Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA) pointed out that the export value of Thai garment would bounce back to USD 3.5 billion this year as seen in the overwhelming orders placed for the first six months of this year which is very close to the amounts in 2008. The Association also invites all parties to join Garment Manufacturers Sourcing Expo 2010 exhibition which features raw materials and accessories from renowned global suppliers for garment and textile production to drive and promote Thailand as the “Regional Garment Hub.”

Mr. Sukij Kongpiyacharn, Vice President of TGMA and the President of the organizing committee of Garment Manufacturers Sourcing Expo 2010 exhibition, remarked “Each year, ASEAN exports garment with the value of at least USD 30 billion or 8.47% of global market share. 50% of the production costs rely on imported and own raw materials and accessories with the value of USD 15 billion. Therefore, we see the opportunities and think it is crucial to promote the status of Thailand as the Regional Hub with Garment Manufacturers Sourcing Expo 2010  which is co-located with GFT 2010 (an international trade exhibition and conference of machinery and technology for garment and textile production). Running these two shows simultaneously will make them the one-of-its-kind in this region to complement the one-stop marketplace drawing attention of prospects and communities from across the region.”

Added Mr. Sukij, “Thailand is ready to become the Regional Hub due to many factors such as geographical and logistics advantages which make Thailand a gateway to Indochina; strong textile industry; skillful human resources; ideal infrastructure; leading fashion sense; and exporting brands.”

Regarding the industrial trend, Mr. Sukij commented “To remain competitive, operators must reduce costs and seek the markets they are keen on, especially those in this region such as Japan and China which enjoy tremendous growth. Over the next 3 – 5 years, the growth rate of garment transactions within this region would be substantial due to more and more international trade agreements will become effective so the logistics and business operations would be improved.”

Concluded Mr. Sukij, “As the members of TGMA and myself are buyers of both Garment Manufacturers Sourcing Expo 2010 and GFT 2010, we are looking forward to source new machinery, technologies, raw materials and accessories in these platforms. This move will help drive and promote the potential of Thai garment industry in international arena. Consequently, foreign investors would keep their eyes on Thailand as the Regional Hub in the future.”