INFORMA August Issue

Vol. August 2010

E X P O SHANGHAI 2 0 1 0 B R A C C I I N T E R V I E W

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Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

President's Message

PRESIDENT Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh - Tesoro Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 719 5416-7 Fax: +66 2 719 5415 E-mail: tesoroth@truemail.co.th VICE PRESIDENTS Mr. Lino Geretto - LGV Engineering Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 255 8717-8 Fax: +66 2 255 8716 E-mail: info@lgveng.com

Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh President Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Luca Vianelli - MDA Consulting SEA Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 652 2447 Fax: +66 2 652 2448 E-mail: lvianelli@mda.it DIRECTOR & HONORARY TREASURER Mr. Chakrit Benedetti - Italasia Electro Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 7990-9 Fax: +66 2 261 8700 E-mail: italasia19@hotmail.com DIRECTOR & HONORARY SECRETARY Mr. Yongyudh Teeravithayapinyo - Jewelry Network Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 664 8358 Fax: +66 2 664 8373 E-mail: yyudh@koola.com DIRECTORS Mr. Chayaporn Phronprapha - Italsiam Motors Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 612 4400 Fax: +66 2 612 4411 E-mail: chayaporn@italsiammotors.com Mr. Gianmaria Zanotti - Zanotti (Thailand) Ltd. Tel: +66 2 636 0002 Fax: +66 2 636 0221 E-mail: zanotti@loxinfo.co.th

Despite the recent political turmoil in Bangkok, the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (the TICC), together with the support of its directors and members, has quickly resumed its activities.

Among the successful activities organized was the Thailand International Restaurant & Bar 2010 exhibition at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, which took place on June 23 to June 25, 2010. The Chamber participated in this event by organizing the Italian Pavilion in collaboration with Italasia Group, Sino-Pacific Trading (Thailand), IARP Asia, Quick Pack Pacific, and Eurofood.

Activities within the Italian Pavilion included cooking demonstrations and the display of Italian products including useful small machines, equipments and tools appropriate for restaurant and bar usage.

Mr. Giuseppe Zigrino - K+Z Corporation Ltd. Tel: +66 34 381 313 Fax: +66 34 381 717 E-mail: sales@kzcorp.com Mr. Mario Bracci - Asia Cement Public Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 641 5600 Fax: +66 2 641 5680 E-mail: m.bracci@acc.co.th Mr. Nino Jotikasthira - Turismo Asia Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 245 1551 Fax: +66 2 246 3993 E-mail: nino.j@turismoasia.com Mr. Pichai Chirathiwat - Central Trading Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 229 7000 Fax: +66 2 367 5445-6 E-mail: pichai@cmg.co.th Mr. Pierre Nicou - EUROFOOD - The Commercial Company of Siam Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 0245 Fax: +66 2 261 0243 E-mail: pierre@eurofoodthai.com Mr. Rene Okanovic - Berli Jucker Public Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 381 4541 E-mail: rene.okanovic@bjc.co.th, rene.okanovic@thaiscandic.com Mr. Romeo Romei - Quick Pack Pacific Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 998 9101-3 Fax: + 66 2 531 6425 E-mail: romeo@quickpackpacific.com Ms. Tiziana Sucharitkul - Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. Tel: +66 2 653 5555 Fax: +66 2 653 5678 E-mail: tiziana.s@tillekeandgibbins.com SECRETARY GENERAL Mr. Sandro Zanello Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

1126/2 Vanit Building II, Room 1601B 16th Floor, New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, Bangkok Tel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: secretarygeneral@thaitch.org

The Informa is the bi-monthly magazine of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, covering all business activities and social news of interest to the members of the Thai-Italian community and others active in the expanding Thai-Italian bilateral relations.

EDITOR: Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Tel: +66 2 253 9909 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: info@thaitch.org EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce President: Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh Directors: Mr. Nino Jotikasthira Mr. Romeo Romei Mr. Giuseppe Zigrino Secretary General: Mr. Sandro Zanello Italian Embassy Representative: Ms. Somsri Pobpipugtra Italian Trade Commission Representative: Mr. Vincenzo Calì Dante Alighieri Association Representative: Mr. Giacomo Mauri Scand-Media Representative: Mr. Gregers Moller TICC Staff: Ms. Nalina Sutakul: Membership Executive Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak: Marketing Executive Mr. Richard Darren Bartlett: English Editor PUBLISHER: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 4/41 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village, Ramintra Soi 14, BKK 10230 Tel: +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com ADVERTISING CONTACT: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 943 7166 Ext: 151 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Mobile: +66 81 866 2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com - www.scandmedia.com Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak, Marketing Executive Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Tel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Ext: 103 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: pr@thaitch.org – www.thaitch.org

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Dear Friends,

August 2010

The TICC was also a co-organizer of a sporting event. Together with the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce and various Embassies, we participated in a Golf Tournament at Thana City Golf Course on June 25, 2010. With a turn-out of 24 teams, the event was lots of fun and created a wonderful networking opportunity.

On a more serious note, the undersigned, together with the TICC’s Secretary General, Sandro Zanello, attended the Asia and South-Africa Regional meeting of Italian Chambers of Commerce in Singapore. At the meeting Andrea Bonardi, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, was elected to the position of Regional Chairman, replacing Mr. Davide Cucino, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China. The planning of upcoming projects was also discussed and these discussions will continue until a final decision is reached later in the year at the Assocamerestero meeting in Rome.

Another important meeting took place in July, that with Edi Sommariva, Director General of FIPE, which is the Italian Federation of Public Businesses. His visit to the TICC in the first week of July provided the perfect opportunity for TICC directors and owners of well-established Italian restaurants in Thailand to discuss the launching of a new project in Thailand called Ospitalita’ Italiana whose purpose is to award certificates of recognition to Italian restaurants operating outside Italy.

At the TICC monthly Board meeting on July 7 many other activities were discussed and a report will be published in the new coming issue and on our website.

Best wishes to all and A presto!

Ekkamon Hutasingh President

CONTENTS EXPO Shanghai 2010 and interview to Mr. Mario Bracci of Asia Cement

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After China’ s first with the Beijing Olympics, it is now Shanghai’s turn to welcome everyone for a little physical check-up at EXPO 2010 Shanghai.

Furthermore, the Managing Director of AsiaCement, Mr. Mario Bracci presents the highlight of the Italian pavilion the i.light® Transparent Cement.

The Airport Rail Link There is now a better and faster way to connect the heart of Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport: The Suvarnabhumi Airport Link (SARL). The new rapid transit line will significantly improve Bangkok transportation system.

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RomaFictionFest 2010 Discovering the best TV fictions worldwide. An opportunity to strengthen relationships between Italian and Thai producers.

Grand Launching of the New Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera June 22, 2010 marked a very significant day for Niche Cars Company, dealer of Super brands Lamborghini, Hummer, Aston Martin and Lotus as the latest line of Lamborghini Gallardo the LP570-4 was officially launched into the Thai market.

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TICC’s EVENTS Get-Together: Aperitivo italiano. On the 15th of July at the Opera Wine Bar the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce held the Get-Together networking evening. All guests were pleasured by delicious food and by a wine presentation by Mr. Massimo Marai, Representative to Thailand for Provenza Wine.

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Expo Shanghai 2010 Better City, Better Life

After China’s first with the Beijing Olympics, it is now Shanghai’s turn to welcome everyone for a little physical check-up at Expo 2010 Shanghai. This time, you will need more than determination because you are in for a long road to exhaustion.

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he area covers 5 square kilometers, and the queue to enter each pavilion takes almost 3 hours. With 500,000 people attending the event each day, there sure has to be something good at the Expo. China aims for 70 million viewers within the course of 6 months, with the expectation that only 7 million will be foreigners. So, you can say, this mega event is an investment mainly done for the people of China. With the slogan – Better City, Better Life, we see the attempt of the government to use the Expo to pass on diversity of knowledge to its people.

The theme focuses on the hope and expectation for a better life in a better city through the philosophy of sustainable urban planning and development, from the combination of urban culture, scientific and technological innovation of urbanism, city’s reorganization, and an issue that is most interesting to us the interaction between urban and rural spaces.

The Italian Pavilion: City of Man The pavilion is an example of Italian contemporary cultural values and pays homage to the host country. Seen from above, the pavilion

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resembles the start of the Chinese game pickup-sticks, also known in Italy as the Shanghai Game, where a number of sticks are thrown in a random pile. The different sections of the building make up a geometrical variety symbolising a complexity of regional cultures that define the Italian identity.

