Update Q1/2013

U P DAT E 1/2013 http://thailand.ahk.de

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E G E R M A N - T H A I C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Thailand’s motor vehicle industry records strong growth in 2012

Ordinary General Meeting 2013

Ice Breaker networking and site visit to BMW Manufacturing (Thailand)

SAVE THE DATE! German-Thai Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Night 2013 Thursday, 30 May 2013 Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

The GTCC is pleased to announce the launch of its first Annual Gala Night this year. Under the theme ‘The Glamour of Germany’, we present to you an enchanting evening of scrumptious 4-course meal to be delightfully complemented by GTCC-exclusive entertainment and highlights to ensure exceptional Gala experience!

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Normal seats/tables Member: 3,500 baht net per person 31,500 baht net per table (10 seats) Non-member: 4,500 baht net per person 40,500 baht net per person (10 seats)

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We also offer the following sponsorship opportunities: • Platinum package at 120,000 baht* • Gold package at 80,000 baht* • Silver package at 40,000 baht* *Indicated rate is subject to 7% VAT ..................................................................................................................................................

To reserve your tickets or find out more about our sponsorship benefits, please call 02-670 0600 ext. 2003 or 2004.

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DEAR READER

I am pleased to present you with the first issue of our Update magazine for 2013, which arrives with a complete facelift to enhance your reading pleasure.

Together with this new look, each future issue will focus on a particular topic of interest, with article contributions from key players in relevant industries. This first issue features a look at the automotive world and provides an overview of the current development of this dynamic sector from different points of view.

Ranked as the world’s tenth leading automobile manufacturer, Thailand needs to step up its competitiveness and address certain shortcomings to allow for sustainable growth and development of this industry amid the foreseen ASEAN economic integration. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to discuss this subject with Ms. Achana Limpaitoon, President of Thai Auto Parts Manufacturing Association, who shared with us her outlook on the state-of-play of Thailand in this regard.

Under the same focus, we review the involvement of European Union in supporting the “greening” process of Thai automotive industry’s supply chain under a three-year project called “Greening Supply Chains in the Thai Auto and Automotive Parts Industries Project”.

In addition, education is undeniably one of the most important fundamentals of the Kingdom’s industrial and business development. Therefore, we have also included related and interesting articles, such as a contribution by the Goethe-Institut Thailand, under the topic of “FIT: Schools to meet future needs of German-based businesses”.

Following this overview of the Thai automotive industry, a recap is presented of GTCC events and activities during the Chamber’s past dynamic quarter. Apart from our annual Ordinary General Meeting, various seminars and events were organised. This includes Executive Media Training Workshop by Deutsche Welle Academy, Joint seminar on the new BOI investment promotion strategy 2013 – 2017, as well as the launch of our new and featured business networking event ‘The Ice Breaker’.

Last but not least, we have introduced a new section in connection with our newly-launched GTCC Membership Card programme. This section will provide updates in each issue of Up-date on current privileges and promotions of services or products offered by members for members to enhance your membership experience.

I very much hope you will enjoy the improvements introduced in this issue and I would like to take this opportunity, as always, to express appreciation for your continued support of the Chamber.

With best regards,

Jörg Buck Executive Director

Update is published quarterly by the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and distributed free of charge to members and qualified non-members in Thailand and abroad.

Subscription is also available at an annual rate of US$75 (airmail). Payment can be made in cash or cheque to the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Empire Tower, 195 South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Tel.: (+66) 02-670-0600. Fax: (+66) 02-670-0601. E-mail address: info@gtcc.org.

Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

Update welcomes story and photo contributions from members and non-members alike. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement, except for those taken from other sources.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Jörg Buck Editor & Communications Director: Ratanaporn Bistuer Advertising Director: Pimtip Faktorngpan Sub-Editor: Tony Oliver Design & Layout: Sorapol Liengboonlertchai

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CONTENTS

16

Thailand’s motor vehicle industry records strong growth in 2012

Ice Breaker networking

26 FIT-Schools to meet future needs of German-based businesses

38 Ice Breaker. GTCC networking event

37 GTCC-FTCC Joint Breakfast Talk on AEC 2015

39 Ordinary General Meeting 2013 39

AUTOMOTIVE 06 08 10 14 15 16

Automotive Institute sets out plan to ensure sustained growth of sector Mercedes-Benz combines luxury with environmental protection

BMW Group Thailand records highest growth of ‘world’s most sustainable car company’ Thailand as AEC vehicle market hub from suppliers’ perspective European Union supporting supply chain ‘greening’ by Thai automotive industry Thailand’s motor vehicle industry records strong growth in 2012

BUSINESS BRIEF 22

DIHK-Economic Survey February 2013

EDUCATION 26 FIT-Schools to meet future needs of German-based businesses

MEMBER’S CORNER 28

Exclusive interview with Mr. Marcus Nothhelfer

CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES 34 Business delegation visit to Lao PDR 35

36 37 38 39

Economic outlook for 2013 by DZ Bank Workshops on becoming a corporate social responsibility manager and successful negotiator The Stammtisch, Bangkok GTCC-FTCC Joint Breakfast Talk on AEC 2015 Ice Breaker: GTCC networking event and site visit to BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Ordinary General Meeting 2013

TRADE FAIRS 41 42

43 44

Wasser Berlin International 2013 The world’s largest exhibition for transport and logistics CeBIT 2013: Strongest performance in years LIGNA 2013 Stone+ tec Nürnberg 2013

Ordinary Genera

06 AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE INSTITUTE SETS OUT PLAN TO ENSURE SUSTAINED GROWTH OF SECTOR

Contributed by: Thai Autoparts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA) An event to celebrate Thailand’s successful attempt to manufacture up to 2 million automobiles in 2012 (the actual figure by the end of 2012 was 2.45 million automobiles) was hosted on 30 November 2012 by Thailand’s Ministr y of Industr y, Automotive Institute, Automotive Industry Club and Auto Parts Industry Club under the Federation of Thai Industries in collaboration with the Thai Automotive Industr y Association and the Thai Autopar ts Manufacturers Association.

In addition, the 2012 production target for motorcycles was set at up to 2 million motorcycles (the actual figure by the end of 2012 was 2.5 million motorcycles), making Thailand the tenth largest automobile manufacturer worldwide (as of August 2012). Thailand aims to manufacture 2.6 million automobiles annually by 2017, which looks likely to be accomplished 2-3 years before the actual deadline. At the same time, Thailand is the eighth biggest automobile exporter and the sixth biggest auto parts exporter in the world. The export value of automobiles and auto parts has been estimated to have been about Baht 1 trillion in 2012.

The Automotive Institute, under Thailand’s Ministry of Industry, has formulated a plan aimed at sustaining the industry’s growth by

following the Federation of Thai Industries’ growth prospects for 2012-2016. The plan emphasises the importance of becoming more competitive, so that Thailand can progress to becoming one of world’s leading automobile manufacturers and exporters. While introducing environmentally friendly production, the plan also seeks to further develop the country by increasing the earnings from the value chain in the automotive industry. The fact that Thailand is a global “green” automotive production base, with strong domestic supply chains, creates high value-added for the country.

The strategy of the development plan covers three main areas: Excellence in technology, research, and development; Excellence in the development of employees’ skills; Strengthening confidence among investors.

In enhancing these three areas, the environment must be preserved by following the guidelines and the implementation policies.

AUTOMOBILE AND AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURERS There are 16 corporations in the automobile industry and seven corporations in the motorcycle industry. Most of them are large-scale enterprises owned or shared by foreign investors, with a work force comprising approximately 100,000 workers. There are about 700 large auto parts manufacturing companies, which comprise three tiers. The first tier mostly comprises companies that are shared investments between domestic owners and foreign business partners, and they employ as many as 300,000 people. These companies manufacture auto parts such as engines, brakes, tyres, electrical circuits etc.

The second and third tiers comprise smaller corporations, and small and medium-sized enterprises, that manufacture products such as

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AUTOMOTIVE 07

machinery as well as metal, plastic, rubber and glass parts, and mirrors for the first tier. They employ about 250,000 people. The number of employees in the automobile and auto parts industry workforce totals some 600,000.

Analysis of the workforce in 2010 shows that elementary school children and below comprised less than 11 per cent, while middle and high school children accounted for 45 per cent, workers with certified specialised skills totalled 24 per cent and undergraduates accounted for 20 per cent. From this, it can be inferred that Thailand is becoming the main manufacturer of automobile and auto parts in this region, thus encouraging to the alteration of techniques, (for example, replacing humans with automation, maintaining machinery so that it is kept up-to-date, and increasing the number of workers in the industry with certified specialised skills to 35 per cent, and the number of undergraduates to 25 per cent.

PROJECTED WORKFORCE SITUATION Figures produced by the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association for 2010 show that the 1.6 million automobiles manufactured during that year provided employment for 457,000 persons, meaning Thailand manufactured 3.5 automobiles per person per year. However, in 2012, when 2.45 million automobiles were produced (600,000 units more than the anticipated target), the workforce increased to 600,000 workers. Therefore, 20-30 per cent of the blue-collar workforce has to depend on migrant workers. In addition, an increase in the number of specialised degree workers as well as undergraduates will be necessary. In particular, more undergraduates are needed in order to increase the value-added as well as improve product designs and processes. At the same time, the manufacturing processes need to be made more efficient in order to reduce both dependency on human resources and production costs.

STRATEGY FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The role of the Committee of Labour Development and Skill Specialisation is to integrate State policies with the labour and human resources development plan as well as the training and specialisation of workers plan. The Department of Skills Development, under the Ministry of Labour, has been tasked with creating a framework and strategic plan for developing the labour force within the automobile and auto parts industry. The objectives are to: (a) provide guidelines for increasing workforce productivity and ensuring co-operation between governmental and private units (such as TAPMA); (b) upgrade workforce skills; and (c) develop the workforce to world-class level in order for it to be competitive in the for thcoming Asian Economic Community and world markets.

The strategy’s vision is to develop the automotive workforce to world-class standards. It’s mission is to: Increase productivity and develop the workforce; Integrate private, governmental and educational institutions in the development of labour and vocational skills training and standards; Develop a database to link the workforce market with demand for labor skills development; and Develop human resources and the workforce by establishing human development institutes in order to be ready to meet growing needs resulting from competition in the Asian Economic Community and world markets.

This will ensure that, despite all existing and future challenges, Thailand’s automotive industry will remain sustainable due to collaboration between the public and private sectors in the automobile and other industries.

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08 AUTOMOTIVE

MERCEDES-BENZ COMBINES LUXURY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Contributed by: Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd.

Mercedes-Benz has launched its first diesel passenger car, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which features a hybrid drive. The world's most economical luxury-class model is rated class A+ in energy efficiency and has now received the coveted Environmental Certificate from TÜV Süd, in accordance with ISO Standard 14062.

The Environmental Certificate – which is based on a “life-cycle assessment” by the independent inspectors of TÜV Süd who subject vehicles to comprehensive tests covering the entire life cycle – and associated explanations will be made available to the public as part of the Life Cycle documentation series, which can be viewed on-line at www.mercedes-benz.com.

"After introducing the S 400 HYBRID in 2009, Mercedes-Benz is now setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles with the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID", according to Professor Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer for Daimler AG. "The modular hybrid technology is opening the way for us to quickly expand other model series with the addition of hybrid models."

Over its entire life cycle, from production and use for 250,000 kilometres through to recovery, the Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID produces 23 per cent less CO2 emissions than a comparable E 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. This is largely a result of a significant reduction of up to 28 per cent in consumption.

