A BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF THAI – ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 2012
The Sicilian Catch Sicilian Fish on the Road 2012
Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce PRESIDENT Mr. Lino Geretto – LGV Engineering Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 255 8717 Fax: +66 2 255 8716 Email: info@lgveng.com
President's Message
VICE PRESIDENTS Mr. Giacomo Mauri – River of East-West Harmony Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 81 814 5160 Email: gmauri11@gmail.com
Lino Geretto President Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Sawang Pracharktam – Thai Optical Group Plc. Tel: +66 2 440 0506-8 Fax: +66 2 440 0509 Email: sawang@thaiopticalgroup.com 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 HONORARY SECRETARY Ms. Tiziana Sucharitkul – Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. Tel: +66 2 653 5555 Fax: +66 2 653 5678 Email: tiziana.s@tillekeandgibbins.com
Dear TICC Members and Friends,
DIRECTORS Mr. Federico Cardini – F. Infinity Chalon Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 207 8614 Fax: +66 2 207 2626 Email: fc@teakwoodburma.com
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Mr. Giancarlo De Santis – G.DS Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 391 4456-7 Fax: +66 2 391 0524 Email: info@gdscompany.com Fr. Giovanni Contarin – Camillian Hospital Tel: +66 2 185 1444 Fax: +66 2 185 1403 Email: cg_camillian@csloxinfo.com Mr. Luca Vianelli – MDA Consulting SEA Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 652 2447 Fax: +66 2 652 2448 Email: lvianelli@mda.it Mr. Pierre Nicou – Eurofood – The Commercial Company of Siam Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 0245 Fax: +66 2 261 0243 Email: 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. Renzo Ambrosini – Impero Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 664 4491 Fax: +66 2 258 1159 Email: info@giustorestaurant.com Mr. Romeo Romei – Quick Pack Pacific Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 531 6425 Email: romeo@quickpackpacific.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 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: info@thaitch.org EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce President: Mr. Lino Geretto Chairman: Mr. Giacomo Mauri Directors: Mr. Chakrit Benedetti Mr. Rene Okanovic Mr. Sawang Pracharktham Secretary General: Mr. Sandro Zanello Italian Embassy Representative: Mr. Ubaldo Ciavaglioli Italian Trade Commission Representative: Mr. Vincenzo Calì Dante Alighieri Association Representative: Mrs. Jane Puranananda Scand-Media Representative: Mr. Gregers Moller TICC Staff: Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak: Marketing Executive Ms. Federica Tonucci: Fellowship Researcher Mr. Ben Finkelstein: English Editor PUBLISHER: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch, Prasert-Manukitch Road, Chorakaebua, Ladprao, Bangkok 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: 116 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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am glad to tell you that the year 2012 has started in a positive way for the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC). The number of members has increased steadily from the past year and has passed the150’s, an unprecedented level, in spite of the difficult environment created by severe floods in the fourth quarter of 2011. I would like to think this increase reflects the renewed efforts of the TICC board and staff to provide more frequent and better focused business initiatives and cultural events, but I also have to acknowledge the increasingly active involvement of many of the TICC member companies. Among the business initiatives, a phase of the Ospitalitá Italiana project was completed in March 2011 with the formal recognition of fourteen outstanding Italian restaurants that have consistently used genuine Italian ingredients and cooking procedures set forth by Ospitalita’ Italiana. Secondly, the SCRIPT project was launched in January 2011. It consists of a system of self-implemented controls and third party certifications that allows qualified companies to export products to EU countries with minimal control procedures at the time of import. It should be well received by Thai businesses, as it will greatly facilitate their exports to the EU. Thirdly, an MOU was signed in September 2011 by TICC, Bioagricoop SCRL of Italy, and the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture. It aims to strengthen small and medium-size Thai silk companies by increasing production capacity, enhancing control methods, and meeting EU standards. I would also like to mention that TICCs organized the Bridge of Hope fund-raising Gala Dinner for the Camillian Home foundation. It took place on December the 15th and turned out to be a great success. The dinner proceeds went to help children with severe disabilities and/or HIV /AIDS, particularly in flood-affected areas. Additional information on the fundraising dinner and follow-up events is given in this issue of Informa Magazine. In addition, TICC supported another successful fund-raising dinner – organized by the Italian Embassy to help flood victims – that saw the attendance of several TICC members. I am convinced these initiatives will create a favorable Thai attitude toward Italian-related businesses. Sicilian Fish on he Road was a different kind of project that utilized a strong local involvement of TICC. The project was conceived to help the Sicilian fishing industry develop profitable exports of “Blue Fish” (“Pesce Azzurro” in Italian) to new overseas markets, such as Thailand. Pesce Azzurro designates Mediterranian fish that, while absolutely delicious to eat, is considered less valuable in the local markets. This type of projects will progressively become more important for TICC as it will help generate income to replace the dwindling contributions of Italian government funding for Chambers of Commerce abroad. Finally, I look forward to seeing all TICC members at the Annual General Meeting in the evening of March 22, 2012. The venue will be communicated later, as soon as decided. The attendance of all available TICC members and friends, will be a welcome sign of continued support and an opportunity to offer comments and suggestions on further improvements to TICC operations. Arrivederci. Lino Geretto
Contents 8 8
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The Sicilian Catch Sicilian Fish on the Road 2012
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A Special Day at Camillian Home
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Threading a Standard
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TICC project
Helping for Children with Disabilities
Maintaining High Standard in Thai Silk
Members for Members 2012
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Thailand is Going Green
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Italian Embassy Charity Dinner
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Understanding signing documents electronically
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TICC Events: The Bridge of Hope
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Fairs and Upcoming Events
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Welcome New Members
Increasing eco-friendly awareness among the population
Gala Dinner to help 2011 flood victims
A Special Christmas for Children in Need