The Italian Pavilion represents and sums up the Italian proposal for the "City of man" in the near future: an urban model that can combine the cities’ requirements for renewal with the protection of history and the need to maintain a sustainable relationship with the territory. The spirit of the Pavilion, in fact, summarizes the common elements of the ancient Chinese and Italian cities and suggests a return to a simpler life based on human relations improved by the contribution of a viable and eco-sustainable environment.

The philosophy behind the Italian participation in the Expo 2010 will inspire a sensational exhibition as well as a number of events inside the Pavilion with a view to the illustrate the general theme of the exhibition ‘Better City, Better Life'. In this context the Italian Pavilion will offer a rich display of Italy’s excellence in

the sectors which contribute to an improvement of the quality of urban areas ranging from engineering, urban development and architectural design to technological innovation, infrastructures, social services and, naturally, cultural events. The “Made in Italy” concept is often perceived as synonymous of "good life" and the six-month exhibition will enable Italy to reinforce this perception.

The project, in fact, proposes a building which integrates a typical model of the Italian urban building, with the architectural structure of the Chinese construction game called Shanghai.

Distribution characteristics The pavilion covers an area of 3.600 square metres and is 20 metres high. Inside it is divided into irregular sections of different dimensions, connected by a steel bridge structure where the connecting galleries are visible. If needed, the structure can be dismantled and reconstructed on a smaller scale in another part of the city.

Architectonic characteristics The different sections of the building make up a geometrical variety symbolizing the tradition and regional customs which define the Italian identity: a type of mosaic where each of the parts shows a single picture. The form also highlights the topographic complexity of Italian cities, with its numerous short narrow roads and alleys which suddenly open onto a large square, a characteristic which can also be found in the traditional Chinese urban centres. A psychophysical effect of comfort is given by an internal garden, the presence of water and natural light which spreads throughout the area across the patios and by the walls.

New material The building is decorated on three sides by a film of water that reflects the structure highlighting the natural shiny effects. The brilliance of the structure is reproduced inside both via slits which evoke the narrow alleys between the city buildings, and also thanks to the use of transparent cement, a new, recently created multifaceted material. Because of its particular and diverse component on the different sides of the building, this material generates a twofold architectural effect, from the outside a nocturnal effect of the liveliness inside, and from the inside, the outside daylight atmosphere. The surface of the pavilion will appear transparent with the sides made up of self-cleaning glass.

Bioclimatic function The Pavilion has been created as if it was a bioclimatic ‘machine’ with the aim of saving energy. The photovoltaic elements integrated in the glass covering guarantee protection from radiation, while the lighttechnologies of the building not only aims at highlighting the spaces, but also favours the saving of energy.

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he next scheduled Universal Exposition will be hosted by Milan, Italy on the 2015. The event will be held under the theme Feeding the planet, energy for life. This theme has the aim to underline all the issues related to nutrition, spanning from the problem of food shortage, to that of dietary habits and OGM. It is estimated that the event will cause more than 20 billion Euros of investments in infrastructures and as a consequence 70.000 jobs will be created. During the six months of the EXPO 7000 events will be organized and the city of Milan will gain 11km² of green areas.

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The highlight of the Italian Pavilion:

Transparent Cement Mr. Mario Bracci, Managing Director of Asia Cement PcL and Director of the Thai – Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) since 2007, talks to Informa about the innovative new material – i.light® Transparent Cement – which they are currently showcasing with business partner Italcementi Group at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Allowing the walls of the Italian Pavilion to be transparent, it aims to highlight the importance Italcementi place on innovation.

What is i.light® Transparent Cement and how does it work?

It’s a new type of cement which, by bonding special resins into a newly conceived mix, allows the manufacture of solid, yet lighttransmitting construction panels. The resins are special polymers, which Italcementi Group researchers found to be particularly suitable for this type of application. These resins, which may have different colours, interact both with artificial and natural light creating a soft, warm

ASIA CEMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED www.asiacement.co.th The Company’s main products are ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 (Mountain Brand), Mixed Cement:- Lotus Brand, Blue Lotus Brand, Super Power Lotus Brand and Masonry Cement (Lotus Special Brand).

The Company is always interesting and focusing on customer needs. We provide our customers with the most efficient customer services. And a continuous improvement of our services is our focus in order to develop and raise the standards of customer satisfaction and employee productivity.

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light inside the building and a clear bright image on the outside.

What led you to develop this innovative material for the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo 2010?

We wanted to take up the challenge posed by the Italian Commissionership and architect Giampaolo Imbrighi to build the Italian Pavilion with cement walls that were able to filter light.

Such an innovative material was required to highlight the brilliance of this highly ambitious structure.

Designed to represent both contemporary Italian cultural values as well as pay homage to the host country China, the Italian Pavilion looks (from above) like the start of the Chinese game pick-up-sticks – or the ‘Shanghai Game’, as it is known in Italy. This is the game where a number of sticks are thrown in a random pile.

The different sections of the building symbolise the complexity of regional cultures that define the Italian identity.

The general theme of the Italian exhibition is ‘Better City, Better Life’. As a result, the Pavilion offers a rich display of Italy’s excellence in the sectors which contribute to improving the quality of urban areas ranging from engineering, urban development and architectural design to technological innovation, infrastructures, social services and cultural events.

It was only fitting, therefore, that we rose to the occasion and produced a material which is perceived as an example of the ‘made in Italy’ ability to find creative, efficient solutions. And, despite constraints of time and cost, we were able to realise our goal with the innovative i.light® Transparent Cement.

Using 3,774 transparent panels made from 189 tons of the transparent cement, we were able to cover a total surface area of 1,887 square metres – approximately 40% of the entire Pavilion.

The innovative material creates a sequence of lights and shadows which are in constant evolution during the day. The transparent effect is more evident when it is dark and, seen from the outside, the building allows interior lights to filter through while, from inside, during the day, it will show the changes in the levels of daylight.

Combined with the use of slits, which evoke the narrow alleys between the city buildings, the use of the transparent cement highlights the architectural brilliance of the Pavilion’s structure while also representing Italcementi’s and Asia Cement’s commitment to continually bring innovation to the industry.

Will this product be available on the global market in the near future and how might it be used?

At the end of the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Italcementi Group will decide whether or not to use i.light® on the world market. Asia Cement

Mr. Mario Bracci, Managing Director of Asia Cement is currently considering bringing this product to the Thai market as well. This will again bring new inspiration for the Thai design and construction community that will drive their inspiration beyond boundaries.

Future applications of this material may encompass its use as an architectural component with diversified, integrable functions such as, for example, internal lighting (shading/light diffusion techniques).

As a company, how has Asia Cementgrown and developed over the years?

Asia Cement Public Company Limited, a member of the Italcementi Group, was established in 1989 in response to the rapid growth of the construction industry here in Thailand between 1987-1990. Numerous large-scale construction projects, both public and private, were being implemented, leading to a serious shortage of available cement.

We were able to respond to this shortage, serving the domestic market demand for cement and contributing to the national development plan.

Since then, our business has gone from strength to strength. By 1993, Asia Cement’s plant at Tambon Pukrang, Amphur Pra Buddhabat in Saraburi Province was producing 2 million tons of cement per year to meet nationwide demand.

In 1994 we started construction of a second production line on the same premises, which was completed in 1997 with an installed production capacity of 3 million tons of cement per year.

With a current installed production capacity of 5 million tons of cement per year, Asia Cement Public Company Limited is now one of the major cement producers in Thailand.

In 2003, Asia Cement Public Company Limited and Jalaprathan Cement Public Company Limited, one of the members of the Italcementi Group, decided to combine management in order to enhance overall efficiency in providing services, increase strength in business and integrate overall management to the same direction. The company now can better serve the customer’s demands with a current production capacity ,in total 7 million tons per year from 3 plants in different strategic locations.

Like the Italcementi Group, we are committed to innovation and growth, while also being mindful of protecting the environment and ensuring we practise sustainable development.

ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY 2010 On June 2nd, in the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok the Embassy of Italy celebrated the Italian National Day

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TICC Directors with the Italian Ambassador H.E. Michelangelo Pipan : (From L-R) Mr. Romeo Romei, Mr. Giuseppe Zigrino, Mr. Rene Okanovic, Mr. Luca Vianelli, Mr. Mario Bracci, Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh, H.E. Mr. Michelangelo Pipan, Mrs. Ramida Hutasingh, Mr. Lino Geretto, Mr. Chakrit Benedetti and Mr. Sandro Zanello, TICC’s Secretary Genaral

(Above) Guests listening to the speech of H.E. Michelangelo Pipan, the Ambassador of Italian to Thailand.