Compared with the equivalent E 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel model, the consumption of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has been reduced from between 6.1 and 5.8 l/100 km to between 4.3 and 4.2 l/100 km (109 g CO2/km) – depending on the type of tyres fitted to the vehicle.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID meets the mandatory recycling rate of 95 per cent by weight that will come into force on 1 January 2015. The future requirements of vehicle recycling were already taken into account at the development stage, and closing material loops plays an important role, not only in terms of the metals used. The vehicle makes use of 43 components with a total weight of 41.5 kg, some of which have been produced from recycled plastics.

In addition, the E-Class also features 44 components that have been produced using natural materials with a total weight of 21 kg. The floor in the luggage compartment, for example, is made of a honeycomb cardboard structure, and olive coke is used as an active filter.

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AUTOMOTIVE 09

A SHOP WINDOW FOR R &D Electromobility. Four regions awarded showcase status as Germany strives to realise ambitious mobility goals.

Four German regions were recently awarded “showcase” project status as part of the country’s ambitious electromobility plans for 1 million electric vehicles on German roads by 2020. The four successful winners from a field of more than 20 applicants will share an R & D funding budget of up to 180 million during the three-year showcase program. The respective showcase projects have been set up to highlight application-based R&D as a first step towards electric vehicle mass market development. As such, the regional showcase projects will act as a “shop window” for innovative cross-industry partnerships in the country’s different federal States. This means making German technological expertise visible in a small number of large projects in which public and private partners pool their joint competences and resources. Global automotive players including Audi, BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen are active partners in the four showcase projects, where partners also include regional and local authorities, universities and research institutes, trade associations, and, of course, small and medium-sized enterprises.

A three-stage process has been identified in order to meet the country’s electric mobility goal of becoming a leading market and provider by 2020. The auto industry plans to invest in the region of EUR 17 billion during the market preparation phase up to 2013 alone (German auto manufacturers plan to roll out around 15 new electric models for sale in this phase).

The market start-up phase to 2017 will see vehicle and infrastructure market development placed in the foreground before the final mass market phase up to 2020.

For example, supplier Johnson Controls plans to establish a pilot system for automated battery module production at its European HQ in Hannover. A major focus will be placed on the manufacture of prismatic cells.

“With these modules, we can assemble energy storage systems for drivetrain applications and plug-in hybrid vehicles,”explains Johnson Controls MD Stefan Suckow.

Continental has also announced plans which will see it at the centre of electric mobility activity. Since 2011, the company’s Gifhorn plant has been developing a synchronous motor that does not require rare earth materials in the production process. It’s hoped that these and other innovations made in the showcases will help Germany achieve its 2020 goals.

ELECTROMOBILITY SHOWCASE PROJECTS 1. Berlin-Brandenburg International Showcase for Electric Mobility Seventy-four projects with a total budget volume of around EUR 165 million are scheduled to be implemented. Their goals? Some 3,800 electric vehicles by 2015; 3,400 new charging stations; new energy storage concepts; and electricity generated purely from renewable sources – ideally from local facilities. Fourteen international automobile brands from nine automotive companies are taking part.

2. Lower Saxony We’re Switching to Electric Horsepower The federal State plans to implement 37 projects with a total investment volume of EUR 137 million. Two hundred partners – including companies such as Volkswagen, Continental, and Johnson Controls as well as research institutions, universities, and trade associations – are participating in the project.

3. Baden-Wuerttemberg Living Lab E-Mobility Approximately 120 partners have joined forces to work on 41 individual projects. The research projects are intended to drive the development and manufacturing of large-series production of electric vehicles, as well as charging technologies and IT solutions. Major automotive players and SMEs alike are participating in the showcase project.

4. Saxony and Bavaria Electric Mobility Connects Saxony and Bavaria plan to focus on long-distance mobility, urban and rural mobility, international connections, and educational training. In addition to federal funds, both States plan to allocate EUR 30 million to the project. Their goals? Some 250,000 electric vehicles by 2020, and quick-charging stations at intervals of 90 km along the A9 highway from Munich to Leipzig. Participants 2. include Audi, BMW, E.on., MAN, N-ergie, 1.

Porsche, and Siemens as well as numerous public utility companies.

4.

Source: Germany Trade & Invest (Issue 3/December 2012)

3.

3.

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10 AUTOMOTIVE

BMW GROUP THAILAND RECORDS HIGHEST GROWTH OF ‘WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE CAR COMPANY’

Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President of BMW Group Thailand

Contributed by: BMW Group Thailand

Within the automotive industry, the BMW Group is synonymous with sustainable business practices and social responsibility. This is not only evident in “EfficientDynamics”, an advanced set of technology features that has enabled the BMW Group to achieve the most significant reductions in fleet fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of any European car-maker. The group’s sustainable business practices and willingness to assume social responsibility are also apparent from the way in which BMW tackles numerous ecological and social issues The BMW Group’s world-leading position among car makers in terms of ecological and social responsibility has been confirmed by the annually-published Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which has judged the BMW Group to be the industry leader, and thus the “world’s most sustainable car company”, for eight years in succession. The index is considered to be the worldwide benchmark for sustainable business.

At BMW Group Thailand, which recorded the highest growth rate in 2012 within the entire BMW Group world-wide, the same principle of sustainability is applied to all business units, from the production processes to the technologies integration in all BMW and MINIMALISM (MINI) offered in Thailand. Therefore, the Chamber was pleased to be given the opportunity recently to interview BMW Group President, Mr. Matthias Pfalz, about the company’s remarkable success as well as

UPDATE 1/2013

what can be expected from BMW in the future, particularly with regard to the concept of sustainability and the future of clean energy known as the BMW i project.

GTCC: How was the business of BMW Group Thailand in 2012?

Mr. Pfalz: The year 2012 was another successful year for BMW Group Thailand in which we achieved the second record year in our history with the highest growth of 44% year-on-year for BMW and MINI automobiles combined to set the newest benchmark of 6,114 vehicles.

This was the best-ever sales result for us, and it enabled BMW Group Thailand to post the highest growth within the entire BMW Group world-wide.

All three business units of BMW Group Thailand posted new record sales in the BMW Group Thailand’s history; BMW Automobiles with 5,613 deliveries (+45% year-on-year), MINI with 501 deliveries (+30%), and BMW Motorrad with 290 deliveries (+37%).

Our success in Thailand is in line with the success of the BMW Group world-wide. In fact, the BMW Group achieved the highest sales record of more than 1.8 million vehicles world-wide in 2012, an increase of 10.6% compared with the year before. It has been proven that BMW is well-recognised for its value-formoney, both in fuel consumption and cost of ownership. BMW’s EfficientDynamics

AUTOMOTIVE 11

technology and “BMW Service Inclusive” are the answers to our customer’s needs, It provides our BMW customers with “peace of mind” for the entire maintenance period of five years or 100,000 km.

GTCC: What are the contributors to the success of BMW Group Thailand?

Mr. Pfalz: First, our products represent our position as technology leader. In principle, BMW EfficientDynamics technology provides our cars with higher performance – particularly in terms of driving dynamics – but at the same time, better fuel economy and less emission.

Second, an attractive price positioning is one of the factors that have led us to the highest growth percentage in recent years. The new BMW X1, for example, has a starting price from 1,999,000 baht. The new BMW X1 comes with Servotronic as a standard profile to enable precise yet comfortable steering. Together with plenty of space for all types of activities, it is truly an entry Sport Activity Vehicle for our existing range, particularly for our new BMW fans.

The used cars pricing study, according to the RedBook Thailand – which is the pre-eminent provider of vehicle identification and pricing information covering all vehicles on the Thai market since 1992 – it has been proven that certain BMW models, such as BMW 3 Series (model code E90: BMW 318i) achieved better resale value of approximately 18 percentage points when compared to its predecessor model, the BMW 3 Series (model code E46: BMW 318i SE) in their third year of ownership. Moreover, the BMW 5 Series (model code F10: BMW 523i) has an even better resale value of approximately 19-25 percentage points over its predecessor model, the BMW 5

Series (model code E60: BMW 523i) after the second and third years of ownership.

Customer satisfaction is the main focus in our business and all activities.

We measure the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) in terms of sales and services. With all the data in place, we are able to form a very solid foundation for our CSI standards and the result has been improving year-by-year. Our dealers’ staff are highly motivated in exceeding customers’ expectations, which is the main contributor to the success of customer satisfaction, both in BMW and MINI, during the past years.

Highly skilled and motivated people are the best asset for today and tomorrow. We plan our training programme for our staff to ensure that they are well-trained and well-informed about any latest updated technology to best serve our customers. As a matter of fact, we have recently renovated the BMW Group Thailand Training Centre to ensure that the latest equipments are in place in order to accommodate any training needs. Our new training manager and our trainers work very hard to ensure successful competency of our dealers’ staffs.

In addition, we have initiated the Service Apprenticeship Programme together with the Ministry of Education and selected vocational schools as a part of our long-term strategy for human resource development. In 2012, we awarded scholarships to 14 students, which will enable them to gain hands-on work experience at BMW dealerships nationwide.

Our dealers are highly motivated. We work as a team and we put together our plan to encourage dealer network expansion. Our

BMW i8 Concept

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BMW i8 Concept

12 AUTOMOTIVE

JOY IS CARING. Educational trip hosted by BMW Group Thailand for the Chalermprakiat 48 Pansa School students to visit the navy base and sea turtle conservation center in Sattahip.

recently dealership expansion in 2012 at Millennium Auto Rama III offer facility to accommodate BMW new cars, BMW Premium Selection certified used-cars and aftersales services for both BMW and MINI to serve the robust growth of customers in the Bangkok metropolitan area.

GTCC: You mentioned that one of the success factors was contributed by “sustainability”.

Could you elaborate on its terms and definitions?

Not only motivation in the business, we are also motivated to take initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as another important aspect of our business. At BMW Group Thailand, we believe in being a good corporate citizen, and we are continuing to provide our support for some of the projects we have been involved in for almost a decade. Together with the Amari Watergate Hotel, we support HIV-affected and infected children at Baan Gerda in Lopburi and the Chalermprakiat 48 Pansa School in Lamphun.

Mr. Pfalz: The term “sustainability” stands for socially, economically and ecologically responsible business practices. Acting sustainably means treating resources with future generations in mind. The BMW Group sees itself as a responsible member of society, and seeks to maximise sustainability at every stage in the value creation chain.

Last year, BMW Group Thailand launched an educational project to take approx. 50 students and teachers from the school in Lamphun to the navy base in Sattahip over 700 km away.

This project was initiated to provide an opportunity for learning experiences in marine biology outside of the classroom. By giving care and attention to help the children realize that they are an important part of our society, BMW Group Thailand employees were proud to be part of the CSR event.

At the grand opening of Millennium Auto Rama III From left: 1. Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President of BMW Group Thailand 2. Mr.Vivat Thamchuanviriya, President of Master Group Corporation (Asia) Ltd. 3. Dr. Sunhavut Thamchuanviriya, Managing Director of Millennium Auto Group

BMW ActiveHybrid 3

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BMW ActiveHybrid 5

The BMW Group considers these values to be the main prerequisites for long-term business success. This is why sustainability is firmly anchored in the Group’s entire value chain of: Lowering fuel consumption and emissions for all current model series, i.e., BMW EfficientDynamics technology; The development of future fuel-saving and alternative vehicle concepts, such as the BMW ActiveHybrid, and the BMW i3 and BMW i8. For the Thai market, we have re c e ntly intro d uc e d the BMW ActiveHybr id 3, BMW ActiveHybr id 5 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 L with eight model variations; Environmentally-conscious production processes all the way to eco-friendly recycling operations; Responsibility for social issues and worldwide commitment to education and traffic safety.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7 L

AUTOMOTIVE 13

BMW i8 Concept and BMW i3 Concept

GTCC: The BMW Group is again listed as the world’s most sustainable automotive producer in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Could you share with us the details of this successful achievement?