FURNITURE BUILT BY HAND & CRAFTED WITH SOUL 142/40-41 Sathorn Soi 12, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel +66 (0)2 635 2040, Fax +66 (0)2 635 2041, Email: enquiry@abodefurniture.asia Open Hours: Tue - Sun, 10am - 5pm www.abodefurniture.asia
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Regione Siciliana - Fondo Europeo per la Pesca 2007/2013 - MISURA 3.4 - Sviluppo di nuovi mercati e campagne rivolte ai consumatori COVER STORY
The Sicilian Catch T
he Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce on the 2nd February 2012 has organized, in cooperation with Sicilian Regional Council within the scope of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), a Gala Dinner in Bangkok to promote the “Sicilian Blue Fish” in Thailand. During the evening 250 guests and more than 30 journalists had the opportunities to taste and see the preparation of 4 Sicilian typical dishes cooked by the well-known chef Natale Giunta. The initiative aims not only to support foreign and Italian operators in the fisheries sector to recognize and appreciate the great gastronomic qualities and health benefits of lesser-known fish, but also and above all to reach out to new markets and create an opportunity to establish important business relationship for the present and the future. During the next months the Thai–Italian Chamber of Commerce will coordinate few shipping of Sicilian fishes to the main distributers based in Thailand, collect impressions and comments by local operators and promote Italian Fish through the network of Italian restaurants in Thailand. Further information is available here: http://www.thaitch.org/ news/sicilian-fish-bangkok/ Amongst some of the distinguished guests that have honored us with their presence at this event.
Italian Institutions: • The representative from Sicily region • The first Secretary of the commercial section from the Embassy of Italy to Thailand • The director of the Italian Trade Commission • The representative from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore Retail: • TOPS, Central Food Retail • The Mall Group • Siam Makro PLC Food and Beverage Importers: • Aroy Italy • Eurofood • Gourmet One • Kim Chua Group • Independent Wine and Spirit • Italasia Trading • Jagota • Sino Pacific Trading • Theodore International Thailand • Vanichwathana Logistic/Air cargo: • Air France KLM • Fedex • Geodis • Savino del Bene And many others…
Thai Institutions: • The representative from Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce • The representative from The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture (QSDS) • The representative from the Board of Trade of Thailand • The representative from the Thai Custom • The representative from Thai-EU Business Council
(From Lt-R): The representatives from the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Embassy of Italy, the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture
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The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank: AB Comunicazioni, The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel and Vanichwathana, sponsor of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna water for this event.
COVER STORY STORY COVER
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REVIEW
A special day at Camillian Home "We try to restore the dignity of these poor children and make sure that they can be part of society again." This was the phrase most frequently mentioned by Father Giovanni during my visit to the Camillian Home in Lat Krabang, of which he is the Director. I met him at work and when he proposed to spend a day with him, I accepted immediately, because I knew it was going to be a special day. By Federica Tonucci The boy expresses his happiness through his joyful eyes
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he Camillian Home was established by the Order of the Missionaries Camillians in Thailand in the 1950s, with the aim of providing medical aid to the poor. In 1995 Father Giovanni founded the Camillian Social Centre in Rayong for children affected by HIV/AIDS. He was not satisfied and felt that he needed to do something more to help children suffering from both HIV/AIDS and disabilities, as they needed more specialized care. Thanks to the funds of the Italian Red Cross, the Camillian Home in Lat Krabang was founded in 2008 for Children Living with Disabilities. This facility offers specialized staff and volunteers to care for the children at all times. All the children in Lat Krabang have disabilities, but only some are HIV positive and many are orphans. For this reason, the main purpose of the Camillian Home is to recreate the family unit and familial love for these less fortunate children. Ideally these children can feel equal to all others, and are physically and mentally stimulated to become as independent as possible. As I myself have had the opportunity to document, it is known that family love is the world’s most powerful drug. When combined with specific care and treatment in an environment that constantly encourages and stimulates the developmental capacities of every child, no matter the clinical severity, family love is, sure to improve the situation. In addition, the staff is called "Ma" and "Pa" meaning "Mom" and "Dad," precisely to create an environment that is as familiar as possible. Although the Camillian Home is a headed by a member of the Catholic community, everyone is
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free to express their beliefs and culture. By respecting all religions and cultures, Father Giovanni is able to fulfill his true mission of helping all children in need. The first people I met at the Camillian Home were two children playing together. They are both HIV positive, one of them had Down Syndrome, and the other one disabled. I looked at them with sympathetic eyes, due to their unfortunate health problems. Despite their misfortune, they are happy and they feel equal to all children. Father Giovanni encourages them to introduce themselves in English. I get even more affected: it is so clear that his real interest is the future of these children and as he often says, to restore their dignity and let them have a life as independent as possible and not be singled out or set aside by society. He explains to me how these children were born in very poor families, often by women affected by AIDS. They are almost always left to themselves, because the parents have no idea how to take care of them and sometimes they are truly abandoned in fields until someone find them. Then he shows me a billboard with pictures of many children and tells me their stories: they are all the children hosted by the Camillian Home now. Some of them are orphans who live permanently at the home, others are in day care. There are orphans who live permanently at the home. All of their stories are really sad. What strikes me most is the picture of a little girl, Nang, who seems to be only a few years old. Instead she is about 12 years old and was once found dying in a field. The Camillian Home gave her a place to live and
REVIEW
Camillian Home is a registered non-profit children's charity operating on behalf of the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand in the area of Lat Krabang, Bangkok. Father Giovanni Contarin, an Italian Padre, began his work with HIV/AIDS children in 1995 by establishing the Camillian Social Center Rayong. The center is unique in its concept in that it addresses the issue of HIV/ AIDS with a series of integrated activities. All the children are brought up in a family setting have access to care and ARV'S and can look forward to a bright future.