(Left) The Mandarin Oriental Hotel's reception.

n June 2nd in order to commemorate the institutional referendum held in 1946 when Italian citizens were called to decide what form of government to give to the country after the end of the second world war and the fall of Fascism. As the majority of Italian voted for the Republic, this day is also known as “The Day of the Republic”, “Festa della Repubblica” in Italian.

Over five hundreds distinguished guests, mainly Thai official and representatives of the cultural and business community as well as Italian nationals living and working in the Kingdom, took part in the event.

H.E Mr. Chavarat Charnvirakul, the Minister of Interior, and H.E. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, the Minister of Science and Technology of the Royal Thai Government were among those who attended the celebration, along with a great number of Ambassadors and diplomats of countries represented in the Kingdom.

At the inception of his speech His Excellency Michelangelo Pipan, the Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, asked to observe a minute of silence to pay respect to the victims, including the Italian photo reporter Fabio Polenghi, of the events that have taken place during the month of April and May. Since it was his first National Day celebration in Bangkok, H.E. Pipan seized the opportunity to speak to a large and qualified audience and talked about his program for his mandate, saying that he intended to build on the already sound basis of the Italo-Thai relations to increase them and try to meet their potential “I see a lot of opportunities for Italian entrepreneurs and exporters yet to be explored; I see that much can be done to show the Thai people the real face of contemporary Italy, a country not only of great traditions but also in the forefront of modernity; I see plenty of ground to be covered in institutional relations, where so much we can learn one from another”.

The Ambassador then affirmed that he intends to address the action of the Embassy during his tenure in pursuit of these aims.

After the performance of the national anthems of the two countries, typical Italian food and wines offered to the guests were met with great appreciation.

Edited by the Italian Embassy in Thailand August 2010

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The Airport Rail Link Connecting

The State railway of Thailand

There is now a better and faster way to connect the heart of Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport: The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (SARL). The new rapid transit line will significantly improve Bangkok transportation system.

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ts advantages are a range of: One is the possibility to avoid traffic, which can be a major problem during rush hours. Another point in favor of the SARL is its contribution to give to the east side of the city a rapid transit line, as that area nowadays is serviced neither by the MRT nor by the BTS. Moreover it gives passengers the possibility to switch to the BTS skytrain at Phaya Thai, and to the MRT subway at Makkasan. The service, promised to be easy, efficient, safe and comfortable, will give a major boost to Bangkok’s transportation and quality of life.

The 28.6 km. route starts from Phaya Thai station and moves east to Suvarnabhumi. All along the route, the standard gauge line is elevated and runs above the existing eastern railway, with an underground terminal at the airport. The contract for the SARL was signed

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in January 2005, and construction began after 7 months in July by a consortium of B Grimm, STECON and Siemens.

The line is built largely along the failed eastwest line of the Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System (BERTS), which was supposed to connect Taling Chan to Hua Mak. An extensive debate on the pillars suitability for reuse and the demand for compensations by the builder of the BERTS delayed the construction of the line. Finally the problem was solved by the decision to demolish the old pillars and build new ones.

SRT is also planning a second stage of the project, with the aim of connecting Phaya Thai station to the Don Muang airport. This route will follow the old BERTS project and it will provide, as a result, a smooth connection of the centre of the city with its two major airports. Trains are supplied by Siemens. The model is the Desiro Class 360/2, similar to other units operating elsewhere, but with a larger air-conditioning pod on the top that provides extra power to cope with the hot temperature in Bangkok. The top speed of the trains is 160 Km/h, and even if the short distances between the stations don’t allow the trains to reach that speed, they can connect to the city center and to the airport in a very short time. One of the main advantages of this service is in fact the avoidance of traffic, which can be a major drawback in some hours of the day.

Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi City Line Train: Provides train service from Phaya Thai station to Suvarnabhumi station. The trip takes only 30 minutes. Phaya Thai station allows access to the BTS elevated train system. Passengers pick-up and delivery service is available along the 28 km. route at 6 stations; Ratchaprarop, Makkasan, Ramkhamhaeng, Hua Mak, Ban Thap Chang, Lad Krabang and Suvarnabhumi Airport. City Line Train comprises 5 cabins.

Each cabin offers 3 passenger units and accommodates approximately 745 passengers per route.

Express Train: The Express Train offers a direct and nonstop service from BCA to Suvarnabhumi Airport within 15 minutes. The train is comprised of 3 passenger units with seats for 170 and 1 baggage unit. Travelers are able to transfer to the MRT Phetchaburi subway station at BCAT. Facilities & Services: The Bangkok City Air Terminal (BCAT) is located on Ratchadaphisek Road, thanks to its connection to the MRT Phetchaburi Subway Station, it allows travelers access to both transit systems.

BCAT offers a wide range of facilities: information counters, restaurants, spacious passenger lounges, currency exchange centers, etc. In addition BCAT terminal also provides passengers and flights information displays and x-rays security as well as parking areas for over 300 vehicles.

Passengers’ cabins are designed for comfort and convenience with a center aisle and seats on each side, overhead baggage compartments, toilets, and other facilities for passengers with special needs.

There are 2 types of fares: 1. Contactless Smart Card: is for passengers who regularly commute by train.

The card can be purchased at the ticket counter. Passengers can also top up the card at the Ticket Vending Machine.

2. Contactless Smart Token: is used for single journeys. Passenger can purchase a token at the counter or at the Ticket Vending Machine.

Check-In System: BCAT provides a modern and standardized check-in system with 28 check-in counters as well as airline ticket counters, baggage inspection counters, extra size baggage inspection, and state-of-the-art automatic baggage handling system.

Safety: The Operation Control Center (CCO) functions under the internationally standardized safety system. Skillful operators constantly supervise the automated system through large-screen monitors. Every station provides closed-circuit television, fire-safety systems, and security personnel, including police to ensure safety and provide assistance to the passengers.

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he Airport Rail Link already opened for demonstration runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link and Bangkok city air terminal. The project has been launched from Monday to Friday and began to provide its service since June 1, 2010. Passengers are able to test the operation two times a day, one in the morning from 7:00 to 10:00 am and one in the evening from 16:00 to 19:00 pm. The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link is expected to end the test period and start with a full commercial operation within August 2010. The official Opening Ceremony will be held on the 23rd of August. When the service will start, the trains will run 38 round trips passing through seven stations. The route starts from Phaya Thai station, and by passing through Ratchaprarop, Ramkhamhaeng, Hua mak, Ban Thap Chang, Ladkrabang, it arrives at the Airport Station. All stations are expected to be fully operative within August.

A train will leave every 20 minutes and it will run from the first station to destination in about 25 minutes.

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News RomaFictionFest 2010: Discovering the best TV fictions worldwide An opportunity to strengthen relationships between Italian and Thai producers

INTERVIEW Ms. Jaranya Kengtawikarn, Manager of Foreign Programme Acquisition Department, Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)

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rom July 5th to the 10th, the city of Rome hosted the fourth edition of “RomaFictionFest”, one of the most renowned international festivals completely dedicated to TV fiction.

A very original happening, it took only a few years for RomaFictionFest to become a leading event for national and international TV operators. Promoted by the Region Lazio, Rome’s Chamber of Commerce, ATP (Associazione dei Produttori Televisivi) and “Roberto Rossellini” Foundation, RomaFictionFest hosts every year TV stars, producers, journalists with the common aim of innovating, maximizing the use of resources and competences, and increasing the quality of TV fictions worldwide.

For this occasion, the Italian Trade Commission contributed to the event by inviting over 70 international buyers and fiction experts from over 40 countries worldwide.

Among these, from Thailand, Ms. Jaranya Kengtawikarn, Manager of Foreign Programme Acquisition Department from Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS).

As a part of the FictionFest, very good opportunities were presented to operators during the “Industry Week”. Strictly dedicated to commercial partnerships in the TV Fiction market, the Industry Week 2010 has been a real success. 40 countries from all continents have participated to it and all the most popular world broadcasters were involved.

THAILAND AND POTENTIAL RELATIONS WITH THE FICTIONFEST In Thailand television is by far the most popular medium. More than 80% of Thais are estimated to rely on television as their primary source of news. Also, TV soap operas have always played an important role in Thai culture. As for foreign programs, all free TV channels broadcast variety shows, documentaries, and soap operas or telefilms. Most of these soap operas, however, come from South Korea, Japan, China and other Asian countries. It seems that Thais can relate better to their neighboring cultures and shows from these countries are more easily understandable.

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Nowadays, TV programs from Italy are not as widespread as they could be in Thailand because of a lack of awareness. The best way to do this would be to use what Italy is already known for among Thai people--scenic locales and sights, food, football, various famous people--as selling points.

Each company's policy is also important for decision making in acquisitions.

