INFORMA April - June 2019 by Thai - Italian Chamber of Commerce

ISSUE Apr-Jun 2019

INFORMA The Business Magazine of the Thai - Italian Chamber of Commerce

Travelling the new Silk Road

Apr - Jun 2019

2 INFORMA

President's Message PRESIDENT Mr. Federico Cardini F. Infinity Chalon Co., Ltd.

Federico Cardini President

VICE PRESIDENTS Mr. Andrea Gallucci Digithai Software Co., Ltd. Ms. Mallika Esposito Seu Margherita International Legal Counsellors Thailand Ltd. DIRECTORS Mr. Chakrit Benedetti Italasia Electro Co., Ltd. Mr. Dirk-Jan Herman Arts Demopower (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Mr. Daniele Iussa Jas Forwarding Worldwide (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Mr. Alessio Dalla Valle Frigel Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. Dr. Sawang Pracharktam Thai Optical Group Public Co., Ltd. Ms. Varee Phonphaisan Herritage Snack & Food Co., Ltd. Mr. Brian K. Prasomsri Pacific B&B Co., Ltd. Mr. Luca Bernardinetti Mahanakorn Partners Group Co., Ltd. Mr. Manuel Sguazzi Cavagna Group Asia Ltd. Mr. Simone Callai Global-Findings.com (Thailand) Ltd. SECRETARY GENERAL Mr. Michele Tomea 1126/2 Vanit Building II, Room 1601B 16th Floor, New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400 Tel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: secretarygeneral@thaitch.org TICC STAFF: Mr. Giacomo Iobizzi Trade Manager and Analyst Mr. Mufaddal Jafferjee Sales and Marketing Manager Ms. Chayanid Rerkaram Media and Editorial Manager Ms. Patjin Nathapahn Accounting Manager Ms. Chenchira Boonchuai Membership Executive DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION: Chayanid Rerkaram SCAN-MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Mr. Gregers Moller PUBLISHER Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29, Prasert Manukitch Road, Chorakaebua, Ladprao, Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169

Dear TICC Members and Friends, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings for the season to all. I am delighted to present you our second issue of INFORMA for 2019 where information about business in Italy, Lazio and Veneto and certification of pharmaceutical products for Thailand market can be found. The accomplishments we received last year were impressive. Among many noteworthy events, the Annual General Meeting held on March 19, 2019 at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the infrastructure summit, PPP on April 4, 2019 at the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Bangkok. Overall, it was a successful beginning of the year for TICC. Thank all our members for the support you have shown us and for actively being a part of our Chamber. This year will be another busy one with many important plans and collaborations with the Italian Embassy and Italian Trade Agency coming up. Furthermore, in Italy, our members can also majorly benefit from the support of AICE, or the Association of Italian Foreign Commerce which is based in Milan. Our calendar is marked with activities and events such as medical services and health insurance in Thailand, a seminar about investment in Italy in July and launches of Ospitalità Italiana and True Italian Taste Thailand 2019. Given the importance of and the focus on TICC Jewelry Committee, this year, we will again have representatives attending Bangkok Gems &amp; Jewelry Fair which will be held in September at IMPACT Exhibition Center to promote the Committee. Lastly, I would like to inform all of you that the Chamber has proudly succeeded in bringing a delegation of Thai exhibitors to the food show, TUTTOFOOD (to be held during May 6 – 9, 2019 in Milan, Italy) and a delegation of 30 buyers who are willing to implement a major business between our countries. Our commitment for promoting the excellency of the Italian business with the support of the Thai entrepreneurs will bring us to organize events in Phuket by the end of this May and in Chiang Mai for the first time thereafter. Thank you once again. I look forward to a continued relationship in 2019 and another successful year!

ADVERTISING CONTACT Chayanid Rerkaram Media and Editorial Manager Tel: +66 2 255 8695 Ext. 105 Mobile: +66 88 206 7740 E-mail: pr@thaitch.org

Arrivederci, Federico Cardini

Mr. Finn Balslev Marketing Director Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 943 7166 Ext. 116 Fax. +66 2 943 7169 Mobile: +66 81 866 2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com www.scandmedia.com

Apr - Jun 2019

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Contents

Travelling the new Silk Road

Thailand, Cambodia ready to relaunch rail link

Evolving digital ecosystem development

INVESTING IN ITALY: COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES OF LAZIO REGION ASIA'S MEGA ENERGY EVENT IS READY FOR BUSINESS!

DOs and DON'Ts to sell healthcare products in Thailand

THE GREAT WINE CAPITALS

A PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Annual General Meeting 2019

ASIA - AFRICA SUMMIT 2019

ASEAN PPP SUMMIT 2019

Past event 25 New members 27 upcoming event 30

Apr - Jun 2019

TRAVELLING THE NEW SILK ROAD

Travelling the new Silk Road Source by Charles Stevens in Geographical December 2018 Edited by Tharnsai Wannasri

Thailand has to involve herself in

China’s Belt Road Initiatives inevitably. The involvement in such projects are expected to be a great transformation for the greater business opportunity. As Thailand is strategically located in the center of ASEAN, she can gain economic advantage from participating in BRI projects and has potential to become a hub to connect and provide logistic services throughout the region as well as gaining leverage of private investment and fundamental infrastructure. Furthermore, she will benefit socio-economically in terms of people-to-people bound, sharing of culture, and development of education. Italy has the expertise and the engineering companies capable of taking advantage of these global infrastructure projects by participating to tenders in 84 countries. China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI) can be considered the most ambitious economic development strategies in the recent histories covering 84 countries which accounted for more than half global population and over a quarter of international GDP.

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At its heart of this ambition is to exploit Chinese financing companies and labors to construct hard infrastructures ranged from railways to residential development across Eurasia and of late, West Africa and Latin America. However, China’s underlying motives of this 5-year-old initiative are debatable by many due to its flexible and ambiguous characteristics. For some, the BRI’s has the implication of China trying to take over the U.S. as global hegemony in the world economy.

In contrast, Wang Shengxin of Hualing group perceives that such ambition is to construct “community of common destinies” The developments have been further materialized as China’s engagement and investment in foreign infrastructure projects in Eastern Europe has grown significantly over the past 5 years. For instance, China Ocean Shipping Company in port of Piraeus in Greece has secured 51 percent stakes in the port with the aim to develop and become a major gateway of Chinese commerce in Europe.

TRAVELLING THE NEW SILK ROAD

Coherently, China has set its footprint in Eastern Mediterranean at Kumport outside Istanbul, Turkey. Chinese consortium has purchased stake in the third largest container terminal in Turkey with the goal to produce synergies and deepen cooperation with port of Piraeus. Such investment has the same pattern as the construction of ChinaBelarus Great Stone park is to become the largest industrial park in Europe. As well as China Pacific Construction Group has contracted to build motorway in Montenegro, and contribution to financing of Anaklia Deep Sea port in Georgia and its special economic zone through Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. One might bear in mind that the infrastructure along the New Silk road has more dimensions than being Chinese-only initiative as many of investments contributing into overland connections between China and Europe through Central Asia , Caspersian region and Turkey received from multilateral financing institutions such as World Bank and Asian Development Bank which also provided the majority contribution for the reconstruction the road in Kazakhstan section between Western Europe and Western China highway.