This six years old boy shows his abilities with lots of fun
is taking care of her, trying to help her live as well as possible despite the many disabilities she has. The Camillian Home of Lat Krabang is a special place that takes care of children who come from needy families. This is why it also offers a daycare service; mom may bring her kids to the Camillian home during the day or learn how to care for her child more independently through physiotherapy sessions. In addition to proper medical and physiotherapy support, the children can attend classes, which include: Thai, English,
mathematics, science and computer training. Thanks to Father Giovanni’s dedication and passion, there have been many success stories at Camillian Home over the years. Among the success are children who were once paralyzed who are now able to walk, and blind children who can now read and write. All this is offered for free to children and their families. The Camillian Home survives solely through donations and volunteering. For more information please visit www.camillianhomelatkrabang.org
Products & Services With the spirituality of St. Camillus to care for the sick and specially the abandon sick people or the socially rejected people, the Camillian Hospital became well-known for the activities focus on Health and Social Services. The middle and low income people can access to the affordable good quality of health care which is part of the main mission of the Hospital. ...
How do children arrive at Camillian Home? Some children are referred through the Department of Social Welfare or the National Health Security Office. Other children are brought in from temples or hospitals and through word of mouth.
What is Child Sponsorship? Child sponsorship is a special way to support the children at Camillia Home. Sponsors receive details, updated at least twice a year, of one particular child, but your generosity will help support all the children in their project. Sponsorship is the best way to support the Camillian Home: it cuts down on administration costs, helps us plan ahead more effectively, and ensures that your money goes where it is needed most.
What is the future plan as the children grow up?
Father Giovanni Contarin, The Director of the Camillian Home
Those who can, will continue their studies and either be placed in an exterior working environment or within the home as teachers, care takers, nursing assistants or maintenance staff. Although our children are improving drastically from when they first arrive, the fact is that many of them will never be independent due to the severity of their disabilities. In these cases, they will remain under our care for as long as they need.
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INTERVIEW
Threading a Standard Radachaya Navanimitkul plays an important role in Thailand's handicraft and silk industry by reacting to the changes in market demand. Text Sudaporn Jiranukornsakul Portrait Ketsiree Wongwan
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hailand’s silk industry has experienced several crises in past years ranging from the illegal importation of raw materials to increased manufacturing costs resulting in higher selling prices and the deteriorating morale of local weavers. All these factors lead to dwindling production standards. Aiming only to reduce production costs to increase sales is an unpredictable solution for sustainability and the opposite approach Radachaya Navanimitkul, a textile designer from The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture, has taken to maintain standards in the Thai silk industry. “I graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University where I had a chance to study ceramics, product and interior design and architecture. When I entered my senior year I had to decide on my major because it was the thesis time. I wanted to do something relevant to handicrafts and I finally chose to do textiles. I chose silk because the materials and knowhow are locally available, making it a type of industry that is difficult for others to compete with” says Radachaya of her background before entering the silk industry. “I did my internship at Ban Na Poh community in Buriram province. This was a turning point for me, the staff gave me the opportunity to learn every step of the silk making process, how to nurture silkworms, grow mulberry trees, how to make threads and how to weave and dye silk
cloth. As I learnt about these processes I realized how incredibly complex it is to produce silk cloth. The thought of becoming a designer and working for a company after graduation suddenly changed, because of what I had seen was so inspiring it made me decide to work for the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to help develop Thailand’s silk industry.” Radachaya’s role as a senior officer ranges from supervising the silk designs according to the main objectives set out by the department, to advocating for the development of the silk industry in assisting the work force of weavers and silkworm agriculturists to make a sustainable living from their profession. Such ideas are the result of consistent support from Queen Sirikit, who sees the importance of the country’s silk industry. “My job mainly deals with the development of an identity for different silk making communities as well as supervising the Signature Collection project. The nature of my work requires me to go to different parts of the country, visiting the communities where I can see and discuss the problems the local silk makers are facing. I work with two other designers, Suradet Teerakul and Pichatorn Nualdaisri. For us the most important thing is to maintain the existing quality and standards of Thai silk. We have to admit that silk is not an indispensable material, because there are many other fabrics that can be a substitute, so the quality has to be worthy for someone to actually pay more money for silk. What we are doing is helping the manufacturers produce silk of great quality which can allow them to sell their products at a reasonable price, while the quality has to be of high standards. We increase the value by incorporating design aspects such as patterns and colors, making a product that meets the market demands without changing the skills or