Ms. Jaranya Kengtawikarn, who just came back from RomaFictionFest said ‘Thai PBS emphasizes presenting new perspectives to the audience so we show many documentaries from different countries in Europe. And in my opinion, Italian TV production is outstanding, especially in the areas of

historical drama, family drama, documentaries, and animation for pre-school children.

They have such beautiful art components and the production is efficient. However, a small barrier for some types of programs is that Asian countries are relatively conservative. Therefore there are some restrictions in the broadcasting of violence, alcohol and cigarette use, and physical contact between the characters'.

So, if Italian TV producers could also adjust and adapt their productions to fit more into Thai culture it would be ideal.

Now let’s hear more from Ms. Jaranya.

She got the chance to participate in the Industry Week and Pitching session with international producers and surely got back with numerous ideas for her next productions.

That’s why we have decided to let her be the one describing her amazing experience at RomaFictionFest.

What was your impression about Roma Fiction Fest, one of the most important international festivals dedicated to TV fiction?

It was very well organized. The event provided the both side of the TV business: the acquisition section and co-production section. It’s a two in one event that worth to attend. Beside the event, it’s fascinating to see people in TV business from all over the world to share the story and experience in each own country; especially, with the Public Television from many countries. I felt it’s a hub of the international TV business to tightening all continents closer.

There were series of international panels entitled ‘Doing Business with ...’ during which you could hear broadcaster and experts from all over the world (including Asia) discussing about opportunities for sales and co-productions. How did you experience this event?

It was really interesting panels. Also, I had a chance to be a panelist of “Doing Business with Asia” with our friends from Asia (Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and China) among people in the industry from all over the world. From other panels, in my opinion, it gives a new perspective on the sales and co-production how they did all over the world and what they are acquiring in each country, continent right now as a trend from different side of the world.

Through the Pitching session, did you find it interesting and beneficial?

It’s open up the door for the producers around the world to show their ideas to the broadcaster directly. It’s very beneficial to share an idea and new perspective from all over the world on how the trend and standard of the contents are heading to which direction. I get to taste the originality of the producer’s work from different country and background. It’s really fascinating.

What is your opinion on the Italian TV fiction business opportunities in Thailand?

In terms of sales I see the great start since I had been very interested in many programs, including animation, mini-series, series, and feature film from distributors (Broadcasters).

Trade Commissioner’s Message Mr. Vincenzo Calì, Italian Trade Commissioner in Bangkok since 2008.

INTERVIEW Mr. Gilbert Lim, Executive Vice President, Sahamongkolfilm International Co., Ltd. BONUS In the past, ICE also had a chance to invite a representative from film industry to visit ‘The Business Street – International Rome Film Festival’.

Let’s hear also from him about this festival and also the chance for Italian film industry in Thailand.

You have visited ‘The Business Street – International Rome Film Festival’ two times in 2008 and 2009. What was your impression about the festival? Did you find it useful?

I think that this is one of the best markets for business for European made movies. I have done a number of deals or at least started negotiations on a number of deals for European films when I attended the Business Street. I like the fact that it's a very easy and relaxed atmosphere to do business. Very conducive to negotiations.

We must admit that Italian Film business is not very well known here in Thailand, same as Thai Film business in Italy. Do you have any suggestion for Italian and Thai Film producers in order to interact more effectively in the future?

I think that a good way would be to have a small Italian filmfest in Thailand like some countries will do. It may start in a small way but at least the exposure could be useful in the future. And also to have a small Thai filmfest in Italy.

Has SahamongkolFilm ever had any chance to bring Italian movies to the Thai market? Which factors would you look for in an Italian movie before you made a decision? Is there, in your opinion, any chance of reaching a good success?

We did buy Italian made movies years ago but in recent times, they have been few. The recent ones that we bought were Baaria and Gomorrah.

But this reluctance to buy is not particular to Italian films but also to all Non-English speaking movies.

Dear Friends, It has been a great pleasure for me to read Thailand’s trade statistics in the last few months: month by month I discover that Thai exports and imports are growing and that trade between Thailand and Italy is rising as ever. And I like that very much.

In June Thai exports reached the monthly record-high of 18 billion USD, rising by 46.3% yoy. In the first half of 2010 exports exceeded the quota of 93 billion USD, 36.6% up yoy. In June Thailand imported 15.7 billion USD (+37.9%), while in the first half of the year imports rose by 51.7% to 86.7 billion USD. In the first six months of 2010 trade between Thailand and Italy reached 1,6 billion USD, not a record, but close to being one.

Compared to the first half of 2009 exports of Thailand to Italy rose by 35.9%, imports of Thailand from Italy by 35.7%.

Has Thai economy recovered? Yes, I think so.

Is the global crisis over? I really don’t know.

Trade stats – January-June 2010 Thailand balance of trade

Value (million USD)

Thailand exports (world)

93.066,31

+36,61%

Thailand imports (world)

86.688,73

+51,68%

Thailand exports to Italy

878,91

+35,85%

Thailand imports from Italy

759,58

+35,7%

Value (million USD)

Growth rate (YOY)

130,9

+30,38%

Thailand exports to Italy Agricultural products Agro-industrial products

79,8

+16,17%

Principle manufacturing products

665,4

+40,26%

2,7

-20,20%

Value (million USD)

Growth rate (YOY)

Mining and fuel products Thailand imports from Italy

Upcoming events: October-November 2010, Bangkok Technical Seminar/ workshop/B2B meetings on Technology for Plastic and Rubber manufacturing

Growth rate (YOY)

Vehicles, transport accessories

12,6

+97,94%

Capital goods

375,9

+14,72%

Raw materials/intermediate pdcts

213,8

+113,8%

Consumer goods

154,7

+26,92%

2,5

+19,04%

Other

Statistics of Ministry of Commerce, Estimated by ICE Bangkok

October-November 2010, Bangkok Technical Seminar/workshop/B2B meetings on Marble and Stone Technology

October 28 – November 1 2010, Rome, Italy Mission for Thai operators to the Film Festival in Rome (ICE in collaboration with Region of Lazio)

October 2 - 5 2010, Valenza, Italy Valenza Gioielli 2010 Mission for Thai operators to the International Jewelry Exhibition ‘Valenza Gioielli 2010’ (ICE in collaboration with Region of Piedmont 2009)

November 10-30 2010, Bangkok Promotional weeks of alimentary products at the Thai GDO In collaboration with the Central Group For more information: bangkok@ice.it August 2010

15

Dante Alighieri Trip

Italy in the Footsteps of King On a perfect spring day in late March an unusual group of travelers from the Dante Alighieri Association of Bangkok arrived in Venice on a unique quest.

The eleven visitors of various nationalities were retracing the steps of the famous Thai King Rama V, known by westerners as King Chulalongkorn, who had toured Italy in 1897 and 1907.

In fact, the monarch became the first Siamese ruler to visit Europe when his private yacht arrived in Venice in May 14, 1897.

Those who rose early enjoyed walks along the waterfront with breathtaking views of Venice in distance.

After two days of exploring Venice, Murano and Burano by boat and foot the group next headed for Turin by coach. Even before he visited Italy, King Rama V had developed strong ties with the House of Savoy because the Duke of Genova, the queen’s brother, had

visited Siam. Thus when King Rama V arrived in Italy it was natural the he should be invited to visit the original domain of the Savoy’s in Turin.

However, by that time Turin was no longer the royal family’s main residence as in 1861 Victor Emmanuel II had become King not only of Savoy but also of a united Italy and the royal family had moved first to Florence and later to Rome.

T

he impact and influence of King’s visits to Italy can still be seen in many locations in Bangkok. Palaces, government buildings, monuments, statues and other artworks imported from Italy or made by Italians invited to work in Siam by the King can be discovered all over the capital. The ten-day Dante Alighieri tour focused on some of the Italian cities the King visited including Turin, Florence and Rome. However due to limited time, other places that Rama V had toured such as Naples and Sicily could not be included.

After a long plane ride, Venice proved to be the perfect location to commence the trip.

The group, once off the airplane, arrived at their accommodation, just as King Rama V had done, by boat. The first two nights were spent on the island of La Giudecca in a convent which has been converted into a five star hotel.

Castello d’Aglie’, near Turin.

King Rama V was a guest here for days a century ago

16

August 2010

La Dante tour group at Canal Grande, Venice

Touring Turin proved to be a great success, even though the city was extremely crowded because coincidentally the Pope was visiting at the same time. In addition to viewing the Palazzo Reale in Turin, the group travelled into the scenic countryside to tour Castello di Aglie’.

