On 13 August 2015, the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organised a seminar titled “Thailand’s Strategy for the Middle East Market” at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center, Central World, Bangkok. The seminar was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Vitavas Srivihok, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with approximately 250 participants from various branches, including food business, halal food, rice, agricultural products, hospitals, spa and jewelry.  

          The seminar provided participants with an update on current development in the Middle East market, and guidelines on investment strategies and business opportunities in the region. Among distinguished speakers at the seminar were Ambassadors of Thailand to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran, as well as entrepreneurs with extensive experience in trade and investment in the Middle East. 

          The seminar was part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ strategy to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Thai private sector to promote trade, export and investment in the emerging markets and markets with high potential. With a population of more than 400 million and high purchasing power, the Middle East is an attractive market to Thai businesses. Currently, Thai products among others, automobiles, food, air conditioners and garments are enjoying high market share while the trade value of new segments such as jewelry, spa products, fruits and health drinks, are gaining higher demand. This growing trend provides vast opportunities for Thai businesses both leading companies and SMEs to thrive in the region.