materials. The local artisans have various skills, some are good at painting some are experts in Batik. So we ask them to try and create new patterns or to improve existing designs. We research the demands of different markets and tell the artisans what consumers are looking for. It might be different from what they are familiar with or it might not be the design they like or use in real life. If the result is good and they want to continue, it’s great, but if they’re not happy because they don’t like what we suggest, it’s fine too.” After making several visits the collaboration between the designers and the local communities has been very positive. It inspires Radachaya to continue working on other projects to help stimulate the future development of Thailand’s silk and textile industry. “When I go to different communities and spend time with the local silk makers, being able to use my knowledge to help them, seeing great improvements happening, it’s really encouraging. I have heard stories about the gratitude that people have towards Queen Sirikit and how they say they wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for her. Working for the Department of Sericulture I have had the chance to experience it myself. I realize that our Queen has done so much for the industry and the communities. Many people might feel that there’s a distance between Her Majesty and us, but she’s not that far from us as much as we think. It makes me look back and ask myself “What more can I do with my ability and power?” This has inspired me to talk with the people I know who organized the Prism Award, which was once a great platform and reward for the people from the textile industry. We discussed the possibility of bringing it back. It might become another significant step to generate new and exciting movements for our country’s textile industry in the future.” This article was first published in art4D magazine, No. 186 October 2011”
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BUSINESS FOCUS
Free Trade in the Region and Beyond Be a Protagonist in the World’s Fastest Growing Markets No need to wait for the debt crisis in Europe to be over. Nor should you wait for the US economy to pick up steam again. With exports to the developed world slowing down (lower consumption because of the crisis and bad economic conditions), it’s time to move on and start investing in the future.
By Narciso Podda narcisopodda @ hotmail.it
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n this side of the world there is a huge, fast growing market: Asean. Thailand can give companies the key access to it, and more. Not just a base for low-cost production and for export in wealthier western markets. South-East Asia has a population of around 600 million people, with rising incomes, more needs, and requests for better standards of living. Their voices are growing strong: “We are developing countries, growing bigger, more powerful, we want to consume and now we can.” Foreign firms find always more reasons to come, produce, and sell - all in these same markets. More investor friendly policies, new infrastructure and a more efficient workforce, are facilitating this process. Why Thailand and not other countries in the region? Because it has one, no, many huge advantages. Thailand is strong in many sectors, including automotive, electronic appliances, frozen seafood/fish, agrofood and construction. It can be said that it is better positioned than other countries. Not just geographically (you cannot ask for a better place), with India to the west, China in the north and other ASEAN countries in the southeast. Thailand gives duty-free access (or reduced duties) to a whole larger market than just its 70-million person population. How? It has signed, and is continuing to sign, free-trade agreements with many different countries. Yes, companies from the “The Land of Smiles” can really smile, and get access, in privileged
ways, to a much bigger market. Other than the 600 million-people considered in the ASEAN economies (Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam), free trade agreements have also been signed with Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Moreover, as member of ASEAN, Thailand benefits from the agreements made by this group of countries. These agreements enlarge the total market to include China, India, and South Korea. All told, as a result of free-trade policies, the number of reachable consumers has risen significantly, to around 3,370 million. Aware of the advantages of having privileged access to such a wide market, to further develop its strong industries, attract the attention from foreign firms, and increase bilateral and multilateral trade, Thai government agencies are always looking to expand these kinds of relationships. Three important bilateral agreements are currently pending: Chile and Peru (to give access to the other fast growing region of Latin America) and India. Negotiation with the Indian government have been underway for more than seven years, but recent developments seem to suggest that an agreement will be reached in 2012, possibly near mid-year. The aim is to increase cooperation between these two countries, furthering the agreement already signed with ASEAN. When the new agreements come
into effect, India will benefit by expanding its presence strongly in the 10-member ASEAN countries, while Thailand will be more competitive in India’s 1.2 billion person economy. Two-way trade is expected to “double to more than $14 billion by 2014", as the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said recently during a high-profile visit in New Delhi. Italian and other European businessmen are now looking forward to seeing some progress with respect to their countries. After breaking up multilateral talks between the EU and ASEAN in 2009, bilateral EU-Thailand negotiations have been contemplated by both sides now for some time, but they never actually started. Thai officials have recently declared that they envision the beginning of negotiations within this year, but the country seems to have already a busy scheduled for 2012, with agreements pending with India and Peru, and more tasks within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Talks with the EU would therefore probably be delayed to next year. Too early to estimate when (and if) an agreement will be signed and when it will come into force. Time will depend on the ambitions and constrains of both. One thing is sure - by opening its borders to so many countries (and their markets), Thailand is paving the way to be a core economy for trading of goods, in the region, on the continent, and throughout the world.