Mr. Pfalz: as you know, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is one of the most important ratings in the world. In 2012, the BMW Group was able to secure its position as the industry leader in this ranking for the eighth time in succession, meaning external analysts rate us as the most sustainable automotive producer in the world.

Apart from this success as the world’s most sustainable automotive company, BMW has also been named the “World’s most reputable company” according to the Global Rep Trak 100 survey. The survey is based on a data collection period in 2012 in 15 countries around the world. BMW came up in the list to become number one in all dimensions of reputation.

BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine

GTCC:Talking about the future of mobility, what is the next platform we can expect from BMW? Mr. Pfalz: The new BMW i sub-brand that focuses on developing sustainable mobility solutions was announced in early 2011. The BMW i represents a new movement in premium mobility. With the introduction of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 concepts, the BMW Group thus reaffirms its leadership as the most innovative and sustainable premium car company.

The BMW i3 concept will have its world premier in late-2013. The BMW i3 concept is an uncompromising sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas.

Driven purely by electric power, and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.

The BMW i8 Concept, and the fascinating approach that underpins it, embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept with a high-performance, three-cylinder combustion engine that delivers the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

MINI Cooper S Coupe

GTCC: What is your viewpoint on competition in the future?

Mr. Pfalz: The world is changing everyday and products must be adapted to respond to any changes. At BMW, we see ourselves as a responsible member of society, and we define sustainability in three dimensions, namely ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability.

Competition in our terms means competing with ourselves in order to produce the best technology that meets the most sustainable solutions for society.

BMW F700 GS and BMW F800 GS

http://thailand.ahk.de

14 AUTOMOTIVE

THAILAND AS AEC VEHICLE MARKET HUB FROM SUPPLIERS’ PERSPECTIVE Contributed by: Continental Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which will become effective in 2015, envisages ASEAN as a single market and production base.

Continental Automotive (Thailand) has foreseen the benefits for the supplier and the car manufacturers in helping to solidify Thailand as the region’s vehicle manufacturing hub. German suppliers have some advantages that will allow access to this rapidly-growing market such as global scale, excellent technical/research and development capabilities, and OEM customer access.

However, the Thai automotive industry faces many challenges that need to be resolved in order to enhance its competitiveness in the ASEAN region. Some recommendations have been made by the key automotive working group members of the European-ASEAN Business Centre in Thailand with the aim of overcoming such challenges.

In addition to the factors influencing the AEC objective of a single market and production base, it is imperative for the ASEAN automotive industry to match global automotive market standards, an objective that can be achieved by: Harmonisation of automotive standards – ASEAN automotive players need to move forward and follow a standard for products that is acceptable on the global market. Concerted efforts are being made by ASEAN to adopt UNECE regulations for automotive products by 2015; Providing new technology and innovation incentives – the Government of Thailand should provide incentives for “best in industry” parts suppliers in the form of investment and tax support that encourages C02 emission reduction and safety technology; A skilled workforce – develop a larger pool of skilled workers, especially in the automotive trade areas. One of the key factors in attaining the AEC objectives is facilitation of higher education and technical training; Harmonisation of Customs procedures – a standard Customs procedure would curtail grey market imports, thereby improving transparency and the business environment; Improvement and availability of low-emission quality fuel – improving the quality of low-emission fuel will allow German suppliers to bring the best technology such as direct injection technology to the fore. However, this has to be an ongoing process; ASEAN local content – harmonisation of procedures for applying local content/origin requirements would support multi-location sourcing and production within ASEAN.

UPDATE 1/2013

As one of the key member countries and the dominant automotive hub of ASEAN, Thailand is all set to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Given its experience in the automotive industry, a strategic plan has been devised to achieve “VISION 2012 – Thailand is a global green automotive production base with a strong domestic supply chain that creates high value-added for the country”.

Given Thailand’s growth and leadership in the automotive domain, Vision 2021 will accentuate Thailand’s role in AEC by pioneering its stand as a “Green automotive production base” focusing on ecofriendly automotive business and qualifying international standards with regard to safety aspects. To match world-class standards, Thailand’s automotive industry has to consider global trends revolving around energy efficiency, eco-friendliness and a clean environment by reducing emissions.

A structured approach is required in order to improve engine efficiency and the transition to alternative energy sources such as ethanol and biodiesel. The demand for smaller and lightweight vehicles is growing; Thailand will need to work on technology that focuses on replacing existing raw materials to futuristic, safe and lightweight raw materials.

As we progress into the future, with most of the factors in Thailand’s interests in place, constructive and concerted efforts by policy makers in conjunction with the automotive players in Thailand will enable Thailand to strengthen its position as the dominant leader in the AEC automotive sector. As a result, both the Thai economy and the automotive players in Thailand will benefit.

AUTOMOTIVE 15

EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTING SUPPLY CHAIN ‘GREENING’

BY THAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Contributed by: German International Cooperation (GIZ)

The automotive industry is the most significant sector in Thailand’s economic development as its supply industry is largely diversified and involves more than 160 fields of production, e.g., plastic, aluminium, rubber and electronics. However, a large number of automotive parts industry suppliers (tiers 2 and 3) are still using outdated production processes that are polluting the environment. Therefore, the European Union has awarded a grant to Thailand for enhancing the capability of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to optimise these processes to improve the environmental performances.

The “Greening Supply Chains in the Thai Auto and Automotive Parts Industries Project” is also in line with the commitment made by the Thai Ministry of Industry to becoming a green manufacturing base in Asia by 2014; this is crucial to promoting cleaner production as well as managing the reduction of environmental impacts by the industrial sector. The project will work closely with the project to promote the Green Industry Mark (GIM) among Thai automotive and automotive parts manufacturers by supporting the expansion of their eco-friendly production technologies through the application of local and international standards. It is expected that productivity and product quality of at least 250 of the 500 participating SMEs will be increased, while environmental impacts and energy use per production unit will be reduced.

The participating SMEs will gain the following benefits: Consultation and advisory services for improving production in the areas of productivity; resources and energy efficiency; Production cost reduction; Access to Green Industrial Mark; Access to “green” financial packages; Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility.

The main activities comprise: Provision of training and individual consultancy ser vices in sustainable production; Support for enterprises in assessing financial packages to support sustainable production; Strengthening capacity of service providers in sustainable production tools and creating networks between Thai auto and automotive parts producers; Sharing of experiences and proposing policy recommendations to the Thai Government, both in the field of sustainable production and in financial incentive policy.

This three-year project has been implemented by five consortium partners: German International Cooperation (GIZ); the Thailand Automotive Institute; the Federation of Thai Industries; the Thai SME Bank; and the Centre for Sustainable Consumption.

For more information about the project, contact: Ms. Wilasinee Poonuchaphai, Project Director, Green Auto Parts Project, c/o SME Bank Tower, 310 Phaholyothin Road, Samsennei, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (tel: +66 (0)2-615-2022; fax: +66 (0)2-615-2021; e-mail: wilasinee.poonuchaphai@giz.de).

http://thailand.ahk.de

16 AUTOMOTIVE

THAILAND’S MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY RECORDS STRONG GROWTH IN 2012 Contributed by: Dr. Waldemar Duscha, Germany Trade and Investment

MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND DEMAND

Thailand's automobile market showed extraordinary momentum in 2012 with an increase of 80 per cent to 1.4 million vehicles. The automobile industry also scored an all-time record with nearly 2.5 million units. The production target of 3 million vehicles in 2017 appears achievable, a projection that is also strongly suppor ted by continued high levels of foreign investment.

Imports of the main motor vehicle par ts in 2011 rose by 45 per cent to more than US$ 11 billion, of which the share of branded products from Germany increased by 35 per cent to US$ 400 million.

UPDATE 1/2013

In 2012, Thailand's car market recorded a surprisingly high increase of slightly more than 80 per cent to 1.4 million units (table 1). However, for 2013, a leading manufacturer has predicted a decline to 1.2 million vehicles, of which 542,300 units would comprise passenger cars (-19 per cent) and 631,900 units would be pick-ups (-5 per cent). However, since around 25 per cent of them will be attributable to the country’s “first-time car buyer programme”, the actual sales figure should be below 1 million.

High consumer confidence amid highly dynamic growth of around 5 per cent in real terms of the gross domestic product during the next few years indicates relative stability of demand in the longer term. Further stimulus will continue to come from the increasing attractiveness of the Thailand as a regional automotive hub of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Table 1. Sales of motor vehicles in Thailand Category

2011 (No. of units)

2012 (No. of units)

Change 2012/2011 (%)

Passenger cars

377,621

692,771

83.4

Utility vehicles

418,459

741,849

77.3

Total

796,080

1,434,620

80.2

Source: Thai Automotive Institute.

In 2012, the strong growth in demand was attributable to several factors. The most important factor was the "first-time car buyer programme" with almost 1.2 million applications by yearend 2012, which cost the country a total of Baht 87 billion in tax incentives (almost Euro 2.2 billion (based on the exchange rate of Euro 1 = Baht 40.08 as of 14 February 2013).

AUTOMOTIVE 17

Another important reason was the severe flooding in Thailand in the autumn of 2011, during which many vehicles were destroyed or new purchases were postponed. The demand for 1-ton pick-ups was also positively affected by government aid to farmers. Also favourable to growth was the launch of a dozen new car and fuel-efficient eco-car models.

In 2012, market leader Toyota set a new record with 516,086 cars sold (table 2). For 2013, the company’s target is again at least 500,000 vehicles, of which 200,000 units will be passenger cars and 285,000 units will comprise pick-ups. Toyota sees Thailand as a regional and global hub, whose production capacity will expand by 2014 to 1 million units and by 2017 to 1.2 million units. Isuzu, as the second largest vehicle provider, expects a sales decline of between 5 and 10 per cent in 2013. Honda anticipates more intense competition that will force the automobile trade to carry out larger sales promotions. As a result of the introduction of 10 new models, three of which are from Japan, Honda will continue to focus on growth with a sales target of 200,000 units. Mitsubishi projects ongoing robust demand and has forecast sales of 120,000 vehicles.

Table 2. Sales of motor vehicles in Thailand, by manufacturer Manufacturer

Sales in 2012 (No. of units)

Change, 2012/2011 (%)

Market share, 2012 (%)

Toyota

516,086

77.9

35.9

Isuzu

213,380

61.4

14.9

Honda

171,208

103.9

11.9

Mitsubishi

131,121

98.7

9.1

Nissan

123,850

79.4

8.6

Chevrolet

75,457

138.8

5.3

Mazda

73,764

75.7

5.1

Ford

54,865

87.9

3.8

The automotive associations remain rather cautious in their expectations, but see a great future in Asia, also with regard to an increased tendency to use environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient drive systems. In the case of the hybrid car, Toyota already has assembly lines in place for the Camry, Prius and some Lexus models.

The decisive factor for the future is the further technical development of motor vehicles and motor vehicle par ts. According to the Automotive Group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the industr y’s previous investments amounted to about Euro 250 billion, 10 per cent of which was allotted to research and development. Currently, BoI is offering special incentives for the electronic systems and other high-tech components, such as electronic fuel injection systems, substrates for catalytic converters, continuously variable transmissions, electronic stability controls and regenerative brake systems.

Meanwhile, the furnishings and equipment of the long-delayed test centre and testing grounds for motor vehicles and motor vehicle par ts of approximately Baht 8 billion is expected in the Spring of 2013. Up to now, cer tifications have had to be carried out abroad.