It is perhaps here that the group from Thailand was the closest to finding the “footsteps” of King Chulalongkorn. In one of the many reception rooms, a golden model of a Siamese royal barge could be seen resting of the top of a cabinet. And, in a long corridor between royal bedrooms there was a cabinet with photos of King Rama V and Queen Saovabha.

The Turin visit proved to be a highlight of the trip for another reason when the Dante group joined Italian actress Marianna de Micheli for

Rama V lunch at a sagra (village festival) in a tiny village called Bairo. Marianna --who has travelled to Thailand many times and speaks Thai-- stars in the popular Italian soap opera Centovetrine.

The multi-course feast was served at long tables in an enormous tent. It is hard to say who was more interested in whom – the locals who wondered how a group from Thailand ended up in their village with a TV star or the Dante

Two Dante members in Burano Island, near Venice.

K. Sirithorn of Hello Magazine, at Villa Carlotta, near Como.

members who enjoyed being part of rural Italian life at its best.

From Turin it was on to Lake Como which Rama V visited in 1907 on a return trip from Switzerland. Here the Dante travelers abandoned the coach and opted to travel by ferry.

In the lakeside town of Tremezzo they stopped at Villa Carlotta. The timing could not have been more perfect as the gardens of the villa were in full bloom with a colorful array of spring flowers. From there the travelers went by ferry across Lake Como to the town of Bellagio for another special experience. Here the Dante members were invited to visit the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio. This amazing property perched on a hill between three lakes, regularly sponsors and hosts conferences, residency

programs and creative arts fellowships.

From Como there was a long bus ride to Florence, with a planned stop for lunch in the famous seaside town of Portofino on the Ligurian Coast. During his second trip to Italy in 1907 King Rama V spent a good deal of time on this coast farther to the west in the town of Saint Remo. By the early 1900’s this striking area had become a very popular destination for wealthy northern Europeans.

The next day spent in Florence was ideal for museum lovers. The group started by visiting the Accademia Gallery and then moved on to the Uffizi. For those who had not seen enough museums the next stop was Palazzo Pitti where Rama V had been invited to a reception. In one of this letters the King wrote: “During my long stay here, I have come across so many paintings and sculptures; so many works of art make me happy….” It was in Florence that the King commissioned paintings and purchased many works of art.

Of course, all roads lead to Rome and so did the Dante visit, after a stop at Tivoli’s Villa Adriana where with earphones the members were left to wander around the impressive Roman ruins on their own. Then it was on to Rome where Rama V had visited King Umberto I and become the first Asian monarch to meet a Pope. So, of course, the Vatican museum was part of the visit. In Rome members had

La Dante’s group itinerary through Northern and Central Italy.

another special experience when they were invited for drinks at the elegant home Mr. and Mrs. Stefano Starace Janfolla, the former Italian Ambassador to Thailand.

The ten-day trip was led by the Dante Alighieri Association’s President Giacomo Mauri and Committee Member Jane Puranananda and had been carefully planned with the help of Thailand-based SEA Tours. During the long bus rides the two leaders took turns talking about King Chulalongkorn’s visit in context with the historical background of Italy and Siam at the time. The only regret was when it was time to follow the King’s footsteps back to Thailand.

The wonderful visit seemed to end too soon!

Dante Alighieri Association The Dante Alighieri sponsors Italian language courses and social and cultural events. Membership is open to the general public. For more information please call 081-633-8184 or email dantebangkok@hotmail.com.

August 2010

17

Logistics in Thailand Analysis of Infrastructures in Thailand as a Location for Regional Headquarters and Logistics Hub of Asia Logistic Overview Thailand is coping well with the global economic crisis and is expected to achieve 6,5 7,5% GDP growth in 2010 (Bank of Thailand).

The country is well placed to emerge from the economic crisis ahead of other economies in the region.

Over the past fourteen years, overall international trade with Thailand has grown 340% and manufacturing trade 370%; this growth, aided in part by the nation’s joint trade agreements with China, India, New Zealand, Australia, Korea and Japan has led Thailand to upgrade its logistics infrastructure and expertise. Currently, the logistics industry in Thailand is dominated by foreign companies.

Thailand is geographically positioned to become one of Asia’s major trading hubs; this is particularly true for the airfreight, trucking and railway industries. Situated within a 5 hour flight from Asia’s major cities, Thailand has recently aspired to become ASEAN’s air cargo

hub after opening the 18th largest international airport in the world.

After the completion of the corridor that will link Southeast Asia with China, Thailand will witness heavy trade flows among these countries.

Infrastructures Accordingly to the Board of Investment developed policies to meet the needs of investors, the government has continuously improved the nation’s infrastructure, both in Bangkok and the provinces. Indeed, in recent years, tremendous strides have been made, especially in transportation projects.

New roads have been built and others widened to better handle the number of vehicles on the roads, and as a result, travel times to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard and southern seaside resorts have been significantly reduced.

Bangkok’s three mass transit systems (MRT, BTS and the new Airport Link) are now up and

Suvarnabhumi Airport: A Regional Aviation Hub

T

he multi-billion-baht Suvarnabhumi Airport established Thailand as an air transport hub in South-east Asia.

It is one of the most modern airports in the world, providing services for a vast range load of passengers and cargo.

The new airport is located on the 15th kilometer of Bang Na-Trat Road in Bang Phli District of Samut Prakan Province, about 25 kilometers east of Bangkok. It replaced the Bangkok International Airport, commonly

18

August 2010

known as Don Muang Airport.

In 2008 Suvarnabhumi Airport was rated the world's 5th best airport by the Airports Council International (ACI).

The new international airport of Thailand has two parallel runways (60 m. wide, 4000 m. and 3700 m. long) and 120 parking bays, enabling it to handle 76 flight movements per hour, 45 million passengers per year, and 3 million tons of cargo per year.

Between the airport hotel and the terminal building are the two 5-storey car park buildings with a combined capacity of 5,000 cars.

The Airports Authority of Thailand has announced a 78-billion-baht expansion program for Suvarnabhumi that will increase passenger handling capacity by 33% from 45 million to 60 million.

operational, and this, too, has had a positive effect on traffic. Both lines of the BTS Skytrain are in the process of being expanded and additional lines of the subway system have been approved by the government and are in the bidding process. In addition, the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport was opened on September 28, 2006.

Regional Project The Asian Land Transport Infrastructure Development Project (ALTID) was first launched by the Commission at its forty-eight session (1992).

This project provides a framework for the coordinated development of a regional transport network, with a focus on two main components: the Asian Highway network and the Trans-Asian Railway network.

The Asian Highway network is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and Europe and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), to improve the highway systems in Asia. Agreements have been signed by 32 countries to allow the highway to cross the continent and also to reach Europe.

The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network was adopted on 18 November 2003 by an intergovernmental meeting held in Bangkok, was open for signature in April 2004 in Shanghai and entered into force on 4 July 2005.

A total of US$26 billion has already been

invested in the improvement and upgrading of the Asian Highway network. However, there is still a shortfall of US$18 billion. UNESCAP secretariat is now working with its member countries to identify financial sources for the development of the network to improve their road transport capacity and efficiency.

Twenty-seven countries in an intergovernmental meeting here are preparing to link 80,000km of railway lines to form a TransAsian Railway (TAR) network.

The Network is intended to offer efficient transport services for moving goods within

the UNESCAP region and between Asia and Europe, and provide improved access for landlocked countries to major ports.

Formalization of the Trans-Asian railway network is a major step towards an integrated, international, intermodal transport network for Asia, which would be a great success for all of Asia.

Future Project The ministry of finance has just completed last year (2009) a stimulus package, introduced to limit the impact of financial crisis and enhance long term competitiveness.

On May 6 and June 15, 2009 the Cabinet approved the Stimulus package II, the amount to be invested in the next 4 years (2009-2012) is 1.43 Trillion Baht, 1.06 Trillion Baht is ready for immediate implementation. The biggest part of this stimulus package is to reserve a logistic project such as MRT, Rural Roads and Motorway; 308 Billion Baht are the total budget increase in 4 years.

Furthermore The Transport Ministry's Marine Department is preparing to spend about Bt200 million to build three or four river ports, aimed at reducing costs for smaller-scale marine goods transporters, more over a new railway link to cross the Mekong is under construction at Nong Khai.

The Author

Elia Righetti eliarighetti @ gmail.com Elia Righetti was born in Verona, Italy in 1987. He had the opportunity to study in Chicago when he was 17 and at Chulalongkorn University during his bachelor program. After he graduated in Business Administration and Management from Bocconi University he moved stably in Bangkok. He wrote a report about Logistic in Thailand during his period at the ThaiItalian Chamber of Commerce. Now he’s working with MDA Consulting S.E.A., realizing a “Doing Business in Thailand” guide for the Italian entrepreneurs.

Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Parameter

Thailand

Singapore

Hong Kong

Clearance time with physical inspection (days)

1.41

1.22

0.55

Clearance time without physical inspection (days)

0.71

0.5

0.32

Physical inspection (%)

8.66

1.96

1.99

Multiple inspection (%)

1.26

1.3

1.12

Lead time export for port/airport, median case (days)

1.59

2.17

1.71

Lead time import for port/airport, median case (days)

2.62

1.78

1.62

Number of agencies - exports

1.75

2.43

1.75

Number of agencies - imports

2.25

2.57

1.88

*Typical charge for a 40-foot export container or a semi-trailer (US$)

422.00

311.00

464.81

*Typical charge for a 40-foot import container or a semi-trailer (US$)

422.00

311.00

459.19

Source World Bank

*Data from year 2007

Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Parameter Overall LPI

Singapore score rank

Customs

score rank

Infrastructure

score rank

International shipments

score rank

Logistics competence

score

Tracking & tracing

score

rank rank Timeliness

score rank

4.09 2 4.02 2 4.22 4 3.86 1 4.12 6 4.15 6 4.23 14

Thailand 3.29 35 3.02 39 3.16 36 3.27 30 3.16 39 3.41 37 3.73 48

Hong Kong 3.88 13 3.83 8 4 13 3.67 6 3.83 14 3.94 17

Efficiency of the clearance process (i.e. speed, simplicity and predicability of formalities) by border control agencies Quality of trade and transport related infrastructure (e.g. ports, railroads, roads, information technology) Ease of arranging competitively priced shipments Competence and quality of logistic services (e.g. transport operators, customs brokers) Ability to track and trace consignments

4.04 26

Timeliness of shipments in reaching destination within the scheduled or expected delivery time

Source World Bank

August 2010

19

Ospitalita’ Italiana A Certificate to enhance the value of Italian restaurants abroad The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce is now working actively on a project called “Ospitalita’ Italiana”. This initiative of Unioncamere developed also with the collaboration of the FIPE (Italian Federation of Public Businesses) in Italy dates from the 1997 and its main aims are to develop the quality of tourist-related enterprises (hotels and restaurants) and to guarantee consumers with a satisfactory service.

• And finally to promote the Italian culture and style in the world.

The procedure to be followed has different steps: After having received the admission to the project by the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce each restaurant has to submit the required material. Subsequently the documentation is sent to Italy where a Valuation Committee assesses if all the requirements are met. Finally a press release and event of presentation is organized to award all the restaurants fulfilling the qualification.

For this year the TICC has contacted approximately fifty Italian restaurants to participate in this project. Finally the sixteen restaurants that resulted eligible to be candidates were: Alla Capannina, Beccofino, Enoteca Italiana, Gianni Ristorante, Giusto, Il Tartufo, La Bottega di Luca, La Grappa, La Scala, Lido, Mamma Mia, Opera Restaurant, Opus Wine Bar, Rossini’s Sheraton, Spasso and Zanotti. The restaurants are located mainly in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Phuket.

"O

spitalita’ Italiana, Italian restaurants in the world” is a new initiative that, starting from this year, will apply the same principles described above to all Italian restaurants in the world. It involves all the 45 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, their task is among the others, to spread and promote the initiative in their territory of operation.

The seal of quality “Ospitalita’ Italiana” has several objectives: First to develop and promote the traditions of the Italian agricultural and food products and to set off the food-and-wine Italian culture, secondly to appreciate the image of those Italian restaurants abroad that are ensuring the respect of the quality standards typical of the Italian hospitality, and last but not least to create an international network that allows the realization of promotional events for the Italian products’ excellencies.

The attended results after the first year of international operation are: • To certify 1000 Italian restaurants in the world; • To develop the communication and the promotion supporting the agricultural and food section and the competitiveness of Italian enterprises;

20

August 2010

The requirements to be fulfilled by those restaurants in order to obtain the certificate are several: 1. In order to consolidate the image and the Italian identity in the world it is necessary to have always available in the restaurant a person able to communicate in Italian; 2. The environment has to contain one or more elements of Italian peculiarity (pictures, photo, and typical Italian design). The “mise en place” has to be of Italian style and organization; 3. Menu’: The servings inserted in the menu have to be written in a correct Italian language, moreover the percentage of Italian recipes cannot be inferior to the 50% of the total amount of dishes in the menu; 4. The recipe book: The description of at least five recipes with specific ingredients of Italian origin; 5. The wine list has to contain at least 20% of Italian D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin) or I.G.P. (Protected Geographical Indication) wines; 6. The D.O.P. extra virgin olive oil has to be always available for the clients;

The Director General of the FIPE, Mr. Edi Sommariva and TICC's Vice President, Mr. Lino Geretto.

7. The experience of the chef has to be proved by some specific criteria, e.g. experience of at least three years in an Italian restaurant; 8. The valorization of products from a protected origin and D.O.P. and I.G.P. foodand-wine products, the restaurant must show their duties in promoting the culture by using D.O.P. Italian products and I.G.P. wine and food product.

In order to better understand this project on the 1st of July TICC organized a meeting with the Director General of the FIPE, Dott. Edi Sommariva. The meeting had also the objective of discussing about the local needs and expectations regarding FIPE's and "Sistema Italia" initiatives that could help Italian restaurants in Thailand to efficiently compete in the market (trainings, availability of Italian high quality products, promotions, etc...).

The first point evinced from the discussion was the importance for Italian food to be defended and protected from falsifications to preserve its history, culture, quality and authenticity. Moreover Mr. Sommariva underlined the difficulty of the position in which Italian restaurants’ chefs and managers are obliged to operate and compete abroad: usually they do not receive any support from the Italian government and associations and they can only count on their capacities and strengths in an environment that usually is more competitive than the Italian one.

Finally the representatives of the Italian restaurants and the importers of Italian products participating to the meeting agreed that the project would be of great benefit for their businesses and for the Italian cuisine standard in the world. However, they also suggested that their service would be increased in value if the Italian government and all the related organizations would support them by resolving the Italian products’ logistics problems or by legalizing the import procedure of some specific products.

Sara Sinigallia

Labor Relations

The Legal Significance of Organized Protest and Worker Strikes With worldwide publicity surrounding recent political protests in Thailand, renewed focus has been placed on the force and effect of protest movements in all facets of Thai society.

One area in which this social phenomenon has particular force is in organized labor disputes and, specifically, on the growing influence of employee strikes in Thailand.

Chusert Supasitthumrong Attorney-at-Law Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd.

About Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. Tilleke & Gibbins is the largest independent multiservice law firm in Thailand with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, as well as in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The firm and its affiliates presently employ 100 lawyers, consultants, and paralegals and 245 support personnel committed to providing clients with high-quality legal advice and services.

An earlier version of this article first appeared in the Bangkok Post on July 2, 2010. Please send comments to Andrew Stoutley at andrew.s@tillekeandgibbins.com.

I

n general, a protest is defined as a formal or informal announcement made by a person concerned about some act about to be done or already performed, whereby there is an expression of dissent or disapproval, or an affirmation that an act has been committed against one’s will. In contrast, a strike is defined as the act of stopping work for the purpose of forcing an employer to comply with previous employee demands. While protests do affect public relations and company operations, it is the highly disruptive nature of strikes that concerns employers most.

Employee strikes may be either legal or illegal depending on several factors. The following are examples of illegal employee strikes for which an employer has the right to take disciplinary action against the striking employees: 1.Employees strike because they are unsatisfied with employer policies; 2.Employees strike in order to force the employer to increase wages or bonuses without submission of a formal labor demand; 3.Employees strike to protest what they believe is employer discrimination; 4.Employees strike without first providing formal notice to a government labor officer; and 5.Employees strike without informing the employer in advance.

In the examples above, the employer has the legal right to take disciplinary action against the employees for their illegal strike activity.

It is therefore exceedingly important for an employer to understand when such strikes are permissible and when, as above, they are without legal merit.

Under the Labor Relations Act, there are specific procedures that employees must satisfy before they may legally strike. For example, if employees want to submit a labor demand, they must obtain the support of at least 15 percent of all employees. In addition, if a labor union submits a labor demand on behalf of its members, the labor union must have union membership totalling at least one-fifth of the total number of employees.