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TICC PROJECT
Members for Members 2012 TICC Membership Card The Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce is proud to present TICC Membership Card 2012. The TICC Card called “Members for Members” was launched in 2011 to provide Thai Italian Chamber members added value to the membership and that entitles its holders to a variety of benefits amongst which discounted rates applicable to: - Hotels and restaurants, - Wine and genuine Italian food, - Italian furniture, - Consultancy services and insurance, - And a variety of other services associated. In the next page you can find the list of participating suppliers who provide exclusive offers to Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Membership Card holders. How to obtain a TICC Membership Card Each individual member of the Thai Italian Chamber receives a TICC’s Membership Card when joining the Thai - Italian Chamber. A 2012 card version will be launched by the end of February and shortly mailed to all TICC’s members; the 2011 version automatically will expire the 29th of February 2012. More information will be announced on our website www. thaitch.org, under the voice “Members for Members card” in the “Members” section. How to be a supplier of the TICC Membership Card If you are interested to join our supplier network, please contact the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce via email: membership@ thaitch.org and telephone: 02 255 8695 it is mandatory to be Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce member and this offers a greater exposure because your company will be listed on our website as our supplier.
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TICC PROJECT
The Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the members who have joined the project and offered benefits for TICC’s members. Below you can find the list of the companies participating in the Members for Members Card programme: Hotel Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Up to 27% off on the room rate (starting from 5,500++) Swissotel Nai Lert Park Up to 59% off on the room rate (starting from 3,300++) The Sukhothai bangkok Up to 54% off on the room rate (starting from 5,500++) Restaurant Saffron Restaurant and Latitude Lounge & Bar at Banyan Tree (Bangkok) 10% discount on food Rossini's Italian restaurant at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (Bangkok) 20% discount on food Gianni Restaurant (Bangkok) 10% discount on food Da Vinci (Phuket) 15% discount on food and beverage L' Opera (Bangkok) 10% discount on food Mamma mia (Hua Hin) 10% Discount on food Il Tartufo (Bangkok) 20% discount on food Watermark (Bangkok) 10% discount (get extra 15% for dinner before 8.00 pm) Food and Beverage Euro Food 10% Discount Italasia 15% Discount Food d'Italia 10% Discount Aroy Italy Special discount on selected items Service and Product American Express* Exclusive Offer for TICC Members Central Marketing Group* Up to 20% Discount Generali Life Insurance 30% Discount or the first year premium Kitchen Art 10% Discount on top on selected kitchenware appliances Leafy 40% + top up 10% off on selected furniture items GB Consulting 15% discount of work permit and visa service Oceanic Management 10% off on condominium rent King Power* Special offers for TICC Members Turkish Airlines 8% discount on economy class and 13% on business class (from Thailand to Europe) *Additional registration is required Disclaimer • Please show your TICC Membership Card upon ordering; • All products, services and information are directly sold and supplied to customers by the Membership Benefits Partner who is solely responsible for all related obligations and liabilities; • All items are available upon availability of stock; • Please note: all the offers are not applicable with any other promotion. TICC and its partners reserve the right to change the promotions without any notices. Additional restrictions can be applied.
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
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BUSINESS FOCUS
Thailand is Going Green Increasing eco-friendly awareness among the population Green. Not just a color. A concept. A way of living sustainable. Preserving the world in the best way possible for future generations. It’s a concept going throughout the world. Thailand is not excluded. Also the Land of Smiles is increasing the awareness of eco-friendly lifestyles among the population, at different levels.
By Narciso Podda narcisopodda @ hotmail.it
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ne of the first countries in Asia to promote alternative energy investments. Since 2008 the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) has set the path for renewable sources to provide 20% of the country’s total energy consumption by 2022 (compared to 6,5% in 2010). A clear benefit for the whole economy, not just by setting a more sustainable low-carbon direction for businesses to operate, but also by thinking economically with the aim of increasing efficiency and reducing the dependency on imported oil (and the risks associated with its price volatility). The Board of Investments (BOI) is one of the main actors in this process, offering firms a range of fiscal and non-tax incentives for investments. Not just exemption/reductions on corporate income tax and on import duties of machineries and raw materials, but also the possibility of being entitled to 100% ownership of the project. All very important benefits for foreign firms that would like to expand in this fast growing market with high potential. A move toward sustainability is one that Thailand really seems to believe in. January just ended with the third ever BOI’s fair titled “Going Green For The Future.” A fair which dedicated 237,000 square meters to environmental sustainability, saw over 800 companies exhibiting their goods and technologies. A significant step toward a green future was taken in December, 2011, when the Natural Energy Development Company Limited (NED) announced the commencement of operations of its 73-megawatt solar farm in Lop Buri. Ranked among the top solar energy projects in the world, currently it’s the world`s largest operating thin-film silicon solar farm. Expected to produce about 105 Gigawatt-hours of clean