The BRI remains regional scope despite its international implications. One means that the initiative can become fruitful is to form a fully functional and high volume overland networks. As Eugene Seah chief operation officer in Baku port in Azerbaijan says : [ these functional initiatives] all point towards the same kind of development goals, which is to build up the New Silk Road to be an economic corridor for the region. The Baku port has been primed to become a major station along the new Silk Road. The rise of goods transported between China and Europe through the different Belts and Roads resulting in more flow of trade. Khorgos Gateway at Kazakh-Chinese border is one of the example of such phenomenon. It has two-fold increase of its containers volume in just one year from 2016 to 2017. Furthermore, the first fixedrate, 12-month contracts were signed in January 2018 with freight forwarders for shipping from China to Europe via rail in Kazakhstan makes this northern routes more appealing alternatives to sea freight. In such emerging trend of Chinese commerce from eastward to westward, the Silk Road of the future will attract more concentrations of people with potential to become a true international network instead of just being a collection of regional links.

Apr - Jun 2019

THAILAND, CAMBODIA READY TO RELAUNCH RAIL LINK

Thailand, Cambodia ready to relaunch rail link

A diesel-powered passenger train (right) is seen at Aranyaprathet station in Sa Kaeo in preparation for the inaugural journey to Poipet, Cambodia on Monday. (Photo by Udomdet Kampat via @pr.railway Facebook account.

Thailand looks set to re-establish a rail

link with Cambodia 45 years after the two countries terminated cross-border train service. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen will preside over a ceremony to reopen the track connecting Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo with Cambodia’s Poipet town on Monday. The two leaders will meet at Ban Klong Luk Border station at the Thai border and ride a historic train for two kilometres across the border to Poipet. They will be riding in one of four passenger carriages that Thailand has refurbished and will deliver to Cambodia as a goodwill gesture after the event. The diesel-powered train was parked at Aranyaprathet station on Wednesday in preparation for the inaugural journey. Regular service, however, will not begin until the two countries settle on the schedule and other details. That is expected to be completed by the

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end of the year, acting State Railway of Thailand governor Worawut Mala said. On Wednesday approved the agreement on freight and passenger regulations on the cross-border operations. The track from the Thai-Cambodia border goes to Phnom Penh. Thailand and Cambodia ended their last rail connection 45 years ago due to internal conflicts in the two neighbouring countries. Cambodia restored the 385- kilometre track from the capital to the border with Thailand, and resumed operations last year.

The Thai Trade Promotion Office in Siem Reap expects the train will also boost tourism as the track will draw visitors curious about the new link. The Thai and Cambodian leaders will open a new bridge linking Ban Nong Ian in Aranyaprathet and Stung Bot in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province before travelling to open the train line. Deputy government spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak said on Sundaythe new bridge and train link reflected the pledges of the two countries to foster border cooperation.

Sa Kaeo governor Wichit Chartpaisit said on Wednesday the train line will boost border trade and transport between the two countries. Border trade between the two countries was 145 billion baht last year, 62% of if going through the border between Aranyaprathet and Poipet, according to the Foreign Trade Department.

EVOLVING DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Evolving digital ecosystem development is turning Thailand into Asia's next big innovation hub

Thailand’s ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive ecosystem to support the country’s digital industry have been progressing rapidly in recent years thanks to such government flagship initiatives as Digital Park Thailand (EECD) and Smart City. The development of cutting-edge infrastructural facilities to support these initiatives has brought unprecedented opportunities for investors and business leaders, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) says.

With the aim of attracting foreign and domestic investments in Thailand’s digital industry, BOI has continued to introduce new investment schemes and improve existing ones. As part of that effort, investments in high value-added digital industries that meet the criteria will be granted a corporate income tax (CIT) exemption of maximum up to 8 years. The types of digital businesses that are seeing an increasing number of applications for investment incentives include software development, digital platform services, cloud services and innovation incubation centers. In 2018, BOI received applications for investment privileges from 194 investment projects in the digital industry worth a total of 13,162 million baht, particularly in the fields of enterprise software, digital content and embedded software. In addition, investment projects in the digital industry located in EECD that have collaboration with educational institutions to develop human resources will be eligible for a CIT exemption for up to 13 years.

In particular, target activities in the EECD that are entitled to maximum investment incentives include software development, digital services, digital parks, data centers, innovation incubation centers, cloud services, R&D, and relevant services. BOI has also launched an investment incentive scheme for the Smart City initiative, which is designed to upgrade people’s quality of life with seven intelligent platforms; namely, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart People, Smart Living, Smart Economy, Smart Governance and Smart Energy. Investments in Smart City projects will be eligible for a CIT exemption for 5-to-8 years. Investment projects located in the Eastern Economic Corridor will be eligible for a 50% reduction in CIT for an additional five years after the end of the CIT incentive period. Promotional privileges have covered three business activities, including Smart City development, Smart City system development, and smart industrial estates or zones. The Phaholyothin Transportation Center project, which is the Bangkok metropolitan area’s new transportation hub with seamless connections of rail and road transportation at Bang Sue, has been chosen as a target area for the Smart City development initiative. The new smart business complex project, implemented under the public-private partnership scheme with the investment agreement expected to be finalized by the end of 2019, is slated to become a new epicenter of urban and economic development.

It will boost ease and convenience of transportation. Recently, a new measure has been introduced to offer investment privileges to digital and innovation ecosystem facilities, including innovation incubation centers, maker spaces or fabrication laboratories, and co-working spaces. The soon-to-be opened True Digital Park, Thailand’s first digital park that received investment privileges from BOI to the tune of 1,580 million baht, is now setting a clear path for a robust boost to Thailand’s digital industry. Located on Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok’ most dynamic business districts, the park is poised to become a global startup destination for technology and innovation development in Thailand. It will connect international startups, entrepreneurs, tech companies, accelerators, incubators, academies and government agencies. Spanning over 41,000 square meters, True Digital Park is fully equipped with all amenities for digital businesses encompassing innovation creation spaces, co-working spaces, technology labs, learning and training centers, events and business service spaces, one-stop service centers, and spaces for academies to co-create innovation. Committed global tech players at True Digital Park include Google, Amadeus, Amazon Web Services, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies and ZTE. Source by: Investment Services Center

The Board Of Investment Office Of The Prime Minister

Apr - Jun 2019

INVESTING IN ITALY; COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY OF LAZIO REGION

The National Confederation of Small

and Medium Enterprises of Rome (CNA) is one of the trade associations that supports businesses in Rome and Lazio in the processes of international expansion. The urban area of Rome represents one of the most important markets and socio-economic context in Europe. The international attractiveness of Rome can be seen in a stock of companies and people of foreign origin. The Lazio Region is preparing a plan of interventions aimed for encouraging the international opening of local companies and the presence of foreign enterprises in the territory. With a view to developing these internationalisation activities, CNA intends to inform Thai entrepreneurs about the business opportunities and incentives that the Lazio Region offers. The plan mentioned above will develop specific actions to encourage business relationships between Italian and international companies. For example: •

Provision of financial instruments to encourage the internationalisation initiatives of companies (vouchers and calls for financing of structural projects)

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• • •

•

Construction of institutional, technological, economic and commercial cooperation networks Participation in international events and fairs Organisation of meetings, institutional and technical missions to strengthen international relations Search for partners and investors.