It is important to note that after formal demands are made to an employer, if the demand is made during the course of negotiations, settlement or arbitration of a labor dispute, the employer cannot terminate or transfer the employees, employee representatives, committee members or members of the labor union or labor federation committee. The only exceptions allowing for termination of such persons would be when an employee commits the following acts:

1.Performs dishonestly or has intentionally committed a criminal offence against the employer; 2.Intentionally causes damage to the employer; 3.Violates the employer’s work rules, regulations or lawful orders, with the employer having already given a written warning to the employee for matters not deemed serious; or 4.Neglects his or her duties for a period of three consecutive work days without reasonable cause.

Once a formal demand is received, parties must begin negotiations within three days. If parties are then able to reach settlement, they may enter into a written agreement signed by their representatives. Within three days from the signing, the employer must then display such agreement at the workplace for a period of at least thirty days and must also register the agreement with the Labor Ministry within fifteen days from the date of signing.

If no negotiation takes place within the prescribed period or if parties fail to reach an agreement after negotiation, the labor demand will become a labor dispute. In this circumstance, the employees must inform the labor dispute mediator in writing within twenty-four hours after the lapse of the three-day period or from the time the negotiations failed. The labor dispute mediator is then obliged to seek resolution with the parties within five days. If a settlement is reached, the employer must proceed with the same notice requirements observed above. If not, then parties may appoint a labor dispute arbitrator, the employer can order an employee lockout or the employees can go on formal strike. If the employees proceed with a strike, they must give notice to the labor dispute mediator and to the employer at least twenty-four hours prior to striking.

In short, if employees strike without observing the required procedural rules, the employer may have the right to terminate or take disciplinary action against the employees. However, if the employees follow all legal procedures prior to executing a strike, then they will be protected under Thai labor laws. For example, if the employer then terminates the employees, the employees may have the right to submit a civil case against the employer for reinstatement and compensation. In addition, in some circumstances they may even have the right to lodge a criminal charge against the employer for violation of the Labor Relations Act, conviction for which could result in fines and/or imprisonment.

August 2010

21

Superleggera Grand Launching of the New Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 June 22, 2010 marked a very significant day for Niche Cars Company, dealer of Super car brands as the latest line of Lamborghini Gallardo the LP570-4 Superleggera takes center stage for the first time with its official launching to the Thai Market at the Grand Ballroom of Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok.

22

August 2010

P

resent at the event are the President of Niche Cars Company Limited Mr. Seree Rakvit and the Managing Director Mr. Vittawat Chinabarramee.

Gracing the launching was the Ambassador of Italy, His Excellency Michelaneglo Pipan who gave a short speech as well as other special guests Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh, President of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mana Trongkamolthum, President of Lamborghini Thailand Club, Mr. Kriengsak Tantipipob, Marketing Executive for Paragon and Mr. Sak “Kiki� Nana, a world racer who owns a Lamborghini himself.

These special guests together with the President and Managing Director of Niche Cars Company Limited led the unveiling to the press and the public of the newest Lamborghini Gallardo LP-570-4 Superleggera in a fashion only fit for a Lamborghini which gave lasting impression to the invited guests.

This new model has been developed by using more technology in the engine and material equipment to make the performance of the vehicle improved to 570 HP, with the best ratio of weight per horsepower of 2.35 kg: 1 HP in the super car market at present. This made the vehicle acceleration of 0-100 km/ hr. in a mere 3.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 325 km/hr.

However, even before the launching event wrapped up, the orange Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera has been reserved and has a new owner already. What a way to cap the successful launching night for Niche Cars Company Limited.

Another highlight during the launching was the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 parked at the entrance of the grand ballroom to greet the press and guests alike. Guests lined up to have their pictures taken as well as put their names and signature at the white Gallardo.

This said car will be driven by Mr. Vittawat

Chinabarramee for a month as a showcase.

Aside from the cars which are the main highlight, the event also featured the main technology that gives security and protection to the Lamborghini cars. Niche Cars Company Limited, the sole authorized dealer of Lamborghini cars in Thailand only gives what a Lamborghini Customer deserves – that is quality service.

With the help of the “GEKO Token” which gives only the authorized dealer access codes straight from the Lamborghini factory to repair and maintain your Lamborghini. As what Mr. Siegfried Soria, Service Manager said, “If we do not have this tool, your car will just be likened to a piece of junk that cannot be used again.”

The Lamborghini brand

A

utomobili Lamborghini was founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, the child of a viticulturists from Renazzo di Cento, in the Emilia-Romagna region, and went into business building tractors out of leftover military hardware from the war effort. Lamborghini's wealth allowed him to cultivate a childhood interest in cars, owning a number of luxury automobiles. He purchased his first Ferrari, a 250GT, in 1958. Lamborghini was fond of the Ferraris, but considered them too noisy and rough to be proper road cars, likening them to repurposed track cars. Lamborghini decided to pursue an automobile manufacturing venture, with the goal of bringing to life his vision of a perfect grand tourer.

Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of the brand.

Main characteristics Top speed Acceleration (0-100 km/h [0-62 mph]) Acceleration (0-200 km/h [0-124 mph]) Dry weight Maximum power

325 km/h (202 mph) 3,4 sec.

10,2 sec.

1340kg (2954 lb) 419 kW (570 CV*) at 8000 rpm

Sole authorized dealer: the home of Supercar in Thailand For over 20 years we have been fulfilling dreams for specialty car enthusiasts in Thailand. Through our dealership, we focus on core brands that cater to an exclusive few whose passion for cars knows no bounds: Lamborghini, Hummer, Lotus, and Lorinser. Today Niche Cars promises to be the premiere distributor of exclusive car brands in Thailand. www.nichecars.co.th

The Raging Bull The world of bullfighting is a key part of Lamborghini's identity. In 1962, Ferruccio Lamborghini visited the Seville ranch of Don Eduardo Miura, a renowned breeder of Spanish fighting bulls. Lamborghini, a Taurus himself, was so impressed by the majestic Miura animals that he decided to adopt a raging bull as the emblem for the automaker and the name of various bulls for the models, after producing two cars with alphanumeric designations. As an example, Murciélago was named for a fighting bull that survived 28 sword strokes in an 1879 fight, with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life. The only very special Lamborghini supercar which wasn't connected to the name of any bull or bullfighting is the Countach.

The rivalry with Ferrari The rivalry with Ferrari started as early as the 1960’s.

Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of Lamborghini and already owner of a tractor company then, went to the office of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari car, to complain about the poor clutch of the Ferrari 250 that he bought. Enzo known for his unwelcoming character, arrogance and short temper, sent Lamborghini away telling him that he doesn’t know anything about cars and to go back to drive his tractors. From then on, Ferruccio Lamborghini promised himself that he will not buy a Ferrari again and that he would put Ferrari to its knees by building a car company that would surpass that of Enzo.

August 2010

23

TICC’s Event:

Get-Together Aperitivo Italiano with the Provenza Wine

O

n the occasion of the Get-Together Mr. Massimo Marai presented the peculiarities of Provenza Wines.

Interview to Mr. Marai, representative to Thailand for Provenza Wine.

Provenza, why this name and where your wines are made? And which are the main characteristics describing Provenza wines?

Because the Contato family finds its ancient roots in Provence and in 1967 in a corner of the Garda region (Sirmione) nearby Verona they founded Azienda Agricola Provenza.

They could be described as a “wine experience”!!!

You should taste Provenza wines to understand the passion and professionalism that family Contato and all the staff effort to produce high level wines.

You can taste red, white, rosé and sparkling wines and each one has a characteristic that distinguishes it and allows it to be appreciated.

What image does Provenza wine have in Asia? And, according to you, what are the best tools to use and actions to be taken to promote Italian wines in Thailand?

Azienda Agricola Provenza conveys a message of quality, dedication and passion for wine.

Thanks to a broad range of labels, which in the course of the years have been awarded national and international prizes, Azienda Agricola Provenza fully expresses the culture

Area Meeting of Italian Chambers in Australia, Asia and South Africa in Singapore

T

he first Area Meeting of Italian Chambers in Australia, Asia and South Africa took place on the 28th and 29th of June in Singapore. It has been held in concomitance with the Singapore International Water Week (SWW), a major international conference cum exhibition on sustainability and scarce resources. The program of the meeting has been strongly associated with the conference, and our public seminar on “Italian Technology for sustainable Development: an APAC/South Africa perspective” has been included in the official programme, thus giving our Chambers an excellent platform to interact with companies and institutions from across the Region. Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh and Mr. Sandro Zanello, president and secretary general of Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce respectively attended this 2 days event and they worked closely and profitably with all the presidents and secretary generals from Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, India, China, Australia and Singapore.

