On 2 November 2022, Miss Acharapan Yavaprapas, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, addressed the Inaugural Session of India Grand Trade Fair 2022 at City Square Ground, New Town, Kolkata as guest of honour and as Thailand has been invited to participate as partner country. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Honorable Mr. Janab Firhad Hakim, Minister-in-Charge for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal as Chief Guest and other dignitaries including His Excellency Mr. Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata and Mr. Debasish Sen, Managing Director of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).

Consul-General of Thailand highlighted the growing trend of bilateral trade between Thailand and India which has reached total volume of 14 billion USD in 2021, a new record high despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She encouraged Indian businesspersons to explore untapped potentials for further trade expansion in several categories such as cosmetics, processed food, rubber products, jewelry, automobile parts and home decors. Moreover, she pointed out to the recent nomination of Phuket to host the Specialised Expo 2028 as an example of Thailand’s commitment in supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

India International Grand Trade Fair 2022 in Kolkata was co-organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and CCG Marketing and Services. ASSOCHAM is one of India’s oldest chambers of commerce with expansive business networks across India. The Fair was participated by Thailand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Turkey, Malaysia and UAE (Dubai).