The Lazio Region, which is located in the central part of Italy, boasts several factors of competitiveness. First of all, it is characterized by a strategic geographical position in the Mediterranean and has great logistical infrastructures such as the airport of Fiumicino and the port of Civitavecchia. Rome, the capital of Lazio, is one of the most famous cities in the world and represents a cultural, tourist and commercial hub.

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The productive fabric of the Lazio region is characterised by excellent production and technological chains. In detail: •

Cinema, audiovisual, cultural industry and digital creative industry

Lazio is the leading italian region for investments in the audiovisual sector (22 million euros in 2017) with about 10.000 employees. The sector generates 15 billion euros of added value and includes a total of 40.000 companies and over 200.000 employees. The area of specialization of the digital cultural and creative industries is an important economic reality for Rome and Lazio. The sector includes digital audiovisual, digital television, digital music and publishing, interactive arts, digital services and applications, internet and mobile. Aerospace and Security The sector includes about 250 companies with 23.000 employees that generate about 5 billion in turnover and more than one and a half billion in exports. The territory is home to companies of international excellence in the fields of electronics, sensors, avionics, innovative components and materials, space and satellite applications and services. These companies are open to international collaboration: the

INVESTING IN ITALY; COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY OF LAZIO REGION

INVESTING IN ITALY: COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES OF LAZIO REGION

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economic-productive chain of which they productive chain of which they are part involves companies of electronic subcontracting, ICT, avionics and aeronautical and airport services. The aerospace sector represents research excellence with 10 major international research centres. Life Science and Biosciences It includes several sectors: Biomedical, e-health, wellness, medical devices and nutraceutical. It has over 300 companies, 20.000 employees, with an estimated turnover of about 12 billion euros. It is a very internationalized area of specialization because the industrial sector is growing and boasts a system of research of the highest level both in universities (biomedical and pharmacological area) and specific research centers. In addition, Lazio has invested about 29 million euros in biosciences. Agro-industry The supply chain generates an annual turnover of about 6.3 billion euros. There are about

•

3.400 companies and 17.000 employees. The products boast certified excellence in the dairy, fruit and vegetable, wine and oil sectors. Green Economy The territory of Rome ranks first in Italy for absolute value of companies that have made eco-investments in the period 2014-2017 and that have planned further investments in 2018 in green products and technologies. In the region there are the headquarters of the main structures of the energy sector (ENEL, ENI, Terna, GRTN). Innovative startups The number of innovative startups is increasing: 1027 startups represent 11% of the national total.

In addition to these sectors, Lazio has other interesting production sectors: • Tourism It remains one of the main sectors of the regional economy. Rome is confirmed as the first Italian city in terms of number of arrivals (almost 20 million per year) and

•

number of visitors (about 40 million per year). Publishing There are about 285 publishing houses (17% of the national total). It includes all the trades of the book: editors, illustrators, graphic designers, translators, writers, booksellers. Economics of the sea The regional port system represents an international hub in the commercial field for the arrival of goods and in the tourist field (cruises).

The economy of Lazio is growing: in 2017, it reached 23 billion euros and continues to expand. In fact, it is the sixth Italian region for the largest number of exporting companies. Elisa Falasca Project Manager www.ninainternational.it

Apr - Jun 2019 11

ASIA’S MEGA ENERGY EVENT IS READY FOR BUSINESS!

ASIA'S MEGA ENERGY EVENT IS READY FOR BUSINESS! ASEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK (ASE) 2019 is the largest and most comprehensive energy event in the region. With almost 30 years of service in the energy industry and unmatched success records, the famous event provides unbeatable regional business platforms and meeting points for over 25,000 trade visitors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers from 35 countries. The 2019 event will also feature the latest innovative energy sources along with cutting-edge machinery and equipment that enhances overall business competitiveness for your benefit. ASE2019 IS A COMBINATION OF FOUR SPECIALIZED EVENTS: • RENEWABLE ENERGY ASIA – Largest and Most Comprehensive Renewable Energy Exhibition and Conference in ASEAN. • ENERGY EFFICIENCY EXPO – Top International Energy Efficiency event. • ENTECH POLLUTEC ASIA International Exhibition of Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Technology • ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASIA Thailand’s only Specialized International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference.

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The event will cover all of the following….. Solar Generating Panels, the latest in wind technology, biomass, biogas, waste-to-energy, energy storage, energy management, special lighting, data-centers, air pollution control, solid & waste-water treatment, water purification plus EV charging equipment, energy storage & traction equipment, motor & drive system components and more!

Runs in conjunction with PUMPS & VALVES ASIA (PV2019) - ASEAN’s largest international exhibition of Pumps, Valves Fittings, and Hardware. This is the only specialized event of its kind in Thailand & features products such as liquid & chemical pumps, fire & sewage pumps, sludge, vacuum and water pumps, plus a wide variety of fluid metering equipment and a full range of pipes and valves.

Here are more of the reasons why you just can’t afford to miss this unique event… • Featuring exhibits from over top 1,200 brands and 45 countries. • Major National Pavilions from 8 countries including Taiwan, Korea, Japan, China, Germany, USA, and Switzerland • The only Specialized Event in ASEAN that features Electric Vehicle Technologies • Business Matching between Exhibitors and Key potential business Partners • International Conferences delivered by world experts covering topics such as Renewable Energy, Smart Cities, Grids, E-Mobility, Water, Bio-Energy, Electric Vehicles, Energy Efficiency, Water and more! • Smart Home Showcases • Drive and Ride – the EV Test Drive and your personal ride from BMW, BYD, HYUNDAI, Jaguar, NISSAN

NO OTHER SHOW IN THE REGION CAN MATCH ASEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK 2019, 5-8 JUNE 2019, BITEC/ BANGKOK - DON’T MISS IT. For further information of visiting the show, please contact Ms. Varnnapran Patanotai Tel: +662 036 0500 Ext. 242 E-mail: Varnnapran.p@ubm.com Pre-Register Today!