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energy a year for the Thai public, it should reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.3 million tons annually (over its 25-year project life), and cut imported carbon fuel by over 35,000 tons a year. Another example of an environmental overture can be found in the heart of Bangkok, nearby the Phloen Chit BTS station. The newly open Park Ventures, a 34-storey office and 5-star hotel, features some major eco-friendly innovations. By reducing the ingress of light and heat, low E coatings glasses help to save energy, through lower air-conditioning consumption. Inside, automatic dimmers adjust the illumination level to increase efficiency, while the indoor Air Quality Control System reduces air pollution inside the building. All big moves. But this is not a long term eco-friendly process. The government realized that transferring technology and knowhow are not the final solution. Eco-friendly awareness should be brought to the attention of the population during our daily lives. This process takes time, particularly among adults. The Energy Ministry, realizing this, turned its focus to children, teaching the needs, opportunities, and benefits of a life with lower greenhouse gas emission. For many years now it is promoting several projects and camps for students at different levels. Additionally, projects were started by schools and universities independently. An example is the newly opened Kasetsart University (KU) Eco-Library, where participants will be taught different eco-concepts, such as making cloth bags with the leftover
cloth from factories. Moreover, there are also a number of active green organizations, such as the Plant A Tree Today (PATT) Foundation and Greenpeace, that work to raise awareness of global environmental issues. The country seems to be moving in the right direction overall, but surely whoever has lived in or visited Bangkok would find it difficult to think of Thailand as “green”. No doubt more can be done in the capital. As valuable as the land can be in the city center, surely more space can (and should) be reserved to green area. Figures estimate all the greenery in Bangkok to be around 1% of the total land. The number would be a lot lower if one only considered actual parks. This number far and away much lower than other major cities worldwide. There’s probably enough residential and commercial buildings. It’s easy to have a look at The Bangkok land use comprehensive plan, and notice the lack of zones dedicated to parks and playgrounds. Places where people can walk and enjoy social activities other than shopping malls (and the few big parks, mainly Lumpini and Chatuchak). The city needs these, also to help clean the air, dirtied by the thousands of cars that daily congest Bangkok’s roads, and by other sources of pollution. Maybe it’s time to give the example also in this term to the young generations, and set green small areas for each district in the city-center of the capital. Green eco-friendly sustainability awareness starts also from these little things.
THE EMBASSY OF ITALY
Italian Embassy Charity Dinner Gala Dinner to help 2011 flood victims
T
he success of the evening has gone beyond expectations, with a large and qualified participation, with a very full and enthusiastic house. The Ambassador of Italy takes this opportunity to thank once again chefs, importers of food and wines, the St Regis and all those who bought seats and tables thus contributing to the success of the event. As soon as possible the Embassy with inform all concerned of destination of the money collected on the occasion. Source by the Embassy of Italy to Thailand
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LEGAL ISSUE
Understanding signing documents electronically Clients often ask about the use of electronic signatures. However, when we delve further into their questions, we tend to find there is a misunderstanding as to precisely what this means. By David Duncan of Tilleke & Gibbins
O
ften what they really mean to ask is whether they can sign a contract with a pen and then fax it, or scan and email it, and whether the copy that is printed at the other end will be effective in the same way as an original. This is something altogether different from an electronic signature. Thailand has established an excellent framework enabling the use of electronic documents for legal purposes. The primary legislation on this topic is the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) of 2001. Subject to a few narrow exceptions, the ETA takes the general approach that an offer and acceptance may be expressed in the form of a data message, and that a contract shall not be denied legal effect on the sole ground that the offer or acceptance with respect to that contract was made in the form of a data message. The concept of "data messages" includes information generated, sent, received, stored or processed by electronic means such as electronic data interchange, electronic mail, telegram, telex or facsimile. So this framework offers considerable latitude and does not explicitly require the use of any particular system. Regarding documents that must be in writing, a data message is deemed to constitute a written document if the information is accessible and usable for subsequent reference without alteration of its meaning. Similarly, when a signature is actually required on a particular document, the ETA provides it will be deemed signed if the electronic method used is capable of identifying the signatory and indicating the signatory approved the information in the data message as his/her own, and if such method is reliable and appropriate, having regard to the parties' agreement in addition to the surrounding circumstances. The ETA defines "electronic signature" as a letter, character, number, sound or any other
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symbol created in electronic form and affixed to a data message in order to establish the association between a person and a data message for purposes of identifying the signatory and showing the signatory has approved the information contained therein. An electronic signature is considered reliable if the signature creation data are, within the context in which they are used, linked to the signatory and no other person; if the signature creation data were, at the time of signing, under the control of the signatory and no other person; if any post-signing alteration is detectable; and if where the signature is meant to indicate that the signatory attests to the completeness and integrity of the information, any alteration to such information is detectable. However, the law is clear that these criteria should not function to limit other possible ways of proving whether an electronic signature is reliable. It is important to bear in mind the law sets certain legal obligations for electronic signatories. Among these, they must exercise reasonable care to avoid unauthorised use of their signature creation data. In addition, one must quickly notify any person who may reasonably be expected to act in reliance on the electronic signature and/or the electronic signature service provider if the signatory knows or should have known that the signature creation data has been lost, damaged, compromised, unduly disclosed or known in a manner inconsistent with its purpose, or if the signatory becomes aware there is a substantial risk that the signature creation data may have been lost, damaged, compromised, unduly disclosed or known in a manner inconsistent with its purpose. Finally, where a certificate is issued to support the electronic signature, a signatory must exercise reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all the signatory's material representations which
