber plantation. Other crops are tea, sugarcane and banana. NR consumption demand in China grows continuously due to 2 main factors. Chinese car industry is of big scale and quick expansion. In 2015, China produced 23.7 million cars and it is expected that it can produce 25-30 million cars in 2020. Car industry consumes NR for 70%. Another factor is that Chinese industries are of fast growth and variety. There are 107 industries in all provinces.

The above data suggests that China’s potential and growth has positive impact on the economy of ASEAN, especially on rubber industry. Therefore, it is necessary that Thai government and private sector promote trade and investment and international relation with China. In this regard, China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA), which is one of the leading rubber organizations of China, comprising of more than 1,200 member enterprises which produce tire, hose belt, shoes, rubber products, latex, carbon black, etc, is to organize China Rubber Conference & China Rubber Expo 2016 during 23-24 March 2016 at Wyndham Grand Hotel Qingdao. Dr. Paitoon Wongsasutthikul, TRA Deputy Secretary General was invited to participate as a speaker in a session entitled “NR production & Marketing of Thailand in 2015 and forecast for 2016” held on 24 March 2016. The Thai Rubber Asociation is pleased to cooperate with China Rubber Industry Association for the mutual sustainable development of rubber industry of Thailand and China. I take this opportunity to invite interested parties to attend China Rubber Conference & China Rubber Expo 2016. Details can be fetched at http://con.criaevents.com/2016/crc/en/index.html

On the occasion of Chinese Lunar New Year 2016, I extend to you and your family our warmest greetings, wishing you a happy Chinese Lunar New Year, your career greater success, your family happiness and your perfect health and lasting prosperity. Xin jia yu ei Xin ni huad chai!