Apr - Jun 2019 13

DOs AND DONT’s TO SELL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS IN THAILAND

DOs and DON'Ts to sell healthcare products in Thailand

THE MEDICAL DEVICES MARKET Thailand is the main medical hub in South East Asia, with about 4 million foreign patients per year. Many of these patients are encouraged by their National Health Services to come to Thailand in cases of operations such as angioplasty, coronary and gastric bypass, dental implants etc., which in Thailand come to cost up to 70% less than in the USA with the same level of effectiveness. Many others, mainly in need of cosmetic surgery, decide to come independently to undergo coolsculpting, breast implants, laser treatments, liposuction and gender changes. In a similar framework, it is normal for the market to require the most advanced and innovative techniques, in order to offer clients/ patients from abroad, cutting-edge treatments with devices in 100% of cases imported from abroad. Unfortunately, Italy does not take advantage of the opportunities this market offers, as it is not among the top 10 exporters. Thailand boasts 1000 public hospitals and about 500 private hospitals, 66 of which are JCI accredited (in Italy there are 23). The Thai Government guarantees the free health service to the entire population, and the percentage of GDP that Thailand invests to guarantee coverage is comparable to that of European countries.

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Public hospitals buy 90% of products by tender, private ones go by private negotiation; in both cases deferred payments don’t exceed the 90 days. In order to proceed with the usual demos and clinical meetings, hospitals require the Certification in Thai FDA. Therefore the manufacturer must first proceed with registration and then with promotional and commercial actions. On average it takes only 6/8 months to get the first sales, with a minimum investment. In order to realize the best strategy for Thai market, it is enough to look at what other big players have done. All foreign companies consolidated in Thailand have either a local branch or a Master Distributor who, by managing licenses and commercial strategies, allows them to fully control the performance of the product on the market. None of the major players rely on independent distributors. Speaking of Regulatory, in last year FDA has significantly raised the level of controls. With the entry into force of the ASEAN legislation (October 2018), certifying is no longer a joke and the procedure has been unified in all 10 member countries through the CSDT (Common Submission Dossier Template), which makes it possible to certify in all ASEAN with the same file, more or less as in Europe. The formula “higher costs + complex procedure + tight controls” has in fact eliminated the extemporary operators and manufacturers who based their strategies on the “best price”, making the market more selective.

THE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS MARKET The market of Dietary Supplements has completely different figures from those of medical devices, but similar dynamics and opportunities. In this sector, Thailand is a leading producing country. It has know-how, raw materials, and an adequate workforce for next few years at a good price. China and India provide cheap and duty-free APIs and raw materials. Theoretically there should be no chance of marketability for European products. But the reality is different. In addition to the strong glamour of imported products (the Thai consumer, like all Asians, has the “myth” of the West), there is among consumers a strong awareness and demand for genuine, safe and effective products that for the moment local producers (at least according common thinking) cannot give. Therefore, consumers spend large sums to buy imported supplements (for sportsmen, children, the elderly, etc.) preferring them to local brands. This requires a good Brand Awareness that can only be obtained through articulated projects and targeted investments. Therefore, even the supplement market is open and profitable, if approached with the right method. The dietary supplements market has an average annual growth of 11%. The market values are in some cases higher than the European ones the Thai market is worth twice as

DOs AND DONT’s TO SELL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS IN THAILAND much as the Spanish; among natural supplements it has the same value (in proportion to the population) of the US. In the sports sector it has a double number of consumers of the Italian market; for example over 4 million Thais regularly practice cycling all year round, compared to 2 million in Italy.

tally immersed and localized in the Thai lifestyle, any communication and agreement managed at a distance will lead to severe misunderstanding and breakdown of relationships in a short time. It is a cultural issue: here strategies, objectives, priorities, are managed in a totally different way than our western imaginary.

As for medical devices, the certification has become more selective since the entry into force of the ASEAN legislation and controls are now very strict. For example, in February 2019 Lazada, the leading B2C and C2C online sales portal, announced that it had canceled 17,000 products not compliant with FDA requirements.

We cannot therefore expect to impose targets, price positioning, sales strategies to Thai distributors accustomed to plan today for tomorrow, and generally not considering the medium/long term.

PRACTICAL ADVICES ON THE MARKET APPROACH It is better to forget the traditional method: the producer sells making immediate profit and leaving the bureaucratic and commercial duties to distributor. Unless your products are not super-innovative such approach will lead to the closure of the project in the second year, with huge economic losses. Using the model described, the three obstacles that usually make “Asian operations” difficult will become insurmountable in Thailand: 1) cultural barrier; 2) commercial strategy; 3) compliance and regulatory. For those who do not live here and are not to

Giving exclusivity to a single distributor is generally not required and counter -productive. In fact, the healthcare market is by law led to the exclusive distributorship and protection of the local entity: only the license holder (strictly Thai) can in fact import a product. Theoretically you should have a single importer in a market composed of over 10,000 distributors of which 98.5% are SME or family businesses, which do not have the resources to cover a territory that guarantees an adequate return. In summary, the Thai market is protected (also through the imposition of customs duties) and does not favor the development of small projects or spot sales. A real effective strategy is to find a Master Distributor who hold your licenses and work on different channels directly following the project.

BASIC TIPS Establish a strong partnership with a company, possibly with international management: it will be easier to find a common ground to discuss. Invest first, get your profit later. The search for immediate profit (first I sell, then I certify and organize myself) will not lead to any result in Thailand. Plan some trips per year for clinical meetings, technical training, relationship. Leave the sales activities to the locals, which you will only have to support and control. Forget the direct routes and downhill roads. The project will give you satisfaction in a short time (taking the product’s potential for granted) but will require your attention and commitment. Keep in mind that the Thai healthcare market prices, in general, guarantee greater profitability than on your domestic market. Do not use price as a leverage for selling and be aware that the selling prices are open even in tenders. We have tried to give some general ideas as result of direct experience; we will provide you with specific data for the various sectors in the next issues.

Apr - Jun 2019 15

THE GREAT WINE CAPITALS GLOBAL NETWORK

Founded in 1999, the Great Wine

Capitals Global Network is an alliance of ten internationally renowned wine regions – Adelaide|South Australia; Bordeaux, France; Lausanne| Switzerland; Mainz|Rheinhessen, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; Bilbao|Rioja, Spain; San Francisco|Napa Valley, USA, Valparaiso|Casablanca Valley, Chile and Verona, Italy. The purpose of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is to bring them together in order to forge special relationships, undertake exchanges, and develop co-operative programmes. In November 2016 the Chamber of Commerce of Verona formally signed the adhesion to the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which assigns Verona the role of Italian delegate in the ten Wine Capitals around the world. Verona is also the first province in Italy for wine export: in 2017 the export value of wine achieved the amount of 969,7 million euros (var.% 2017/2016: +5,0) and Germany is the first country of destination. With a diverse range of soil types from sandy plains to mountain and lakeside landscapes, the vineyards of the Verona Province reflect the essence of place within 20 denominations of DOC and DOCG wines. It is possible to assert with certainty that the oenological Italian scene is represented by the extreme variety of the typologies of wines produced in this area. If there is an ideal Wine Capital, we can affirm that Verona plays this role. Among the main activities of the network, there is the presentation of the “Best of Wine Tourism” Award: a prestigious international competition which is held every year and is designed to reward the firms which are characterised by excellent wine tourist services, within seven different categories, thereby giving a quality mark recognisable by the public. In view of the success of the first edition, the Chamber of Commerce of Verona has organised in 2018 its second edition of the “Best of Wine Tourism”

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Award involving 49 wineries and wine tourism facilities.