Source: Tri Petch Isuzu Sales.

In the area of product development, in particular, the government funding initiative for eco-cars has proven its worth. The pioneer was Nissan with the March and Almera models, followed by the Honda Brio, Suzuki Swift and Mitsubishi Mirage. Toyota will launch its first eco-cars in 2013. The total investment by these five manufacturers is expected to amount to around Euro 5 billion in total with an annual target of 700,000 eco-cars.

In addition to economic fuel consumption, the conditions set for funding by the Board of Investment (BoI) are compliance with the emissions standard Euro 4 as well as the security labels UNECE 94 and 95. In addition, four of the five main components (cylinder head, cylinder block, crankshaft, camshaft and connecting rod) must be produced locally.

After the eco-car, a new champion could be the hybrid or electric car.

For this purpose, BoI has already announced tax incentives for the construction of national production of high-tech batteries. Mitsubishi Motors, Thailand has already expressed interest in introducing the E-version of the Mirage eco-car in 2014, subject to the availability of such batteries. Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti again strongly supported this third strategy in late July 2012 and initially announced a number of production feasibility studies related to the development of pick-ups and eco-cars.

http://thailand.ahk.de

18 AUTOMOTIVE

PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRY STRUCTURE In 2011, the automobile industry suffered an 11 per cent setback to 1.46 million vehicles due to the catastrophic flooding in Thailand. However, in 2012, a rapid rise of almost 69 per cent occurred (table 3), to reach a record high of 2.46 million units. Utility vehicles represented 60 per cent of that total, making Thailand the world's largest exporter, with shipments to 130 countries.

The growth trends clearly exceeded industry expectations, which at the beginning of 2012 were for a maximum of 2.1 million vehicles. According to FTI, production is expected to rise until 2017 to reach approximately 3 million vehicles, of which two-thirds will be for export. In an ASEAN study, LMC Automotive predicted a result of 3.3 million units by 2017, with Thailand having a strong lead over Indonesia (1.6 million) and Malaysia (700,000) in this sector.

Table 3. Production of motor vehicles in Thailand Category

2011 (No. of units)

2012 (No. of units)

Change, 2012/11 (%)

Passenger cars

537,987

964,344

79.3

Utility vehicles

919,808

1,496,070

62.7

1,457,795

2,460,414

68.8

Total

Source: Thai Automotive Industry Association.

The realisation of AEC by 2015 will provide additional impetus to the automobile industry.

Thailand was unable to gain a place in 2012 among the world’s top 10 automotive production countries, even though the country is already known as the "Detroit of Asia". The supply industry will also benefit because there is still considerable production and export potential.

According to the Thailand Automotive Institute, the supply industry has already formulated investment plans amounting to more than US$ 3 billion in the coming years.

Foreign direct investment in the entire automobile industry nearly doubled in 2012 to reach more than Baht 200 billion. During recent years, significant German investments have been made by Continental with a new plant in Rayong worth Euro 100 million, Brose with a joint venture, and Mercedes-Benz with a new business centre in Bangkok. Bosch wants to enhance its product portfolio, while DĂźrr (coating systems) opened its fiftieth location worldwide here in 2012.

Table 4. Selected investment projects in the automobile industry (Euro million) Actor/programme

Investment sum

Description

Eco-Car

5,000

Construction of new factories during the current decade by Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Suzuki

Ford

1,800

Long-term plan for developing a production hub for the region, including a plant in Rayong for 150,000 Ford Focus annually

Bridgestone

470

New plant for ORR tyres for construction and mining vehicles in Rayong

Toyota

400

Expansion of production of diesel engines for IMV vehicles*

General Motors

350

Construction of three factories for the manufacture of diesel engines, sports utility vehicles and pick-ups

Nissan

275

Production plants for an annual output of 75,000 pick-ups

Mazda

250

Transmission plant in Chon Buri

Thai Summit Group

220

Expansion, domestically and abroad

* International Multipurpose Vehicle Platform.

Source: Bangkok Post and The Nation newspapers.

UPDATE 1/2013

AUTOMOTIVE 19

Currently, there are 14 assembly companies with 50,000 employees in Thailand. In addition, there are 709 first-tier suppliers, and about 1,700 second and third-tier suppliers. About 70 per cent are small enterprises, 20 per cent are medium-sized, and 10 per cent are large providers.

About half of the world's largest 100 OEM companies manufacture in Thailand, including Robert Bosch, Valeo, Michelin, TRW, 3M, Goodyear, GKN, Denso, Mitsuba, Mitsubishi, Omron, Sumitomo, Toyota Boshoku, Hitachi, Bridgestone, Alpine and Pioneer. The local production share amounts to 70 per cent for passenger cars and 85 per cent for pick-ups. Many first-tier suppliers have several automakers as customers and expand in the rhythm with new vehicle launches.

FOREIGN TRADE In 2012, the import statistics for the most important motor vehicle parts group recorded strong growth by 45 per cent to US$ 11.3 billion. As in the automobile market, the Japanese manufacturers dominated in this sector with a total value of US$ 7.1 billion (+39 per cent). German exports to Thailand rose by 35 per cent to US$ 394 million and reached an import share of 3.5 per cent. Thus, Germany was close behind the Republic of Korea in sixth position, ahead of the United States (2.1 per cent) and behind the China (5.5 per cent), and Indonesia and the Philippines (both 4.2 per cent).

Table 5. Import of important motor vehicle parts to Thailand (US$ million) HS

Product description

2011

2012

From Germany (2012)

8407.31 through .34

Spark ignition reciprocating piston engines

372.3

433.9

16.9

8408.20

Diesel or semi-diesel engines

565.4

955.8

13.3

8413.30

Fuel, lubricating or cooling medium pumps for internal combustion piston engines

186.3

227.2

8.7

8544.30

Ignition wiring sets

118.5

220.1

4.3

8511

Electrical ignition, starting equipment, generators etc.

359.2

465.0

7.8

8512

Electrical lighting or signaling equipment (excluding 85.39), windscreen wipers etc.

272.1

364.3

22.5

8706

Chassis

357.3

242.8

2.0

8707

Bodies (including cabs)

41.2

40.6

12.5

8708

Other parts and accessories of the motor vehicles (bumpers, brakes, gearboxes, drive axles etc.)

5,533.0

8,359.7

306.0

7,805.3

11,309.4

394.0

Total Source: Ministry of Commerce, Thailand.

In 2012, Thailand's vehicle exports rose to almost 39 per cent (1 million vehicles), which was an increase of about 32 per cent in value to approximately US$ 23.4 billion. The most important export markets were in Asia (26 per cent), Australia and Oceania (26 per cent), Latin America (20 per cent) and Europe (7 per cent). The export value of motor vehicle parts and accessories amounted to US$ 6.9 billion (a rise of 23 per cent). Key buyer countries were Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa and the United States.

Motor vehicle parts already have a 29 per cent share of total exports, in which the genuine service parts (OEM parts) dominate at more than 70 per cent.

BUSINESS PRACTICES Details of the technical standards and requirements for the motor vehicle industry are available at the Thai Industrial Standard Institute (www.tisi.go.th). The Customs Depar tment of Thailand (www.customs.go.th) is responsible for import procedures. Other related contacts are listed in table 6.

http://thailand.ahk.de

20 AUTOMOTIVE

Table 6. Contact addresses Description

Internet address

Notes

AHK Thailand

http://thailand.ahk.de

Point of contact for German companies

Ministry of Industry

www.industry.go.th

Ministry of Industry

Board of Investment

www.boi.go.th

National funding institution for direct investment

Federation of Thai Industries

www.fti.or.th

Umbrella organisation for industry

Thailand Automotive Institute

www.thaiauto.or.th

Promoting the development of the motor vehicle industry

Thai Automotive Industry Association

www.taia.or.th

Association of car producers

Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association

www.thaiautoparts.or.th

Association of supply industry

Bangkok International Auto Show

www.vda.de

International motor show for passenger cars and light duty vehicles

Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories

www.thailandautopartsfair.com

Trade fair for parts, components, accessories, machinery, equipment, servicing and repair

Metalex Asian Bangkok

www.metalex.co.th

Trade fair for machine tools and metalworking machinery (Reed Tradex)

Advertisement Opportunities with the GTCC. BeneďŹ t from the GTCC’s extensive business network in Thailand and the region to enchance your business opportunity today!

GTCC Publications Website Electronic Direct Mail for futher details on the GTCC advertisment options, please call us at +66 (0) 2 670 0600 ext 2003 (Khun Pimtip) or send us an email to advertisement@gtcc.org

AUTOMOTIVE 21

LOGISTICS MADE IN GERMANY

Your Gateway and Hub to Europe Germany – the Logistics Gateway and Hub to Europe

“LOGISTICS made in Germany” provides customer-oriented, efficient and high-performance logistics services combined with Europe’s most advanced transportation network. With Germany being located in the heart of Europe, it offers more economic a dvantages than most other locations.

The logistics sector plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving trade flows between the world’s large economies. As one of the best world’s leading logistics centres, Germany has achieved one of the top rank in the World Bank’s 2012 Logistics Performance Index report.

Germany contributes to nearly 25 percent of Europe’s logistics sector.

With an annual turnover of 210 billion euro, logistics is the third largest industry sector in Germany. Highly efficient processes ensure that the costs for logistics in Germany are 70 percent lower than in China or India, for example.

Germany’s excellent reputation as a logistics location is not only based on its capable transportation infrastructure, but also a result of its highly-qualified logistics service providers, which set standards for supply chain organization. Upcoming challenges are met with high flexibility. Qualification and standardisation measures help to sustain the highest quality of today’s supply chain management.

Leading Infrastructures More goods pass through Germany than through any other country in Europe. It is quite clear that Germany is predestined to be Europe’s market square. Whether travelling by air, land or sea, Germany’s exceptional infrastructure and location in the centre of Europe make it an ideal place for international trade.

Companies which hope to tap into the European market, with its 250 million potential customers, may choose Germany for its perfect geographical location. Bordering nine other European countries, Germany is the continent’s commercial hub, where all trans-European paths meet. Its membership in the European Single Market makes Germany an ideal starting point for distribution channels throughout the entire continent.

10 GOOD REASONS FOR GERMANY EUROPE’S LOGISTICS LOCATION Germany ...

1. is Europe’s economic centre and the world’s fifth largest national economy.

2. is the gateway to Europe, being its most attractive location for goods distribution.

3. is at the trans-European hub with nine neighbouring countries.

4. provides access to about 250 million consumers within a catchment area of 500 kilometres.

5. offers the most advanced transportation infrastructure worldwide.

6. lets you choose from a wide range of capable logistics locations, since here’s where worldwide logistics started.

7. is home to fast and flexible logistics services with trade-specific solutions and expertise in all segments of logistics.

8. has highly-skilled and flexible employees.

9. is home to many global players.

10. is the largest logistics market in the European Union.

The Logistics Alliance Germany - Your preferred matchmaker for first class logistics services in Europe The “Logistics Alliance Germany” provides consultation on market access to Europe and helps its clients find partners from logistics industries free of charge. It is an initiative by the federal government to strengthen Germany as Europe‘s gateway and logistics hub. For more information on Logistics Alliance Germany, visit www.logisticsalliance-germany.de

http://thailand.ahk.de

22 BUSINESS BRIEF

DIHK-ECONOMIC-SURVEY FEBRUARY 2013 80 Chambers of Industry and Commerce ask, more than 28.000 Enterprises answer

ECONOMIC TRENDS IN GERMANY

At the beginning of 2013 the economy is picking up again. After a continuous decline in the course of 2012, the business situation of companies is stabilising at a level which remains high. The interim crisis atmosphere has calmed down. While domestic consumption is relatively robust, investment activity at home and abroad has suffered noticeably in particular. Accordingly, the mood of the intermediate goods and capital goods producers has continued to worsen. As is tradition, the construction industry assesses its business situation at the beginning of the year as being less good. The business situation in the entire service sector remains stable. The assessment of the situation in the retail trade is even improving. On balance, the estimates in all sectors are better than in the long-term average.