are relevant to the certificate, throughout its validity. Regarding legal proceedings, the ETA also makes express provisions for establishing the reliability and verifiability of data messages _ quite relevant if there is potential for their use as evidence in court. Primarily, this has implications for the system by which data messages are maintained so as to evidence transmission and acceptance thereof. On this issue, the ETA provides that in assessing the evidential weight of a data message so as to conclude whether and to what extent it is reliable, regard shall be had to the reliability of the method by which the data message was generated, stored and/ or communicated and the methods by which the integrity of the information was maintained and by which its originator was identified or indicated, as well as all relevant circumstances. Thus, when using electronic documents, it is necessary to deploy a system that will capture, store and ultimately be able to present each one in a way that proves reliable, particularly regarding the identity of the signers. In brief, the ETA has set the framework to provide for an approach that does not require the use of any particular system. Rather, the ETA has established requirements based on capability and appropriateness. These are further developed in ministerial regulations promulgated under the ETA. Electronic commerce is certainly an area of growth in Thailand, and we can only look forward to further developments in electronic signatures. Please send any comments or questions to Andrew Stoutley at andrew.s@tilleke.com
“This article was first published in the Bangkok Post on January 13, 2012.�
BUSINESS B USIN NESS S FFOCUS OCUS
TICC EVENTS
JFCCT Presidents' Council Luncheon hosted by TICC
E
nded with successful the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce (JFCCT) Presidents' Council Meeting hosted by TICC on January 18, at Swissotel Nai Lert Park. The opening speech was given by the guest of honor, His Excellency Michelangelo Pipan, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand. During the event, the presidents discussed about the flood relief, updates from JFCCT Committees and the new perspective of cooperation with the Board of the Trade of Thailand.
(from L-R) Marc Spiegel-JFCCT Vice Chairman, Lino Geretto-TICC President, Nandor von der Luehe-JFCCT Chairman, H.E. Michelangelo Pipan-Ambassador of Italy in Bangkok and Stanley Kang, JFCCT Vice Chairman
Vichai Assarasakorn. Secretary General, Board of Trade of Thailand
Launch of European-Asean Business Centre (EABC)
T
he European business community in Thailand, with the support of the European Union, today launched a new platform to represent its interests. The European-ASEAN Business Centre (EABC) aims to contribute to the improvement of the trade and investment climate for European companies in Thailand and to increase trade, investment and establishment of European companies and businesses in Thailand. Hosted by EABC President Mr Rolf-Dieter Daniel, Managing Director of Staedtler (Thailand), the event was presided over by H.E. Ambassador David Lipman, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Prime Minister H.E. Ms.Yingluck Shinawatra. More than 300 European and Thai business executives, diplomats and government representatives graced the launch event at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel. The EABC's main activities will include carrying out policy and advocacy work, providing support to European businesses with trade related information and organizing key events to foster opportunities for European businesses in Thailand. EABC is part of a strategy of the European Union to support the internationalisation of European SMEs and other European enterprises enhancing market access in particular in emerging and fast growing markets such as Thailand and the ASEAN markets. “The European-ASEAN Business Centre will become the unified voice of European businesses in Thailand. With strong support from the European Union as well as our partners in Thailand and Europe, EABC will serve also
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as the platform for business to interact with authorities and counterparts in Thailand in order to improve trade and investment of Europe into Thailand and to promote Thailand and ASEAN as potential markets for European companies” said EABC President. Rolf-Dieter Daniel. “We look forward to working closely with European businesses, the Royal Thai Government, EU Institutions and Chambers of Commerce as well as counterparts in Thailand, in ASEAN, and in Europe”. “I am very pleased that the project brings together for the first time all the EU bilateral chambers in Thailand under a single umbrella, hence creating a genuine forum for common European interests and a single voice for EU industry to express their issues,' said EU Ambassador David Lipman, "Most importantly, I believe that this initiative should be welcomed as it is led by industry itself, and hence is representative of the views of industry actors.”
H.E. Mr. SurapongTovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, warmly welcomed the establishment of EABC. Recognising the importance of restoring investors’ confidence to ensure sustainability and contributing towards long-term competitiveness of Thailand, Thailand is committed to fostering closer ties with the EU. Given a pivotal role in broadening the horizon of opportunities and mutual benefits for both Thai and European businesses, EABC has challenging tasks ahead. On behalf of the Royal Thai Government, he wished EABC a great success with its endeavours.
For any media enquiries or further information, please contact Ms Panisa Leksukhum, EABC Press and Communication Manager email: communication@eabc-thailand.eu; tel: 02 6700624; fax: 02 6700608) or visit: www.eabc-thailand.eu
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TICC EVENTS
The Bridge of Hope A Special Christmas for Children in Need The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce recently organized The Bridge of Hope Charity Dinner on December 15, 2011 at Swissotel Nai Lert Park. More than 350 guests attended the event.
T
he initiative was a fund raising event aimed at providing support to the Camillian Social Centre of Rayong (CSSR). CSSR manages several social service centers in Rayong, providing shelter and care to homeless, indigent, and rejected people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Special emphasis is given to children and women, as they are the most vulnerable members of the society. Ten years after our first Bridge of Hope Charity Dinner, there have been outstanding improvements thanks to the participation of all of our members and friends. This year, the Charity Dinner focused on Christmas and the meaning of mercy. The dinner, prepared by four renowned Italian chefs, started with a traditional Thai dance, followed by Christmas carols, games, and recitals by children. An auction and a lucky draw concluded the evening.