Art and Culture: Villa Della Torre Allegrini

Among them, seven participants have been awarded within 7 different categories.

Designed by the architect Giulio Romano and built in the sixteenth century, Villa Della Torre Allegrini has 9 luxury rooms and a suite, all equipped with every comfort and dedicated to the historical figures who once frequented the site.

Architecture and Landscapes: Guerrieri Rizzardi The company Guerrieri Rizzardi, founded in 1913, today owns vineyards and cellars in the four classical areas of Verona: Bardolino, Valpolicella, Soave and Valdadige. The villa Guerrieri Rizzardi and the Garden of Pojega, located in Negrar, in the beautiful Valpolicella, represent an architecture and landscape unicum, placed on a path, where a wine tourist can enjoy the route which leads from the Valdadige to Soave, passing from Valpolicella and Garda Lake. The Garden of Pojega, with its plants and fountains, is a historic example of an Italian garden of the eighteenth century. The visit to the garden and its Green Theatre is accompanied by the wine tasting in the renovated wine shop. www.guerrieri-rizzardi.it

Location for both wine tastings and cultural events, the Villa, a treasure of the Italian Renaissance, has become a benchmark for those who are interested in Veronese wines, art and culture, hosting intellectuals and wine tourists, to whom are proposed visits to the company vineyards and to other places of interest near the Villa. www.villadellatorre.it Accommodation: Musella Winery & Country Relais Musella Winery & Country Relais, a 16th century renovated complex, offers a great number of activities in the setting of a historical park, where a river flows. Guests can participate in wine tasting, cooking classes, yoga classes, use the canoes for excursions on the river, make walks on the farm or take the bicycles to reach the near towns and the city center of Verona. In the appropriate season, is possible

THE GREAT WINE CAPITALS GLOBAL NETWORK

The Great Wine Capitals Global Network: Verona Best Of Wine Tourism 2019 winners

to fly fishing and to go for truffles with an expert and his dog. An offer able to satisfy the most demanding enotourist looking for unique experiences, in a place full of charm. www.musella.it

dwellers, business people and tourists who want to enjoy a glass of wine and taste typical dishes of Verona. www.buglioni.it

company has become a tour operators specialized in Veronese wine tourism, with an original and constantly evolving offer.

Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Cantina Monteci

Wine Tourism&Food Tasting: Buglioni Wine Resort

After 5 generations the family Righetti continues to produce excellent wines by integrating the traditional grape raising methods and must processing with leading-edge vinifications techniques. The new winery in Arcè, is the emblem of how technological innovation and attention to tradition can live in perfect harmony. The passion and attention to detail characterize the daily work of both the vineyard and the cellar in order to offer our guests wines and excellent hospitality. www.monteci.it

The company also manages a tourist InfoPoint in the city center, a cooking school and a well-stocked garage including bicycles, electric bikes, vintage Vespas, scooters and minivans The Veronality offer is very broad and is able to meet all the the needs, thanks to the different internal professional skills in the team www.veronality.com

Buglioni is located in the Valpolicella Classica, 15 km from Garda Lake and from the city of Verona. The Agrirelais “Dimora del Bugiardo” is a hospitality house with 15 rooms, located only 500 meters from the “Locanda del Bugiardo”, a restaurant in the heart of Valpolicella, the perfect place to live a unique eno-gastronomic experience. For a drink or an informal dinner in a friendly atmosphere “Osteria del Bugiardo” is the perfect location, one in the historic centre of Verona, one in Santa Maria di Negrar and the other in Villafranca. The “Osterias” have become cool gathering points for city

Wine Tourism Services: Veronality

The Best Of Wine Tourism awards serve as an industry benchmark for excellence and recognize leading wineries and wine-tourism related businesses within each Great Wine Capital that have distinguished themselves. For more information visit www.greatwinecapitals.com.

Veronality was founded in 2011 to help tourists discover their hometown Verona in an original way. Today the

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A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Francesco Soave is a travel/documentary photographer from Italy. He traveled and photographed extensively in Latin

America and Southeast Asia, and his work has been recently exhibited at a prestigious gallery in Milan. Francesco is now working on a photographic project to support children in Thailand. We met him to talk about his vision, and learn more about his creative process.

Q: Tell us about your ongoing project. What is ‘The House of Joy’? “‘The House of Joy’ – in Thai, Baan Unrak – is an orphanage in the village of Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi Province. It’s a beautiful story of Thai–Italian friendship: it was founded by an Italian woman 29 years ago. Donata Dolci – Didi – has made it her life’s mission to rescue and protect children coming from difficult situations, and raise them into human beings with beautiful souls. I discovered this magical place by chance, and experienced it all myself: the love and kindness, the sharing and caring environment of Baan Unrak. Now I will stay for at least six months – with the camera always with me – to show you their world from within.” Q: What’s the purpose of the images you are creating at Baan Unrak? “A celebration of childhood, in a dreamy way. The monochrome choice helps me transcend place and time, to make it a universal message. Of beauty and wonder…

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So I portray the daily discoveries of the kids, their adventures, and their boundless energy and enthusiasm for life. But I’m also showing the troubles and struggles of the orphanage. Some kids have been victims of unspeakable traumas and abuses. And photos can be powerful calls for action, when it comes to show the serious need for help from the outside world.” Q: And you are pursuing a charity mission… “Yes, the ultimate goal is to raise funds for Baan Unrak Foundation. The photographic project will become an exhibition and a book, due for the end of the year. Thus we’ll be able to share and diffuse the story and reach more people. Meanwhile, limited edition prints from the series are already on sale, with proceeds going to Baan Unrak. Every month, new images are released and made available for purchase, as a counterpart for a donation. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to be part of this adventure. For the Corporate Social Responsibility

For the Corporate Social Responsibility – CSR – of big companies, and for privates alike. Everyone really can contribute. And you will receive Art, in exchange for your Help…” Q: With your photographs, you ‘give a voice’ to those you call ‘Silent Heroes’. Tell us more about this concept. Who are your ‘Silent Heroes’? “Silent Heroes, for me, are the keepers of ancient traditions and vanishing cultures, but also, the invisibles and forgotten of the globalized world. The deeper you dig, the more you see a profound connection – at a visual level – between these two apparently unrelated worlds. And that’s what I aim to convey through my pictures. You see, at the base of our ‘developed’ society, there’s a slice of mankind performing jobs that seem to belong to an archaic era. Take the sulfur miners of Indonesia, for example. The sulfur they extract – in the crater of an active volcano on Java Island – is found in many products of our daily use.”