UPDATE 1/2013

Scepticism with respect to the coming months is diminishing. Business expectations suggest a return to a positive situation. They are becoming somewhat brighter in all economic sectors, most of all in manufacturing industry. The main effects are coming from the initial successes in tackling the euro debt crisis. However, there is still a certain degree of uncertainty to be found. For example, concerns about the economic policy framework conditions are scarcely diminishing as a business risk. In addition, more than half of companies fear setbacks in domestic demand, as well as additional costs from increasing energy and raw material prices.

BUSINESS BRIEF 23

The decline in investment intentions has come to an end. Gradual progress in the euro zone is stabilising the planning horizon of companies across all industries. Although the investment intentions are not quite as expansive as in recent years, they remain positive on balance for the ninth time in succession - the longest period since reunification. This is also an indication of the high level of competitiveness in this country. In order to further strengthen this position, companies are investing not only in replacement demand, but mainly in product innovations and rationalisations. Financing is not currently a problem in most cases.

There is a noticeable improvement in confidence with respect to export expectations. There was a particular threat that exports would be hit by the debt crisis. These fears did not materialise. Fewer companies see foreign demand as a risk to their business developments. In individual cases, good news about production and exports is already coming from the states hit by the crisis. However, companies are still not expecting any significant impetus from the euro zone. For this reason, export estimates have not reached the average of the last few years. Buoyant demand continues to be expected primarily from the emerging markets in Asia. The good business in the USA remains subject to the resolution of the budgetary crisis.

The employment plans of companies remain slightly positive.

However, it is not sufficient for a significant increase in recruitment.

Memories of the debt crisis are still too vivid, the uncertainties too large. In spite of reductions in the number of orders, the plans of the manufacturing industry indicate at least stable developments with regard to employment. Consumer-oriented sectors such as retail are cautious despite higher expectations - here in particular there are continuing worries about domestic demand. In contrast, businessrelated services such as R&D providers are continuing to expand their workforces - due to the continued high demand for specialised services. Nevertheless, many companies with expansive employment intentions consider that their plans are being held back by the shortage of skilled workers.

http://thailand.ahk.de

24 EDUCATION

YAOWAWIT SCHOOL KAPONG: A SPECIAL PLACE OF HOPE FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN Children’s laughter sounds from the jungle of Kapong. Here, in the dense, evergreen thickets, far from the main road, is the new home of 110 children. They have experienced so many bad things, have grown up without parents or were abandoned by them, abused, and witnessed prostitution, alcoholism and drug addiction. Yet, still everyday, they can be seen running up and down the stairs of their school and showing their broadest smiles.

Then there is “June”, who has fought her way through a tedious and tiring application process and managed to be admitted to the Thai Government’s scholarship programme.

This honour is accorded only to some 150 students throughout Thailand. Now June is studying at the University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and is settling in well in the city that will be her home for at least the next four years.

At the Yaowawit School Kapong – an approved welfare boarding school – they are given the chance of a good future, something that they could never even have dreamed of in their former lives. In the adjacent lodge, the children have hospitality classes; combined with the excellent and extensive English lessons, which are run from kindergarten to high school by international volunteers, this will give them the opportunity to get a job at any hotel in the region if they wish.

All this would not have been possible without the continuing support from Yaowawit. Now it is partly financed by the school’s international school programme. Every four to six weeks, around 20 students from International Baccalaureate schools all over the world visit Yaowawit with their teachers and become part of the everyday school life for a week. They assist with teaching English to all grades and get dirty on the farm while planting rice or catching catfish with their bare hands. Also, they enjoy trips to different locations all over Phang Nga Province. They learn that not much is needed to be happy and make many new friends. A return to the jungle is already being planned before their actual departure.

Furthermore, the children participate in Thai dancing, art, choir and cooking classes, and are taught about sustainable and ecological agriculture at the school’s large 12-hectare farm.

During recent months, there have been many changes at Yaowawit. The school has spawned its first, and already very successful, graduates. For example, “Golf ” finished vocational school and is working as a diving boat mechanic in Khao Lak. “Dah” is studying IT at the Rajaphat University of Phuket. At the end of last December, “Prair” returned from Sydney, where she attended a monthslong intensive English course to further improve her English skills as well as gain experience of Western culture.

UPDATE 1/2013

; International School, Harrow Schools in Bangkok and Beijing, the Phuket International Academy, the Tanglin Trust School Singapore and the Seoul Foreign School already exist; Linfield College and Chiang Mai International School will be visiting in early 2013.

Since November, Yaowawit has recorded one more innovation. Thanks to generous donations from the German Embassy in Bangkok, Conergy, Ltd. and Logwin Air + Ocean (Thailand) a 600-m2 solar panel field

EDUCATION 25

worth Baht 3 million sits on the school’s farm.

The 324 solar modules produce 227,400 kWh per day and will reduce the school’s annual power costs by 20,000 baht for the next 25 years. Hence, Yaowawit is the first school in southern Thailand, and maybe even in the whole country, to operate its own solar power field.

The official opening of the solar panel field was attended by, among others, the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Bangkok, the CEOs of the companies involved, political representatives from different parties and members of the media.

During the ceremony, project manager Sabine Kraus said the school would do its best to fulfil its role-model function and to make the solar panel field a learning centre both for Yaowawit and external students.

It is thanks to donations such as these that Yaowawit can be kept alive. The Thai Government merely covers 10 per cent of the school’s running costs. The other 90 per cent has to be found through fund-raising activities or generated from its own enterprises.

The school aims to cover about 50 per cent of its operating costs through its own enterprises during the next three to five years. Income is being earned from the hospitality centre, the 12-hectare farm and sales of self-made Yaowawit branded gifts such as organic mosquito repellent, herb balm or lemon grass tea.

In order to achieve solid and reliable funding, Yaowawit still needs about 500 child sponsorships of Baht 2,000/€ 50 per month.

Today, the school has 62 child sponsorships.

Would you like to keep Yaowawit, and thus our children’s dreams of a better future, alive?

Then please visit our website at www.yaowawit.com for further information, possible ways to support us and our bank details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either project manger Sabine Kraus (sabkrs@gmail.com) or Sandra Kaminke (sandra.kaminke@arcor.de).

Donations to the Yaowawit School are fully tax deductable.

http://thailand.ahk.de

26 EDUCATION

FIT-SCHOOLS TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS OF GERMAN-BASED BUSINESSES

Panel of company representatives: (from left to right) Jörg Buck, Katrat Upayokin, Martin Klose, Matthias Pfalz and Frank Krings

Contributed by: Goethe-Institut Thailand From the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Philippines and from Nepal to New Zealand, 38,589 students are currently studying the German language and culture at 124 FITSchools, thanks to the Partner School initiative launched by the German Foreign Office.

What type of employment perspectives do these students have? On 18 and 19 January 2013, the Goethe-Institut invited the FITSchool principals from South and South-East Asia, together with representatives of Germany and the German economy, to Bangkok in order to answer that question.

As suggested by the conference motto, “Opening Opportunities”, Germany and German-based firms are extremely interested in recruiting qualified foreign personnel. The demand is more for personal and social skills together with practical experience than for top grades. Knowledge of the German language and work experience in Germany can make the difference, as they facilitate successful co-operation with and integration within German-based companies. The GermanThai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) and

UPDATE 1/2013

the Goethe-Institut are thus keen to support further contacts between schools and businesses.

Employability, internationalisation and foreign languages were the key words throughout the conference. In her opening speech, Thailand’s Vice-Minister for Education Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaied stressed the communicative challenge presented by the future ASEAN Economic Community and the necessity to communicate with Europe. German Ambassador to Thailand Rolf Schulze confirmed this fact from a German point of view by quoting former Goethe-Institut president Jutta Limbach’s “Englisch ist ein Muss, Deutsch ein Plus”.

The industry perspective was introduced by GTCC Executive Director Jörg Buck, who presented a panorama forecasting positive economic development while stressing the need for a qualified, trained workforce. Ideal employees are those who meet not only the technical requirements of the job but who also possess the necessary skills and competences gained through practical experience.

The best way towards achieving this goal is via dual education. During a podium discussion, Siemens’ Head of Infrastructure and Railway Systems, Katrat Upayokin, pointed out the advantages of this type of training.

“Knowledge and practical experience must come together; one cannot work without the other”, he emphasised.

President of BMW Thailand, Matthias Pfalz, also emphasised the fact that vocational training does more than just open the door to a job in a company. It also paves the way for a good career there.

Country Director of Deutsche Bank in Thailand, Frank Krings, stated provocatively that “mere academic knowledge is useless for those starting their working life”. Addressing the school principals, he said: “Make sure the students have a command of the basics”. He stressed that apart from a sound technological and mathematical basis, the students should also have a strong command of spoken and written language. The podium agreed that if faced with a choice between two applicants with the same qualifications, the candidate able to offer knowledge of German would have an advantage.

EDUCATION 27

Martin Klose from the law firm Rödl & Partner explained that “knowledge of German greatly aids one’s integration into the processes employed in a Germanfirm, especially if the central office in Germany is involved. It also helps towards a better understanding of the procedures taken in German firms.”

Last but not least, knowledge of the German language and a sound educational background are prerequisites for anyone striving to work in Germany. Khushwant Singh from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology referred to the Internet portal, “Make it in Germany” at www.make-it-in-germany.com in order to illustrate how Germany was opening up opportunities for future foreign employees.

Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaied Vice-Minister for Education

A final panel of principals showed that, in the context of their educational mission, the schools are eager to meet the companies' requirements.

There are several ways of bringing schools and companies together: mutual visits; development of projects and competitions on topics from the vocational world; trial work experience placements; and internships. The Goethe-Institut and GTCC plan to foster this exchange. For more information, contact Dr. Hans-Dieter Dräxler at the Goethe-Institut Thailand; e-mail: draexler@bangkok.goethe.org.

‘SCHOOLS: PARTNERS FOR THE FUTURE’ The “Schools: Partners for the Future” initiative was launched in 2008 by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is aimed at drawing attention to Germany, its language and culture as well as to the wide range of academic programmes and career opportunities. Activities related to language, geography and culture have promoted German among students and their parents. Teacher training programmes have improved the quality of the lessons. Students, teachers and schools principals have been made familiar with Germany through language courses and study trips, respectively.

Today, the worldwide network comprises 1,530 partner schools and is expected to increase to 2,000 schools by 2014. The Goethe-Institut co-operates with 532 of these schools, the so-called FIT-Schools. Currently, there are 10 FIT-Schools in Thailand: Four in Greater Bangkok; two in Chiang Mai; and one in Khon Kaen, Phitsanoluk, Phuket and Ubon Ratchathani.

http://thailand.ahk.de

28 MEMBER’S CORNER

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MR. MARCUS NOTHHELFER On his recent move to establish a German Desk at Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Ltd The Chamber recently had an opportunity to interview Mr. Marcus Nothhelfer, a newlyappointed German partner at the Bangkok office of a leading international law firm, Watson, Farley & Williams, during which he shared his views on his arrival and his new role at the firm.

GTCC: Could you please tell us about yourself and your background?