24

August 2010

(From left-right) Mr. Davide Cucino (former President of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, CICC; Mrs. Ramida Hutasingh; Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh (TICC’s President); Mrs. Evelina Farinacci ( Pr&Marketing manager, Italian Industry & Commerce Office in the UAE); Ms. Elena Tosana (Secretary General of the CICC)

at L’OPERA Wine Bar presentation by Mr. Massimo Marai and personality of a unique terroir. Events like the Get-Together are important to develop the brand Provenza; it can be followed by a happy hour and participations in trade fairs.

The presence of a representative of the company in these events is certainly an added value that can help in understanding and affirmation of a new and quality brand as Provenza is.

Some of the Provenza wines’ labels show some peculiar names such as Lugana Molin or Garda Negresco, are they local varieties?

Which are the organoleptic characteristics of these 2 wines?

Lugana D.O.C. Molin white takes its name from Cascina Molino, the company’s old wine cellar.

This wine is the expression of the Lugana’s territory that is located south of the Garda Lake and has distinctive features given by the calcareous land characterised by compact clay layers.

Molin is the result of the choice of the best grapes from the estate’s vineyards and vinification by cryomaceration, that is, holding the skins with the must for more than 48 hours: a technique that has allowed us to obtain a more structured Lugana with a more refined perfume; in fact Molin is pleasantly soft and fresh, mineral with orange and yellow ripe fruits fragrance Regarding the Negresco the choice of this fictitious name is linked to the famous Provencal hotel, “Hotel Negresco”, in Nice. This red wine comes from vineyards with noble grapes

linked to the D.O.C. Garda Classico, such as Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera which, following lengthy fermentation on the skins, are all suitable for producing a wine that is modern yet has temperament.

The product that is obtained has a robust structure which allows it to rest for around 12 months in 225 litre barriques, so that it is fined and fully enriched, with blends of flavour and perfume; this wine is warm, full bodied, with flavours of ripe fruits, tobacco and spices Are there any new projects in sight for Provenza Wine in South East Asia?

Provenza currently intends to develop the market of Southeast Asia from Thailand to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and many others making tasting, trade fairs and we really hope to involve and establish a collaboration with structures such as the various Chambers of Commerces, the Ice etc.

How do you personally relate with wines?

And what wines do you have in your personal cellar in Italy?

Wine is a life essence, it has to be a pleasure to taste and enjoy a glass of good wine in different time and occasions.

Personally I used to drink Italian wines and discover new grape varieties from all over the territory, Italy is full of specialties.

There is always something amazing that only needs to be discovered, like Lugana Fabio Contato, Molin or Garda Classico Rosso Negresco.

The Singapore International Water Week (SWW), a public Seminar on "Italian Technology for Sustainable Development"

Get-Together in Pattaya on 17th, July 2010 at Siam Country Club Plantation

From left to right: Avv. Paolo Battaglino, Italian Consular Correspondent in Chonburi; Chayaporn Phornprapha, Director of the TICC; Mr. Pornchai Chanwanichwong, Managing director of Thai Commodities; Mr. Domenico Ambrosino, CFO at Danieli Far Est; Mr.Ekkamon Hutasingh, President of the TICC.

August 2010

25

Italian Pavillion at the Thailand International Restaurant & Bar 2010

T

he Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce participated in the Thailand International Restaurant & Bar 2010 exhibition (R&B 2010) which took place on June 23-25, 2010 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center. This international exhibition and conference brought together all key players in the hotel, restaurant, bar, and cafe industry under one roof.

TICC helped to organize and coordinate the Italian Pavilion where several companies showcased their Italian-related products and performed cooking demonstrations. The pavilion consisted of 6 booths with a spacious common area in the middle where activities were carried out. Participating companies included were the Italasia Group (wine, sparkling water, Illy coffee), Sino-Pacific Trading (Thailand) (pasta, snacks, olive oil, tomato paste), IARP Asia (refrigerator, sales cabinet for ice cream and more), Quick Pack Pacific (cling & shrink film, packaging machines), and Eurofood (cold cuts, cheese, risotto, organic products).

The official opening of the Italian Pavilion took place on the first day, June 23rd in the afternoon. The warm and friendly ceremony was presided over by Mr. Marco Midolo, the Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy and

Official opening ceremony presided by Mr. Vachara Phanchet, Thailand Trade Representative and Mr. Marco Midolo, the Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy in Thailand.

Mr. Vachara Phanchet, Thailand Trade Representative. Distinguished guests included Mr. Vincenzo Calì, the Italian Trade Commissioner, several TICC Directors, and members of our Chamber.

After the ribbon had been cut to signal the official opening, the guests were treated to a

sumptuous ice cream demonstration by Mr. Giuseppe Messina of Dolce Vita Co., Ltd. who presented a gourmet ice cream dish consisted of crepes and forest fruits. The sweet and refreshing flavor of authentic Italian ice cream did put a smile on everyone’s face!

Mr.Lino Geretto, Managing Director of LGV Engineering; Mr. Ekkamon Hutasingh, TICC’s President; Mr. Pornchai Chanwanichwong, Managing director of Thai Commodities; Mr. Sandro Zanello,TICC’s Secretary General.

Icecream tasting

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August 2010

Welcome New Members

American Express (Thai) Co., Ltd. Mr. Anakkawat Kowathanakul S.P. Building, 388 Phaholyothin Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 02 273 5500 Fax: 02 273 0466 Website: www.americanexpress.co.th Sector: Leading global payments, network and travel company

Camillian Hospital Fr. Giovanni Contarin 423 Sukhumvit 55 (Thongloh), North Klongton, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 185 1444 Fax: 02 185 1403 Email: cg_camillian@csloxinfo.com Website: www.camillian.org Sector: Hospital

NGV System Co., Ltd. Mr. Nathasorn Vongvatanapantu 18/7-9 Moo 2 Soi Watnamdaeng, Srinakarin Road, Bangkaew, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540 Thailand Tel: 0-2738-7521 – 3 Fax: 0-2738-7524 E-mail: sales@ngv-system.com Website: www.ngv-system.com Sector: Importer of CNG/NGV cylinder, valve and equipments

KitchenArt (Thailand) Co., Ltd Mr. Santun Maura 184/63 16th Floor, Forum Tower, Rachadapisek Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: 02 248 1133 Fax: 02 248 1135 Website: www.mykitchenart.com Sector: Kitchen appliances

RING Co., Ltd Mrs. Nauvarat Songswaddichai 493/2 Navamintr Road., Klongkum, Buengkum, Bangkok 10240 Tel: 02 376 3072-8 Fax: 02 731 6315 Email: sale@eleganza-co.com Website: www.eleganza-co.com Sector: Ladies handbags, wallets and small leather goods

Eugenio Collavini Viticoltori Spa Mr. Paolo Depicolzuane Via Forum Julii 2 Corno di Rosazzo, 33040, Udine Italy Tel: +39 0432 753 222 Fax: +39 0432 759 792 E-mail: collavini@collavini.it Website: www.collavini.it Sector: production and sale of wines and sparkling wines.

Wald s.r.l Mr. Angelo Depretis Via Eugubina, 40 06022 Fossato di Vico (PG) Tel: (+39) 075 919 621 Fax: (+39) 075 919 160 Email: wald@wald.it Website: www.wald.it Sector: Tableware, kitchenware, gift items, furnishing items

Turkish Airlines Mr. Adnan Aykac 3rd Floor, C.P. Tower, 313 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02 231 0300-7 Fax: 02 231 0311 Email: director@thy.co.th Website: www.thy.com/en-TH Sector: Airline

Dogale Ospitalita’ e Benessere SRL Mr. Teodoro Russo Via Doge Michiel 19- Lido di Venezia- Italy 30126 Tel: (+39) 041 526 5685, (+39) 041 242 0060 Fax: (+39) 041 526 1123 Email: dogalecostruzioni@alice.it Sector: Tourism, health and wellness/spa, import/export

Upcoming Events August-October 2010 Month/Day

Event

Location

Mentoring Workshop in collaboration with the Franco Thai Chamber of Commerce, Beluthai and Netherland Chamber of Commerce

Pullman Hotel,

Updates about ROH incentives and comparison with other ASEAN countries business luncheon, in collaboration with KPMG, FTCC, Beluthai and NTCC

KPMG headquarter, Empire Tower, (only on invitation)

5th Tuesday

Seminar: European Project- Intellectual Property & Geographical Indications Protection, Organized by Delegation of EC, TICC and BioAgricoop

To be confirmed

20th Wednesday

The Get Together /Social Network event

To be confirmed

22nd-27th Friday -Wedneday

Convention of the President and SG of the Italian Chamber of Commerce abroad/meeting with Fiera of Parma

Parma

Last week of October (to be confirmed)

Visit of Gemopolis

Rayong

August 25th Wednesday September 14th September Octoberber