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Q: In the striking images of your reportage from Indonesia, we see men carrying heavy loads of sulfur on their backs, climbing up the slope of a volcanic crater… “I thought I was into one of Dante’s Circles of Hell. A vision from Inferno… There is one photo in particular, that make you really feel the drama of a worker: enveloped in a cloud of toxic smoke, he’s looking down, bent under a huge load of pale-yellow sulfuric stones hanging from his shoulders. This photograph was a gift. It truly was…” “I wanted to capture the essence of that place in a single frame. The heroic effort of these men. Their everyday struggle. And the immense pride they take for what they do. Actually, I’ll tell you a secret! It was in that very moment, looking at that image on my camera screen after I took it, that I thought… He’s a ‘Silent Hero’.” Q: So that’s how the name came to you… Where will the ‘Silent Heroes’ project take you next? “There are many incredible people that I look forward to meet for this project. From the sea gypsies of Malaysia to the eagle hunters of Mongolia as keepers of vanishing cultures – but also, the ship-breakers of Bangladesh and the brick kiln workers of India – as forgotten of the developed world – just to name a few…” Q: How will you combine it with ‘The House of Joy’? “In parallel to my long-term commitment with ‘The House of Joy’ in Sangkhlaburi, I will periodically take ultra-specific trips to meet the ‘Silent Heroes’ across Asia. The two photographic projects – poles apart in terms of their execution – are actually growing together.” Q: How did you come up with these ambitious photographic projects? What led you to conceive these broad visions? “Today everybody takes pictures, and we are constantly bombed by thousands of images. But what’s the meaning of all that? I truly believe that photographers, today more than ever, must be ‘idea people’. There must be an idea behind your work. There must be a vision. So it all comes down to one simple question: what’s your why? So, I just had to look inside me, to do the work that I really care about. I’m a visual storyteller, and I want to tell the world relevant stories. I hope to inspire people with my images.”

Q: Let’s talk about your beginning. How did you get started in photography? “There’s been a life-changing moment: I was an architecture student in Milan, and I had won both an internship in Colombia and an exchange program in Chile. I was supposed to fly from one country to the other, but things went a bit differently once there: I traveled overland across South America, documenting the life, people and places with a small DSLR camera. That was the spark.

So I inevitably pursued a career in travel/documentary photography after that journey. But going further back, the photographs I make now – capturing movement, freezing action in the decisive moment – remind me a lot of the kind of drawings I used to make as a kid…”

Francesco Soave – Photographer Website: www.fsoave.com Instagram: @francescosoave

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019

AnnUal General Meeting 2019

The Thai-Italian Chamber of

Commerce (TICC) hosted the “Annual General Meeting 2019” on March 19, 2019 at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. The event started by the opening remark by Mr. Federico Cardini, TICC President, followed by H.E. Lorenzo Galanti, the Ambassador of Italy to Bangkok, who gave a great welcome address to the business community and the audience. The second part of the evening had introduced the presentation of the Financial statement 2018 by TICC Honorary Treasurer Mr. Chakrit Benedetti, owner Italasia. All participating members approved the Financial Statement 2018 and approve the appointment of Mr. Viroj Chalermratana, of VAS, to be the Auditor for TICC in 2019. Furthermore, Mr. Michele Tomea, the Secretaty General of TICC, presented all the past activities 2018 and inform the participants of all the 2019 activities in focus, among the the Asia Africa Summit on April 1st at Shangri-La Hotel and the one-day infrastructure summit, ASEAN PPP Summit on April 4 at Marriott Marquis.

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We thank all the attendees, the members and our great supportive sponsors; • Oman Air – Official Carrier for your special offers • Cat Telecom for providing with free international phone call services during the event! • Italasia – San Benedetto Water, Monin and wines • Pacific B&B with Olmaia • Boncafe Segafredo – for the coffee sponsorship • Heritage for juice and almond beverages • Pluto Ice-cream for the Italian gelato • Zaino Food – food ingredients • Giusto Manetti Battiloro for the shining gold leaf distributed on our desserts • Jobel for the great art performance • Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit for exclusive venue and well organized

ASIA - AFRICA SUMMIT 2019

Asia - Africa Summit 2019

On March 31 and April 1 the Thai - Italian Chamber of Commerce, TICC, hosted the Annual Italian Chamber reunion in Bangkok. TICC President Cardini has opened the event involving 14 Italian Chambers of Commerce from 14 countries representing a network of over 3000 companies, and 4 Chambers in the process being officially recognized by Italian government. The summit highlighted how the Italian business is growing towards Asia and African countries.

The entrepreneurs find in the Chambers of Commerce reliable expertise in developing business among several countries. In 2018 the Chambers has achieved a stunning record providing services for â&#x201A;Ź7 mln to companies and the trend is positive marking Asia and Africa as a market of opportunities. The Chambers attending the summit were Singapore, Vietnam, India, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Mozambique, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar.

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ASEAN PPP SUMMIT 2019

On April 4th, the 2019 ASEAN PPP

Our special thanks goes to the distinguished speakers for their insightful contributions:

• •

The Thai- Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), together with AMCHAM, JFCCT, EABC, FTCC, GTCC, NTCC, TEBA, Norway Thai Chamber and Singaporean Chamber of Commerce, welcomed over 100 attendees from governmental bodies, construction and infrastructure industries from Thailand and throughout the ASEAN region.

•

Summit was held at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park, Bangkok, to resounding success.

• • • • •

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H.E. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport of Thailand H. E. Lorenzo Galanti, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand Mr. Veerasak Kositopaisal, Vice Chairman, International Affairs for the Federation of Thai Industries Mr. Luca Bernardinetti, Managing Partner of Mahanakorn Partners Group Mr. Marc Wagman, Managing Director of Arthur J. Gallagher New York Mr. Victor Smith, Chair ICC Thailand commission

Mr. John Leber, Investment Officer and Global Product Specialist at IFC Dr. Phongthon Tharachai, CEO of PPS Mr. Dana Richard Burch, Automotive and Tire Industry Director Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation.

Special thanks as well to the Summit MCand Deputy Director of AMCHAM, • Ms. Sarawan Dever

All the team and organizers are grateful to our ASEAN PPP SUMMIT sponsors MPG Group, Oxford Business Group, Acqua San Benedetto and ILLY Coffee by Italasia, PPS One Works, Bloomberg, and CNN Asia.

Apr - Jun 2019 23

PAST EVENTS

TRUE ITALIAN TASTE

Bangkok, Wednesday, 27th February 2019, Hotel Indigo Bangkok On February 27, 2019, the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted a Press Conference event at Hotel Indigo Bangkok aiming to present: True Italian Taste project. During the event, H.E. Mr. Lorenzo Galanti, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, stressed the importance of “Made in Italy products”, promotion and the value of bilateral commercial exchanges between Italy and Thailand. Mr. Michele Tomea, TICC Secretary-General then, explained in detail the project which will take place in Thailand, later this year. True Italian Taste is promoted and financed by the Ministry of Economic Development, coordinated by Assocamerestero in collaboration with the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad with the aim to promote and safeguard genuine Italian agri-food products in Thailand. The True Italian Taste goals are to: 1. Make all consumers aware of the benefits of “Made in Italy” and the precious link between products and their region of origin. 2. Educate food lovers to choose and to make the best choice in selecting “100% Made in Italy ingredients”, “100% Made in Italy” represents the complete process of sourcing to the finished product completed in Italy. This protects both consumers and agri-food companies. 3. Support Italian companies whose products are certified, a niche product or a general product available for all segments to use which the aim of entering into foreign markets. 4. Enhance the complete integrity of authentic Italian food, promoting organic products, food supplements and food in general. Made in Italy products can also be proud of its certifications that have been created to satisfy certain ethnic categories like Halal and Kosher. True Italian Taste is also part of “The Extraordinary Italian Taste” campaign.