Mr. Nothhelfer: Please allow me first to say thank you for your kind invitation to introduce myself and our exciting new “German Desk” project at Watson, Farley & Williams. The idea behind the project is to establish central points of contact for clients with investment and business interests in South-East Asia (inbound business), Germany and Europe (outbound business). There is already close and successful co-operation between the Asia specialists in our German offices and our teams in Bangkok and Singapore.

My role here in Bangkok will now be to ensure clients can access the highest-quality German legal service in the right time zone and location, and in the language of their choice. This will bridge any gap between cultures and using local knowledge to deliver efficient service, Asia-wide.

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‘OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE HIGHEST-QUALITY GERMAN LEGAL SERVICES, ASIA-WIDE’

I have worked both for leading international law firms and in-house for global corporations, and joined Watson, Farley & Williams as a par tner after 10 years with another international law firm in Frankfurt and Munich.

Most recently, I was head of the German IP/ Commercial practice group, working on corporate transactions and disputes. My legal expertise in general covers a broad range of areas in the fields of commercial project law, international trade, international joint ventures, manufacturing, sales, distribution, agency and franchising as well as intellectual property law, with a focus on licensing, technology transfer and trademarks.

GTCC: What attracted you to Watson, Farley & Williams and Thailand?

Mr. Nothhelfer: Thailand is a rapidly-developing market, with Bangkok as a central capital located directly in the heart of South-East

Asia. Bangkok especially is increasingly regarded as a vital hub for the entire ASEAN region, and as a good platform for European businesses looking to expand into new markets such as Myanmar. In Germany, we are currently seeing a significant number of clients looking towards new business opportunities in South-East Asia, with thousands of major German companies already present in the region.

The political climate and regulator y framework in Thailand are comparatively stable and the region offers investors far better prospects in terms of return on investments than some of those currently available in Europe, across areas from hotels and real estate to natural resources. Watson, Farley & Williams is a market-leading firm in Asia, with an extremely successful office and team in Bangkok, and an established presence in the region for almost 15 years.

MEMBER’S CORNER 29

GTCC: How has the global economic crisis affected this market in your view?

Mr. Nothhelfer: While there are difficult market conditions across the world, most of the economies in Asia are clearly doing better, and prospects here are brighter. An Asia focus is now even more of a key component of the strategy of international commerce. In particular, South-East Asia is attracting many enterprises, due to moderate labour and manufacturing costs. Asian investor s, somewhat like German investors, are in an extremely strong position with ready funds and investment appetite. It is a buyer’s market but these investors will only commit when the pricing meets their expectations. Much work is being done in preparation for potential investment. Watch this space!

GTCC: Do you think other law firms and a dvisers will also be entering this market?

Mr. Nothhelfer: Watson, Farley & Williams is very well positioned to provide this particular new service for Germany and Europe-related business projects because of our understanding of both markets as well as our long-term commitment to bringing them together. There will, of course, be competition, but the international reach that we can provide to clients and the consistency of quality we offer truly distinguish us. Clients benefit from our local law capability as well as from the Anglo-Saxon expertise offered by our expatriate partners – and now also from my German law contribution. This variety at an experienced partner level within an internationally and domestically fullyintegrated partnership is unique in my eyes.

“We have understanding of both markets and long-term commitment to bringing them together” GTCC: Why a German Desk in Thailand?

What opportunities do you see between our two countries?

Mr. Nothhelfer: In our day-to-day work with German clients we have identified a growing need for an in situ “German” point of contact in South-East Asia, particularly in Thailand.

We also know from undertaking due diligence with members of the Chamber and other Asia-based clients that this is also the case for those already established in the region, particularly those poised to take advantage of the difficult European economic conditions with a programme of investment. A local “German” point of contact that can guarantee the highest legal service standards as well as a direct connection between the European and Asian teams addresses this need.

Therefore, we believe that now is the right time to provide this service.

GTCC: What do you predict will be the leading corporate activity in the region during the short to medium term?

Mr. Nothhelfer: The German Federal Foreign Office describes Thailand as one of “Germany’s most important political partners” and, in 2011, Germany remained Thailand’s most important trading partner in the European Union. With more than 500 German companies operating in Thailand, and a high volume of investment into the country, we envisage a high level of corporate activity such as joint ventures and acquisitions.

GTCC: On a more personal note, what experiences are you looking forward to now that you have made the move to Thailand?

Mr. Nothhelfer: I personally love Thailand and its culture, the people and the standard of living here. It is an exciting opportunity, not only for me but also for my wife and my children, to work and live in this fascinating country, where we have already spent a great deal of time, and where we have strong family ties and very close friends. I think I will surely miss the distinct change of seasons in Germany, snow in winter and skiing in the Alps. However, when I got the first phone call to ask if I would be interested in working for Watson, Farley and Williams in Thailand, I did not hesitate a single moment and said yes. I am very much looking forward to having the chance now to explore the hidden secrets of this beautiful country from within, rather than merely as a tourist.

Watson, Farley & Williams is a leading international law firm with 14 offices in major financial centres in Europe, Asia and the USA, including 3 German offices in Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt. Since opening in 2001, WFW Bangkok have grown to offer a full range of corporate and commercial, finance, employment and dispute resolution ser vices. The Bangkok office has particular experience in the energy, oil & gas, natural resources, real estate, insurance, and transport and ICT sectors.

http://thailand.ahk.de

30 MEMBER’S CORNER

DEG: SUPPORTING PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FOR 50 YEARS Contributed by: DEG-German Investment and Development Company DEG (Deutsche Entwicklungs-und Investitionsgesellschaft mbH) was founded in 1962 with the objective of supporting private sector activities in developing countries and to assist German mediumsized companies with their investments abroad. Since then, DEG has financed projects in more than 100 developing and emerging markets. Clients include German medium-sized enterprises, local enterprises and local banks that issue loans to small and mediumsized entrepreneurs.

In fact, more than 1,700 companies in a wide range of industries have benefited from co-operation with DEG through long-term loans, equity capital and guarantees as well as DEG’s experience and knowhow. In 2001, DEG became a member of the KfW banking group.

Today, DEG has 457 staff, total assets of € 4.4 billion and annual new commitments of € 1.3 billion.

Private companies can fully rely on DEG as a truly committed longterm partner even in risky markets, and during politically and economically difficult periods, when there is a need for reliable longterm partnerships.

DEG IN THAILAND AND THE REGION During the past 25 years, DEG has financed more than 40 projects in Thailand, totalling € 345 million. A major focus has been support for German companies investing in Thailand. Today, other investment activities include financing renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind power farms) as well as investments by German and Asian companies in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Viet Nam. In those countries, long-term financing is very difficult to acquire and DEG can play an important role in tapping those future markets.

In all its projects, DEG places great importance on sustainable commitment. It supports compliance with local as well as international environmental and social standards, including the Performance Standards of the World Bank as well as the Labour Standards of the International Labour Organization.

MORE THAN JUST MONEY When DEG funds activities, it not only provides capital, but also comprehensive advice concerning all aspects of investment planning – profitability, financial structure and financial management as well as environmental and social compatibility. DEG’s clients profit from 50

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years of experience, a solid knowledge of countries, markets and industry sectors, and the KfW banking group’s global network. DEG structures and arranges complex projects in co-operation with other development finance institutions or banks.

In order to master the diverse challenges in developing and emerging markets sustainably, DEG also offers companies various support programmes that are financed not only with its own money but also with funding from the German Government and from other public and private financiers.

DEG’S FINANCING ACTIVITIES For the majority of the projects, DEG provides loans to private companies, usually in Euros or United States dollars. The loan amounts are typically between € 8 million and € 25 million, with terms between 4 and 10 years. Some 40 per cent of DEG’s projects are equity participations; DEG purchases shares of the company in the investment country but never assumes the role of majority shareholder. In most cases it has a seat at the board of directors so that the company benefits from the advice and reputation of DEG. Another form of risk capital is mezzanine finance. This flexible instrument increases the equity base of the financed company. All these instruments enable DEG to offer tailor-made financing to its customers, which exactly fits to their needs.

In addition, DEG can finance accompanying consultation and training programmes with non-repayable contributions in order to support enterprises in their commitment to sustainable development in, for example, the fields of education, health care, transparent corporate management and environmental protection.

MEMBER’S CORNER 31

An interview with Dr. Herbert Baumgartner Office Director, DEG Thailand

‘AN IMPORTANT AND LONG-TERM FINANCING PARTNER IN ASEAN’

GTCC: Dr. Baumgartner, DEG has come a long way in Thailand and the fiftieth anniversary of the Chamber marks a milestone for the DEG representative office in Bangkok. In your own words, how would you describe the evolution of DEG in Thailand during the past few decades?

Dr. Baumgartner: Since the 1970s, DEG has been providing long-term loans to many local and German-owned manufacturing businesses in Thailand. After the Asia financial crisis in the late 1990s, the Thai banking sector was restructured and has since become quite robust and competitive. Local banks now offer a broad range of short- and long-term finance programmes. As DEG’s mandate is not to compete head-on with commercial banks, our role in Thailand has changed; we are now operating more in niches such as equity and mezzanine financing, renewable energy financing, and financing of German companies investing in Thailand.

We are also supporting our Thai clients who are investing in other emerging markets, especially in neighbouring countries Viet Nam, Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and, recently, Myanmar, where long-term financing is not easily available.

GTCC: With DEG playing a vital role as an important provider of long-term financing to developing countries worldwide as well as acting as a reliable partner in the ASEAN region, which past projects have most underlined the objective of improving the living conditions of people? Can you provide us with some highlights from Thailand?

Dr. Baumgartner: In Thailand, DEG is financing a number of mediumsized German “hidden champions” in high-tech industries such as aircraft production, specialty chemicals and lighting. These companies provide transfers of much-needed know-how to Thailand, which is on its way to becoming a technology-based economy in ASEAN.

One of our main customers in Thailand is Indorama, which is being extremely successful in expanding into international markets; and has become a global leader in the polyester industry. DEG has been financing Indorama’s investments in ASEAN, Africa and Eastern Europe.

GTCC: The DEG representative office in Bangkok has a wellestablished network in the ASEAN region that not only includes investment authorities but also institutions such as the GermanThai Chamber of Commerce. Can you give us some insights into that aspect and elaborate on your co-operation with GTCC? Dr. Baumgartner: GTCC is one of DEG’s most important partners in Thailand. During previous years, GTCC has conducted market studies for DEG and provided information about financing opportunities to its members. These activities have been supported by joint events introducing the services of DEG. GTCC: How is the inception of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 expected to influence both current and future developments at DEG? Dr. Baumgartner: The upcoming ASEAN Economic Community will boost economic integration and development of the region.

Integration will not only provide huge opportunities for Thailand as an advanced economy but also for its economically late-coming neighbours in the northern part of ASEAN. We feel that we are very well positioned to serve the future and frontier neighbouring markets with our broad spectrum of long-term financing programmes as well as the further expansion of our niche markets in Thailand.

Other examples are our investments in various types of renewable energy such as the formation of a wind power development company together with German partners as well as a recent equity contribution to specialised funds active in the field of solar power.

http://thailand.ahk.de

32 MEMBER’S CORNER

NEW GTCC MEMBERS Between 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2013, the Chamber welcomed twenty new members.

AGS Four Winds International Moving Ltd.

Everest World Co., Ltd.

55 Bio House Building, 5th Floor, Sukhumvit 39 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-662-7880, fax: 66 (0) 2-662-7881, email: ags-bangkok@agsfourwinds.com.

Fico Place, 11th Floor, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-204-2255, fax: 66 (0) 2-204-2259, email: info@everestasia, website: www.everestasia.com.

Chamber representatives: Thorn Surakul and Nick Chomonter.

Activities: Everest world - Flagship stores and corners.

Luxury brands: Aigner, Charriol, Longchamp and Vertu.