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SEA VIEW TERRACE
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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN
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TICC FAIR & UPCOMING EVENT
International Trade Fairs in Italy (February – April 2012) Exhibitions In Italy
Detail
Date
Venue/Website
BIT
International Tourism Exhibition
16 – 19 Feb.
Milano/ http://www.bit.fieramilano.it/en
Ipack - Ima
International fair of the Industry of packaging, processing and material handling technology
28 Feb. – 3 Mar.
Milano/ http://www.ipackima.it/eng/home
Mipel – The Bag Show
International Leather-Good Show
4 – 7 Mar.
Milano
Salone Nautico Internazionale
International Boat Show
13 – 15 Apr.
Venezia
Salone Internazionale del mobile
International Furniture Exhibition
17 – 22 Apr.
Milano/ http://www.cosmit.it/tool/home. php?s=0,1,21,27,28,115
International Trade Fairs in Thailand (February – April 2012) Exhibitions In Thailand
Detail
Date
Venue/Website
BIFF & BIL
Bangkok International Fashion Fair - Garment, Textiles and Fashion Accessories Bangkok International Leather Fair - Leather Products, Shoes & Bags, Accessories
22 – 26 Feb.
Bangkok
Automechanika Thailand
Thailand International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts, Equipment and Service Suppliers
01 – 03 Mar.
Bangkok
Thailand International Furniture Fair
Furniture, interior furnishing and accessories
14 – 16 Mar.
Bangkok http://www.thaitradefair. com/2012/TIFF/
Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair
International fair
17 – 22 Apr.
Bangkok http://www.thaitradefair. com/2012/BIG_APR/
Upcoming Events February – April 2012 Date
Event
Location
3 Sat.
Company Visit: Camillian Home
Camillian Home Lat Krabang
14 Wed.
Symposium After Flooding by EABC
To be confirmed
22 Thu.
Annual General Meeting
To be confirmed
29 Thu.
Young Professional All Chamber Event
Centara Grand at Central World
Factory Visit: TOG and Polysun
To be confirmed
March
April 3 Tue.
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MEMBER AREA
Asia Women in Business Law Awards
Welcome New Members
L
eading Southeast Asian law firm Tilleke & Gibbins was named “Best Firm in Thailand” at the inaugural Asia Women in Business Law Awards, held at the Jockey Club in Hong Kong on December 8, 2011. Representing Tilleke & Gibbins at the awards ceremony were the firm’s Co-Managing Partners, Darani Vachanavuttivong and Tiziana Sucharitkul. The awards, sponsored by Euromoney Legal Media Group, mark the culmination of months of research throughout the Asia Pacific region. Law firms were judged on several factors, including their commitment to gender diversity, talent management, and female leadership. In addition to the national award for Thailand, Tilleke & Gibbins was shortlisted for two Asia-wide awards. For her individual achievements, Mrs. Vachanavuttivong was nominated as a leading practitioner in Asia in the “IP Litigation” category. And the firm was also nominated in the “Best Firm in Talent Management” category, recognizing its ability to attract and retain the highest level of female talent among its attorneys and administrative staff. “Our female lawyers and support staff play a crucial role at Tilleke & Gibbins,” said Ms. Sucharitkul. “We are proud to attract the top talent in the legal market—both male and female—and to have these lawyers grow with our firm throughout their careers. This unwavering dedication to talent management puts us in a position to succeed and ensures that we provide the highest level of service to our clients.”
Banyan Tree Bangkok Mr. Tareq Bagaeen (Director, Sales Marketing) 21/100 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 02 679 1200 Fax: 02 679 1188 E-mail: tareq.bagaeen@banyantree.com Website: www.banyantree.com Sector: Hotel
MC Asia Co., Ltd. Mr. Marco Cattaneo (Managing Director) 142 Two Pacific Place, Suite 1704, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 653 4328 Fax: 02 653 0912 E-mail: ma.asia@mcasia.net Website: www.mcasia.net Sector: Chemical
Italmec Siam Co., Ltd. Dr. Federico Cellini (Managing Director) Room No. 2736, 27th Floor, Q House Lumpini Building, No. 1, South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 02 610 3629 Fax: 02 610 3893 E-mail: Cellini@italmec.com.sg , Cellini@italmecsiam.co.th Sector: Import, retail and maintenance of manipulator, industrial robot and machine
Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant Ms. Pattama Kariklin (Sales and Catering Manager) 233 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: 02 673 9353-8 Fax: 02 673 9355 E-mail: cooking.school@blueelephant.com Website: www.blueelephant.com Sector: Restaurant and Cooking school
GB Consulting (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. Dott. Simone Spina ( Executive Manager- Bangkok) Dott. Giacomo Brunco ( Executive manager- Phuket) 87/2 Wireless Road, 36/7 CRC Tower, All Season Place, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 E-mail: info@gbconsultingbangkok.it Website: www.gbconsultingbangkok.it Sector: Consulting
Individual Member Ms. Monica Zischka E-mail: monicazischka@yahoo.it
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