2019 A TASTEFUL YEAR GET TOGETHER EVENT

Bangkok, Wednesday, 27th February 2019, Hotel Indigo Bangkok On February 27, TICC had organizied the get together event to welcoming our members and non-members to 2019 During the event, we had welcome more than 50 people to spend their time with us for networking and exchanging about the business information.

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Apr - Jun 2019 25

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NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS GOLD MEMBER

SILVER MEMBER

BANCA POPOLARE DI SONDRIO BONCAFE (THAILAND) CO., LTD. 21st Floor, Muang Thai-Phatra Tower 2, 252/110-111,107,114, Rachadaphisek Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand Tel: 08 8022 4874, 02693 2570-6 ext.212 Fax: 0 2693 2579 Email: kornchasa.t@boncafe.co.th Website: https://www.boncafe.co.th/ Boncafe (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. is a leading Thai gourmet coffee manufacturer and supplier to provide turn-key solution of services to our valued customers in all around the regions which has been serving well over two decades in many areas such as five star hotels, restaurants, household users, working offices, department stores, and end consumers. Our top priority is truly delicate the selective of quality of coffee to meet the needs of customer, plus other services. Boncafe aims to be the ‘best-value-for-money’ coffee company, delivering the finest quality- products and excellent services at an affordable price point. At the same time, we maintain a ‘can-do’ outlook, embracing each new venture as a fun and challenging experience.

SCAN HERE

TO DISCOVER BENEFITS OF MEMBER ON TICC MEMBER CARD

KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 999/123-124 Pracha-Utit Road, Samsennok, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: +66 2 274 3444 Email: admissions@kis.ac.th Website: www.kis.ac.th KIS’s vision is Inspiring Individuals! As a mid-sized school with around 700 students from 55 different countries, the welcoming atmosphere at KIS is one of the school’s great strengths. KIS’s smaller size ensures individual attention for each student and a positive attitude to learning. Offering the International Baccalaureate for all age groups, the curriculum is well-balanced and academic results are strong, with consistent high IB Diploma pass rates and high average scores. These have paved the way for KIS graduates to enter top universities around the world. The green, spacious campus with excellent facilities is situated near the city centre. Visit KIS and experience our blend of Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit first hand.

International Division, Lungo Mallero Cadorna 24 23100 Sondrio Italy Tel: 0039 0342 528783 Fax: 0039 0342 528490 Email: businessclass@popso.it Website: www.popso.it Founded in 1871, Banca Popolare di Sondrio is one of the first popular Italian banks that was inspired by the popular cooperative banking movement. Over time and thanks to the gradual expansion of its activities and presence on the territory, the bank gained more regional dimensions with the possibility of operating nationwide, while at the same time keeping strong ties to the zone of origin. The bank’s capital is shared between over 175,000 Shareholders, most of whom are customers. The bank has over 340 branches.

BANGKOK BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED 333 Silom Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

ADVISING ASIA – BUSINESS & LEGAL CONSULTING CO., LTD. K Building, Suite 2/4, 2nd Floor, 22 Sukhumvit soi 35, Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, 10110, Bangkok Tel: 092-271-9539; 063-858-1283 Email: carlo@advisingasia.com; pietro@advisingasia.com Website: www.advisingasia.com Advising Asia - Business & Legal Consulting Co., Ltd. helps Western companies win Far East markets, and Asian companies develop their business in the global markets. We are a boutique consulting firm which combines traditional advisory with a hands-on and managementoriented approach. We empower our corporate clients with insightful and counter-intuitive advice, to make them standout in South-East Asia.

Tel: 0-2231-4333 Fax: 0-2231-4890 Email: central.oop@bangkokbank.com; ir@bangkokbank.com Website: www.bangkokbank.com Bangkok Bank is Thailand’s leading corporate and business bank and one of the largest banks in ASEAN. Since opening its first overseas branch in Hong Kong more than 60 years ago, the bank has played a leading role in the economic development of Thailand and ASEAN, as well as building international business relationships in major economies around the world, including China, Japan, the US and the UK. Bangkok Bank’s domestic operation in Thailand includes approximately 1200 branches and 240 business centers. In addition, the bank is also a strong supporter of Thailand’s community and plays an active role in many social development and educational initiatives.

Apr - Jun 2019 27

NEW MEMBERS

FRANK LEGAL & TAX LTD. 63 Athenee tower, 23 Fl., Wireless Rd, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2 126 8122 Fax: +66 (0) 2 126 8080 Email: info@franklegaltax.com, andrea.favata@franklegaltax.com Website: www.franklegaltax.com FRANK Legal & Tax is a boutique international law firm based in Bangkok. Established and run by a talented team of international lawyers with extensive experience in Thailand, we specialize in CORPORATE and REAL ESTATE, offering international quality, comprehensive legal services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as those purchasing property. We are confident that our in-depth, personal knowledge of the local Thai environment will enable us to offer you outstanding interdisciplinary and integrated solutions. These always take into account the business perspective that our clients’ often complex operations demand.

MY INTERNSHIP ASIA (MIA) Unit 2, 16th Floor, M. Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wirless Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Tel: +66 (0)2.026.2118 Mobile: +66 (0)9.093.1781 Email: Coo@myinternshipasia.com Website: www.myinternshipasia.com My Internship Asia (MIA) connects young professionals seeking an internship with local and international organizations based in Thailand. As a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, MIA has the ability to offer student interns to member companies. When interns become available, the Chamber will circulate profiles who are available on a first come first serve basis. Essentially, MIA opens the door to new horizons and offers interns professional development opportunities.

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GIUSTO MANETTI BATTILORO SPA VIA TOSCA FIESOLI 89 M Tel: 055 436 2615 Fax: 055 436 2639 E-mail: goldleaf@menetti.it website: www.manetti Hystorical company producing goldleaf and precious metal leaf for artistic decoration architecture and restoration since 1600. Production of gold and silver leaf for artistic decoration. Production of gold and silver in leaf and milled sixe for foodstuff and cosmetic application also.

MARPOSS

HOTEL INDIGO BANGKOK WIRELESS ROAD 81 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 (0) 2 207 4999 Fax: +66 (0) 2 207 4998 E-mail: reservation.hotelindigobangkok@ihg.com Website: bangkok.hotelindigo.com, www.Hotelindigo.com/bangkok Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road sits at the heart of a wondrous neighbourhood of marvellous culinary finds, trendy shopping spots, tree-lined avenues, and so much more for visitors to explore – offering amazing views from every floor and incredible neighbourhood access around every corner. With 192 rooms and a suite overlooking the Wireless Road neighbourhood of Bangkok, guests have amazing views from every room with floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-inspired bathroom and amenities, and luxury bedding. A few minutes’ walk to the Ploenchit BTS, Hotel Indigo Bangkok is an ideal starting point for shopping or exploring Bangkok.