Activity: International removals by air or sea for private and corporate clients, and storage of household goods and personal effects.

Berkeley International School 123 Bangna Trad Highway, Bangkok 10260.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-747-4881 to 2, fax: 66 (0) 2-747-4988, email: llwilson@berkeley.ac.th.

Chamber representatives: Michael Gohde and Saowanee Fungtammasan.

Activity: Education with Thai and International childrenfrom kindergarten.

Chuchawal Royal Haskoning Ltd.

Chamber representative: Pauramin Srichawla.

Huber Inks (Thailand) Ltd. 23/91 Sorachai Building, 22nd Floor, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-714-3229 to 30, fax: 66 (0) 2-714-3228, email: sandor.meszaros@huberinks.co.th.

Chamber representatives: Sandor Janos Meszaros and Tipprapai Lagum.

Activities: Trading of offset, coldset inks, and press chemical for printing industry.

In Asia Tour Co., Ltd.

Asoke Towers, 8th Floor, Office Building, 219/25 Sukhumvit 21, Wattana, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-259-1186 to 9, fax: 66 (0) 2-260-0230.

110/6 Red Rose Court A3, Praditpat Road, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-278-0811, fax: 66 (0) 2-278-0812, email: info@thailandholidays.de.

Chamber representatives: Gwin Pringpuangkeo and Meike Salvado.

Chamber representatives: Bernd Sorat Beyer and Fischer Tamara.

Activities: Providing services in the fields of consultingengineering, architecture, project management and cost control services etc.

Activity: Tour operator for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, incentive travel and event organizer.

Conergy (Thailand) Ltd.

Ulf Mielke, Intercultural Trainer/Coach

191 Silom Complex Building, 25th Floor, Unit A1, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-632-1146, email: H.Bohne@conergy.com, website: www.conergy.com.

Intercultural Training, 56 Toh Tuck Road, #01-10, Singapore 59674.

Tel: (65) 006591714198, email: Ulf.Mielke@iccompetence.com, Website: www.iccompetence.com.

Chamber representatives: Hendrik Bohne and Thitipan Thitiworanon.

Mywellcard Ltd.

Activities: To carry on business of system intergation,engineering and construction of turn-key renewable energy solutions which include solar thermal, wind, biogas, biofuel, PV system.

Dr. Heidrich Udo Karl Edmund May I Inn, 62 Loykroh Road, Soi 4, Changklan, Muang, Chiangmai 50100.

Tel: 66 (0) 84-186-9014, email: polylaw@gmail.com, website: www.polylaw.eu.

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Sino Thai Tower, 14th Floor, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-259-4766, fax: 66 (0) 2-259-4768, email: Bos@mywellcard.com, website: www.mywellcard.com.

Chamber representatives: Dirk Bodschard and JP Bos. Activities: Lifestyle benefit programs for corporates.

MEMBER’S CORNER 33

Natural Ville managed by ACCOR

Christoph J. Stoecker

61 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-250-7000, fax: 66 (0) 2-253-1204, email: info@naturalville.com, website: www.naturalville.com.

Audi Janpan Sales KK, 96 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Klongtoei, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 83-693-0507, email: Christoph.j.stoecker@gmail.com.

Chamber representatives: Charles Wrightman and Chainarong Nivasanandha.

U Min Sein & Strohal Associates Partnership

Activities: Service apartment.

Rewe Far East Ltd. 21 Thai Wah Tower 1, 12th Floor, Room No. 21/33, South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120.

Tel: 66 (0) 2697-3100, fax: 66 (0) 2-677-3322, email: oliver.raeuchle@rewe-fareast.com, website: www.rewe-fareast.com.

Chamber representatives: Oliver Rauchle and Sven Harder.

Activity: Procurement of supply sources for customer goodsin Thailand and also inspection and control of the quality and volume of customer goods.

SAP Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (Thailand) Ltd. Liberty Square Building, 9th Floor, 287 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-631-1800, fax: 66 (0) 2-631-1818.

Chamber representatives: Kanjana Nitipongsakul.

Activity: Sales and marketing of world-class application softwaresystems with quality support & services

Regula Schmidhauser Dusit Thani Building, 9th Floor, 946 Rama IV Road, Silom, Bangkok 10500.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-636-3282, fax: 66 (0) 2-636-3290, email: regula@dfdl.com, website: www.dfdl.com.

SPCG Public Company Limited 333/20 United Tower 14th Floor, Sukhumvit 55, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-712-9501 to 5, fax: 66 (0) 2-712-7383 to 4.

189-195 Pansodan Street 7B, Yangon, Myammar 11182.

Tel: (65) 98756490.

Chamber representative: Dr. Therdor Strohal.

Activity: Legal consulting.

Trueway Travel Company 155-4-6, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Asoke Montri, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-259-4030 to 7, fax: 66 (0) 2-259-3041, email: info@truewaytravel.com, website: www.truewaytravel.com.

Chamber representative: Hlaing Bwar.

Activity: Tourism Business.

W&J Engineering Co., Ltd. 51/831 Nuai Chan Road, Klongkum, Bangkum, Bangkok 10230.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-946-2038 To 9, fax: 66 (0) 2-946-1564, email: jeerawich@wj.co.th, website: www.wj.co.th.

Chamber representatives: Jeerawich Jitdee and Sukanya Jitdee.

Activity: Authorized distributor and business partner of ROHDE&SCHWARZ GmbH & Co.KG Muehldorfstrasse 15, D-81671 Muenchen Germany.

Yoo Lim Co., Ltd. 1169 Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500.

Tel: 66 (0) 2-287-2555, fax: 66 (0) 2-287-2885, email: achakij@gmail.com, website: www.yoolimsilver.com.

Chamber representatives: Achakij Nawawatanasub and Preecha Nawawatanasub.

Activity: Manufacturer and export jewelry.

Chamber representatives: Wandee Khunchornyakong and Suttipong Juljarern.

Activities: the Energy sector.

http://thailand.ahk.de

34 CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES

BUSINESS DELEGATION VISIT TO LAO PDR 17-19 December 2012 In co-operation with the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) and European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (ECCIL), GTCC organised a business delegation trip to the Lao PDR between 17 and 19 December 2012.

The trip included a briefing at the Lao National Chamber of Commerce regarding the legal framework and investment procedures in the Lao

including a presentation about the advantages of Special Economic Zones in the Lao PDR. During the visit, a reception was hosted by the German Embassy to the Lao PDR for delegates to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GTCC and ECCIL that provides a framework for business co-operation between the two parties.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2013 BY DZ BANK 14 December 2012 A special Breakfast Talk with Mr. Andy Cossor, Chief Marketing Strategist for DZ PRIVATBANK, was organised together with GTCC on 14 December 2012.

Mr. Cossor shared his thoughts on the topic of “Economic Outlook 2013”, which focused on the United States of America, one of the most influential players in the global market. Emphasis was also given to the Eurozone, the Economic and Monetary Union debt crisis as well as the current political trends. The talk concluded with a perspective on the impact that these external factors would have on Thailand at the macro level.

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CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES 35

WORKSHOPS ON BECOMING A CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MANAGER AND SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATOR 14-15 January 2013 Together with a visiting guest speaker, Mr. Alexander Strecker, Marketing and Management Consultant from Germany, the Chamber organised two full-day separate workshops on the topics of corporate social responsibility and negotiation skills. The workshops took place on 14 and 15 January 2013, respectively, at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok.

EMO PRESS CONFERENCE 18 January 2013

DW EXECUTIVE MEDIA TRAINING 21-20 January 2013

On 18 January, a press conference was organised at the Dusit Thani Bangkok to provide information on the EMO Hannover 2013 which will take place from 16 to 21 September 2013 in Hannover, Germany. EMO Hannover is the world’s premier trade fair for the metalworking sector. This year, it will be organised under the motto “Intelligence in Production”, showcasing modern-day production technology. Participants at the press conference received first-hand information from Mr. Christoph Miller, Managing Director of EMO Hannover, German Machine Tool Builders’ Association, Mr. Hartwig von Sass, Head of Communications, Deutsche Messe AG and Mr. Narong Sakulsirirat, Vice-President of the Thai Machinery Association.

With support from the Etihad Airways, an executive media training course was organised by GTCC and conducted by exper ts of Deutsch Welle Akademie on 21 and 22 January at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. The training was designed to help develop participants’ competence in dealing with media representatives and providing confident presentations in front of a camera. Participants were also able to enhance their interview skills in simulated situations and develop a more professional approach to the media for a lasting positive impression.

http://thailand.ahk.de

36 CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES

THE STAMMTISCH, BANGKOK 17 January 2013

GTCC, with the kind support of the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, successfully organised the first Stammtisch of 2013 in Bangkok with participation by almost 60 guests who were able to enjoy a very relaxed evening in the outdoor space at the pool level of the hotel. The Chamber’s new members were introduced and later had an opportunity to establish new contacts with existing members during the networking session.

Relaunched as a typical get-together this year, the GTCC is pleased to share with you the schedule of the Stammtisch, serving as a platform for members and friends to discuss economics, politics and other social aspects. This classical get-together will take place in Bangkok and Pattaya throughout 2013. For more information on the Stammtisch get-together, please call 02 – 670 0600 ext. 2004

The Stammtisch.

Bangkok Date

Venue

11 April 6 June 8 August 10 October 12 December UPDATE 1/2013

The Stammtisch.

Pattaya Date

Venue

8 March

Bei Otto Restaurant Bangkok

10 May 12 July 13 September 8 November

The Moon River Pub, Thai Garden Resort Pattaya

CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES 37

ASIA-PACIFIC CO-ORDINATION MEETING 2013 21-22 January 2013 The annual Asia-Pacific Co-ordination Meeting of the German Chambers of Commerce Worldwide Network was hosted by GTCC from 21 to 22 January 2013 in Bangkok at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The meeting was well attended by Executive Directors of German Chambers of Commerce (AHKs) in the Asia-Pacific region and guests from Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi),

BRIEFING IN GERMANY ON LAO PDR AND CAMBODIA 31 January 2013 Acting as a link between Germany and Thailand, GTCC not only offers its services in Thailand, but is also active in Germany. In 2013, the GTCC par ticipated at several events already and promoted business oppor tunities in Thailand. On 31 January 2013, the IHK Region Stuttgar t hosted a business breakfast about market opportunities in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. This event, which was attended by 30 guests, started with presentations that focused on doing business in the Mekong region. GTCC Deputy Executive Director Mr. Jan Immel gave a talk on the opportunities and challenges that Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia offer.

German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) and German International Co-operation (GIZ).

On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony also took place under which GTCC, DIHK and the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) are committed to co-operation in the framework of dual vocational education.

GTCC-FTCC JOINT BREAKFAST TALK ON AEC 2015 13 February 2013 The Chamber and Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce jointly organised a Breakfast Talk on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 on 13 February 2013 at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit hotel. The event provided a discussion platform whereby guest panellists with extensive experience in South-East Asian countries shared their experiences and provided view of the current and future challenges that will be faced by AEC.