MOST 2414 Co. Ltd.

Via Saliceto, 13 – 40010 Bentivoglio (Bologna), ITALY

672/63 Charoen Krung soi 26, Sri Phraya Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Tel: +39 051 899 111 Fax: + 39 051 899 525 Email: marposs@marposs.com Website: www.marposs.com

Tel: 02-639-6582 E-mail: info@most2414.com Website: www.most2414.com

The company was established in Bologna in 1952 by Mr. Mario Possati (1922-1990): he had the idea of making the first in-process equipment for checking parts during grinding, allowing improvements in the quality and quantity of parts made by machine tools. Marposs is now present directly with its own sales and service organization in more than 20 countries and has a network of agents and distributors in another dozen countries. Today the companies of Marposs group can supply a widest range of equipment for quality control in production environment.

MOST 2414 is a digital marketing agency and consulting firm. We help companies to define digital marketing strategies, optimize online and offline advertising, create and distribute contents. MOST 2414 supports companies that are aiming to implement an efficient digital transformation able to combine technology, platforms and creativity with marketing strategies.

NEW MEMBERS

KHA BANGKOK CO.,LTD. 888/10 Sitthasiri Village, Moo 2, Bypass Road- Ban Ped, Khon Kaen 40000 Tel: +66 02 0509472 E-mail: info@khabangkok.com Website: www.khabangkok.com KHA BANGKOK Co.,Ltd. is founder and one of the members of KHA GROUP THAILAND, a group of Thai Companies importing and distributing in Healthcare sector, Food Supplements, Food, Drugs and Medical Devices. When a Company wants to enter in Thailand and ASEAN market, it has to face a lot of bureaucracy and issues starting from the opening of a local unit or branch. Then, it has to connect with the right partners and distributors. We do it for you, thanks to our experience and our connection on local market. Being your direct distributor, we remove cultural and communicative barriers which normally affect relationships between EAST and WEST

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, BANGKOK 250 Sukhumvit, Spo 12-14, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 649 8888 Fax: 02 649 8000 Email: grande.sukhumvit@luxurycollection.com Website: www.sheratongrandesukhumvit. com Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is an award-winning 5-star luxury business hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s business and entertainment district. With a direct link to the BTS Asok skytrain station and a few steps from the MRT Sukhumvit subway station, it provides ease of access to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, many of the city’s cultural sites and attractions, and outstanding shopping malls such as Terminal 21, The EM District, Central Embassy, Siam Paragon, and Central World.

TRAVEL ELEMENTS CO., LTD. 91/1, Soi Anuman Rajdhon, Dasho Suriywong Rd., Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 634 8080 Fax: +66 2 634 7365 - 6 Email: cruises@travelelements.co.th Website: www.travelelements.co.th Since 2012 Travel Elements Co., Ltd. has grown to become one of the best cruise agent in Thailand. With 13 year of experiences of the founder, we made our team the Cruise Specialists. The company focus on arranging and servicing cruise customers this is the essential of making us the Cruise Specialists. We’re international appointed agents of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises in Thailand & Laos.

ITALIAN AEROSPACE NETWORK I Small & Medium I Italian Enterprises

ITALIAN AEROSPACE NETWORK (IAN) Via del Macello 57/A, Bolzano, Italy Email: info@itaerospacenetwork.it Website: www.itaerospacenetwork.it Italian Aerospace Network (IAN) is a qualified no-profit organization that associates Italian aviation and aerospace member companies and partner-up with international players, with the ultimate purpose to: lobby with govt./nongovt. institutions, engage in policy-making dialogue with authorities; research and develop new solutions; design and engineer high-tech systems; grow and place talents; train and educate professionals at different levels; audit, assess and certificate companies, products, systems and processes; organize and attend professional events; promote awareness and safety in aviation and aerospace.

S.M.T. RENT-A-CAR CO., LTD. 727 Srinakarin Rd, Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Thailand Tel: +66 2722 8487 Fax: +66 2722 8492 Email: resercationsup@nationalcarthailand.com, salesmanager@nationalcarthailand.com Website: www.mationalcarthailand. com S.M.T. Rent-A-Car Co.,Ltd was founded in 1992 where we holds the exclusive license for National Car Rental. Our mission target to bring exceptional customer experience and to be the best car rental brand lese (LTR) for over 20 years with flexible services that serve all the needs of customers.

THAI SPRING FISH CO., LTD 7/120 Amata City Industrial Estate, Moo 4, 331 Rd., Mabyangporn, Pluakdaeng, Rayong 21140 Tel: (66) 038 - 956157 Fax: (66) 038 -956158 Email: info@thaispringfish.co.th Website: www.thaispringfish.com Thai Spring Fish Co., Ltd is based in Amata City Rayong and is owned by the Italian group Panapesca Spa. We are a Frozen Seafood Processor and we have the intention to produce a good quality to reach the customer satisfaction and have sanitary, safety to consumer following by International Standard. We are actually able to source and process any type of seafood raw material in our brands or customer’s brand.

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UPCOMING FAIRS AND EVENTS

Upcoming fairs and events

OLIVE OIL TASTING The TICC is taking a part to an exclusive Olive Oil Tasting from Tuscany at the Chamber of Commerce office on May 14th. During the event there will be presented the heritage of the Tuscany territory and peculiarity of the oil produced by the ancient cultivation of olives in this region. Date: May 14, 2019 Venue: The Chamber of Commerce office For more information, please contact us at; Email: info@thaitch.org Tel: +66 2 255 8695

ASEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK

TRUE ITALIAN TASTE True Italian Taste is promoted and financed by the Ministry of Economic Development, coordinated by Assocamerestero in collaboration with the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad with the aim to promote and safeguard genuine Italian agri-food products in Thailand. Date: June 21, 2019 Venue: Vanilla Sky Bar at Cape Sienna Hotel, Phuket Date: June 25, 2019 at Bangkok Date: June 27, 2019 at Chiangmai For more information, please contact us at: E-mail: oi@thaitch.org Tel: +66 2 2558695 (#104)

OSPITALITA’ ITALIANA AWARDS CEREMONY

ASEAN’s largest international exhibition and conference on renewal energy, energy efficiency and environmental technology.

The yearly project Ospitalita’ Italiana, at its ninth edition, will be concluded with a special awarding ceremony for the Authentic Italian Restaurants in Thailand.

The fair will feature the lastest innovation energy sources along with cutting-edge machinery and equipment that enhances overall business competiveness and performance.

The Event will be hosted in Bangkok and Phuket in the frame of “La Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo”.

Date: June 5-8, 2019 Venue: BITEC Bangna, Bangkok For more information, please contact us at; Email: info@thaitch.org Tel: +66 2 255 8695

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Candidate your favorite restaurants or contact us for more sponsorship opportunities! Date: November, 2019 Venue: TBD For more information, please contact us at: E-mail: oi@thaitch.org Tel: +66 2 2558695 (#104)

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