After the speakers had finished their presentations, the participants had an oppor tunity to meet them for individual discussions on market entry strategies. The attending guests confirmed that the presentations gave compact and capable insights to the different topics, which were expanded during the individual talks.

http://thailand.ahk.de

38 CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES

ICE BREAKER: GTCC NETWORKING EVENT AND SITE VISIT TO BMW MANUFACTURING (THAILAND) CO., LTD. 8 February 2013 The first GTCC Ice Breaker networking event was finally launched on 8 February 2013. The new networking event offers a combination of a site visit or other activities and networking opportunities that enhance the experience of participants. On this occasion, courtesy of BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co. Ltd, GTCC took 40 members and friends to visit the BMW plant at Amata City in Rayong. The insightful visit was followed by the featured networking event on board the Icebreaker boat, thanks to the kind support of its management team. More than 50 guests joined the event for a good two-hour cruise and dinner before returning to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

The GTCC proudly presents the new

Ice Breaker. featured Networking Event This year, we are excited to introduce you to our brand new networking platform – The Ice Breaker! To add more flavour and value to your networking experience, Ice Breaker event aims at exploring hip venues and featuring special activities whenever possible. This may include factory visit at a member company, meet&greet with a fellow chamber of commerce and many more.

Stay tuned to our update on the Ice Breaker events or visit our website: thailand.ahk.de For members and friends interested in cooperating with the GTCC to feature an extra activity in connection with the Ice Breaker, please email communication@gtcc.org or call 02-670 0600 ext. 2003

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CHAMBER’S ACTIVITIES 39

BREAKFAST SEMINAR ON NEW BOI INVESTMENT PROMOTION STRATEGY, 2013-2017 20 February 2013 Under the initiative of the Franco-Thai, BeLuThai and Netherlands-Thai Chambers of Commerce, GTCC collaborated in organising a breakfast seminar on the Board of Investment’s (BOI) new Investment Promotion Strategy, 20132017 on 20 February 2013 at the Glowfish Building (Asoke Towers). The seminar was aimed at providing details of BOI’s proposed policy revision to companies and chambers of commerce to keep them informed.

The keynote speakers at the breakfast seminar included Ms. Ajarin Pattanapanchai, BOI’s Senior Advisor, and Mr. Chatchawat Kriengsuntikul, Par tner at Legal Practice/Mazars (Thailand) Ltd.

ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING 28 February 2013 GTCC successfully held its annual Ordinary General Meeting on 28 February at the Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel. Seven candidates were elected to replace seven board members whose two-year term had ended. Participants in the meeting joined the board members in congratulating Mr. Karl-Heinz Heckhausen and Mr. Pracha Chivapornthip who were re-elected as GTCC President and GTCC Vice-President, respectively.

In addition to the election, GTCC had the pleasure of welcoming H.E. Mrs. Nongnuth Phetcharatana, Ambassador for the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, who gave a keynote address on the topic “Thailand and Germany: A new chapter of economic partnership”.

“In addition to promoting trade and investment relations, we would like to tap the German know-how in areas of mutual interest and learn from them. The Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin is working to strengthen cooperation in such areas as renewable energy, education, green construction, food safety and food standards”, said H.E. Mrs. Phetcharatana. Her complete keynote address can be found on the GTCC website: thailand.ahk.de

H.E. Mrs. Nongnuth Phetcharatana, Ambassador for the Royal Thai Embassy in Germany

GTCC Board of Directors and Management 2013 together with H.E. Mrs. Nongnuth Phetcharatana, Ambassador for the Royal Thai Embassy in Germany and H.E. Mr. Rolf Schulze, Ambassador for the German Embassy in Thailand

The Ordinary General Meeting was followed by a cocktail reception for members and guests.

http://thailand.ahk.de

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DRINKTEC PRESS CONFERENCE 5 March 2013

Ms. Mayuree Paklamjeak, Advisor to the Thai Packaging Association

GTCC, the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (VDMA) and Messe Muenchen International jointly organised a press conference and luncheon on 5 March on “Drinktec: The world fair for beverages and liquid food technology”. The event was held at the Dusit Thani Bangkok and atte n ded by s o m e 5 0 i n d u s t r i a l representatives and members of the press.

Presentations were given by Mr. Richard Clemens, Director of the Food Processing and Packaging Machiner y Association (VDMA) as well by Ms. Mayuree Paklamjeak, Advisor to the Thai Packaging Association.

Drinktec 2013 will take place during 16 – 20 September at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

For more information on Drinktec, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Messe München GmbH for Thailand, Ms. Suvichanee Husza, Tel 02 6700600 ext.

4006

UPDATE 1/2013

Brewing technology from www.krones.com

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TRADE FAIRS 41

WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL 2013 23-26 April, Berlin WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL is a capital goods trade fair and congress with a clearly defined profile and focus on water and wastewater, offering a platform for the presentation of complex products and services along with networking opportunities for industry communications. Beyond that, WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL has sharpened its profile as a world-leading exhibition for pipeline construction. Trenchless technology will be highlighted in 2013 as part of NO DIG Berlin and supplemented by the traditional construction site day hosted by Berlin Waterworks.

The integrated congress and trade fair provides a coherent answer to the technically advanced exhibition themes in the face of the highly dynamic market development. Products and services that require explanation are presented in line with industry standards and positioned in a competitive environment. The congress WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL features discussion forums with international experts on a variety of water-related topics. It is a capital investment exhibition for international water supply and is an ideal interface for theory and practice.

As a stage for innovations, WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL also serves as an industrial fair for water management. Trade visitors can use this opportunity to learn about the capabilities, performance standards and prospects for water management players. Four-fifths of the exhibitors regularly present innovations or updated versions of existing products.

PRODUCT RANGE:

Procurement of water Water and wastewater treatment Water distribution and wastewater discharge Pipeline Engineering Measuring, regulating, analysis technology Valves, pumps, suction systems, driving apparatus technology Surface water protection, ground water protection, soil protection Construction machinery, excavating machinery and equipment Information and communication technologies Flood protection Desalination Geothermic technologies

Experience innovations and new perspectives at WASSER BERLIN INTERNATIONAL. More details are available on the internet at http://www.wasser-berlin.de/en/.

For visitor tickets or more information, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Messe Berlin GmbH for Thailand, Ms.Patamaporn Wasuwat, Tel 02 6700600 ext. 4010

http://thailand.ahk.de

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THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS 4-7 June 2013, München, Germany Future technologies, industry trends, rapidly growing markets, investment decision-makers and industry experts. From around the world. At the right place and the right time. Only one exhibition for logistics, telematics and transport does all that: transport logistic.

Every two years it brings the “who’s who” in the industry together in Munich for a unique exhibition - with innovative solutions and products for the entire value-added chain in the transport, logistics and telematics sectors.

In 2011, 1,893 exhibitors from 59 countries participated in the exhibition to present their latest developments to 51,310 highly qualified trade visitors from 137 countries, make contact with decision-makers in all sectors of the logistics industry and secure themselves a valuable know-how advantage.

Upcoming new markets around the world need efficient logistics solutions that preserve resources: In the future, the conflict between economy and ecology will call for large numbers of novel concepts and technologies. Many of them can already be seen at transport logistic. The world’s leading exhibition for logistics, mobility, IT and supply-chain management is the hub for challenges and solutions - which makes it a source of impetus for the international logistics industry. You can profit from the fact that the entire value chain will be represented in the form of market leaders from around the world. Find out more about the latest trends in the first-rate program of related events that apply to all countries. Take advantage of this business platform to make contacts and pave the way for new business.

Messe München´s "intelligent urbanisation" platform, featured at six selected trade shows, examines the subject of our expanding megacities and urban areas and points out viable solutions for innovative management and development of these metropolises. transport logistic, which takes place from 4 to 7 June, 2013, in München, will be taking up this theme for the first time.

According to calculations by the United Nations, by the year 2030 two-thirds of the world´s population will be living in urban areas. This increasing concentration of people, resources, goods and capital will inevitably present major challenges to the future of urban infrastructure.

The logistics industry, too, must be ready for these challenges. transport logistic, the "International Exhibition for Logistics, Mobility, IT and Supply Chain Management", is therefore examining this whole subject of "intelligent urbanization" in its supporting programme, from the angle of logistics and mobility concepts.

For visitor tickets or more information, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Messe München GmbH for Thailand, Ms.Suvichanee Husza, Tel 02 6700600 ext. 4006 or visit http://www.transportlogistic.de.

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CeBIT 2013: STRONGEST PERFORMANCE IN YEARS Having taken place during 5 – 9 March 2013, CeBIT, the world’s leading event for the digital economy, raised the bar this year: “International business was at the top of the agenda,” said Frank Pörschmann, the Deutsche Messe Managing Board member in charge of CeBIT. “With even more trade professionals in attendance accounting for over 84 percent of the total - plus the show’s highly international mix of visitors from over 120 nations and the highest number of IT decision-makers and purchasing managers in attendance since a long time, CeBIT has delivered the strongest performance we have seen in the last several years. Over five action-packed days, international business and networking have clearly been the name of the game here in Hannover.”

Over 4,000 enterprises from 70 countries participated in CeBIT 2013, among them a great many startups. “This CeBIT is the most youthful ever. Over 200 young companies came to Hannover to impress their

audience with inspired innovations and ideas. They have found CeBIT to be fertile ground on which to achieve rapid business growth,” said Mr. Pörschmann.

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Germany’s Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Rösler were among the prominent delegates and delegations whose CeBITagenda included a visit to the start-ups participating in the international CODE_n competition.

The next CeBIT will be staged from 11 to 15 March 2014.

For visitor tickets or more information, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Deutsche Messe for Thailand, Ms. Malasri Charokram, Tel 02 670-0600 ext. 4004

LIGNA 2013

Hannover, 6-10 May 2013 Forestry and timber industry professionals around the world are counting down the days until LIGNA opens its gates on 6 May. LIGNA is the world’s leading suppliers of plant, machinery and equipment for the forest and timber industries– the fair where new products are launched and new trends are set. And that’s precisely what makes LIGNA so attractive for trade visitors. Every two years, in Hannover, Germany, they can expect to find an innovations showcase that is without parallel anywhere in the world This year’s show, which has “Making more out of wood: Innovations, Solutions, Efficiency” as its keynote theme, will be covering the entire wood value chain. It will feature the state of the art in technology for the primary industries – the forestry and timber industries – right alongside the latest products, machines and automation technologies for the furniture sector, the solid woodworking industry and the woodworking trades.

LIGNA 2013 will put the spotlight on key global megatrends, such as sustainable, intelligent production; highly customizable manufacturing systems and flexibility-enhancing solutions for all levels of industrial operations.

End of show report LIGNA 2011 revealed that 1,765 companies from 52 nations presented latest innovations and trade show attracted around 90,000 visitors from90 countries who made a trip to Hannover.

For visitor tickets or more information, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Deutsche Messe for Thailand, Ms. Malasr i Charokr am, Tel 02 670-0600 ext. 4004

http://thailand.ahk.de

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Stone+ tec Nürnberg 2013 Stone+tec Nürnberg 2013: where it’s all happening!

Meeting place for the centre of Europe Supporting programme with many ideas Stone+tec Easy: the easy way to exhibit As every two years at this time, the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg is again geared completely to natural stone from 29 May to 1 June 2013. Stone+tec, the International Trade Fair Natural Stone and Stoneprocessing Technology, is then the meeting place for exhibitors and visitors from Europe and beyond. Because despite all the changes in the industry, the country trio of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the neighbouring regions still maintain their position as a focal point for natural stone.

“Stone+tec Nürnberg is the only comprehensive gathering of the whole industr y in the German-speaking region. This is the only place where regular contacts and ideas are created on a broad basis. Besides products, contacts and emotions, the extensive suppor ting programme provides lots of information,” says Willy Viethen, Exhibition Director of Stone+tec at NürnbergMesse.

Detailed information about the coming Stone+tec Nürnberg 2013 and an informative review and impressions of the 2011 event are available online at: www.stone-tec.com

For visitor tickets or more information, please contact the GTCC’s official representative for Nuernberg GmbH and Spielwarenmesse eG for Thailand, Ms. Naveeya Arunrat,Tel 02 6700600 ext. 4005