By R. Natarajan, Managing Editor & Publisher, MOTORINDIA
For centuries, Thailand has enjoyed a significant trading partnership between the West and East. The country’s strategic location at the centre of the most ASEAN countries and its openness to trade have been very well enjoyed by international merchants. The Ministry of Industry in Thailand plays a major role in reforming the country’s manufacturing sector towards higher efficiency and greater competitiveness. Considering the vast scope of investment opportunities in the automotive sector, Thailand has emerged ‘the world’s engine of growth’.
It is against this backdrop that the Department of International Trade Promotion of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association and related organizations in the private and Government sectors, organised the 8th Thailand Auto Parts & Accessories 2018 (TAPA 2018) at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), during April 5-8. The international trade show had its spotlight on Thailand as a significant sourcing hub of auto parts and accessories in Asia and its sure emergence soon as a world-class production base.
Addressing the grand opening of TAPA 2018, Mr. Sakon Varanyuwatana, Thai Vice Minister of Commerce, said: “It is already known that Thailand is ASEAN’s leader in the automotive industry and we have expertise and high standards of production in the auto parts and accessories industry. These industries play a crucial part in the country’s economy. Thailand now ranks the 12th largest automobile manufacturer in the world, and we are ASEAN’s leader in the auto parts industry. The automobile and auto parts export value in 2017 reached $34,334.07 million, a 5.83% increase from 2016, contributing approximately 5.8% of the country’s GDP.”
TAPA was a major event with its focus on Thailand as a significant world production base as well as a sourcing hub of auto parts and accessories in Asia which will soon become world-class ones. It is an international trade arena to present new products and innovations in the auto parts and accessories industry. Held under the concept of “World Auto Parts Sourcing Hub: Innovation Clean for the Future”, TAPA 2018 also focused on the future development of the automobile industry that gears towards a new era of sustainability and green innovation, which requires high energy with low emission vehicles, especially electric and hybrid vehicles.
TAPA 2018 featured more than 500 exhibitors who are leading manufacturers, exporters, distributors and sub-contractors from all over the world who displayed a wide range of auto parts such as original equipments, aftermarket parts, auto accessories as well as other related products and services.
The show attracted more than 10,000 visitors from ASEAN, South Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, the EU, the Middle East, China, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, etc. The exciting activities at the show included exhibitions and product showcases from leading automobile and parts manufacturers who displayed cutting-edge technologies in automobile and parts. There were seminars on hot topics, including “Auto Parts Industry in Eastern Economic Corridor: EEC”, “EV Research Trend”, “Industry Talk: The Perspective in Clean Energy Trend”, “Key Concern in EV Market in Business Perspective” and “Voice of Green Consumer.” Also featured were business matching activity and Measuring Tool Skill Competition for university students.
The joint organizers of TAPA 2018 were the Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association, Thai Auto Parts Aftermarket Association, Worachak Automotive Synergy Association, and the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association and its related associations and organizations.
Overall TAPA 2018 has became a perfect platform for the fastest growing Thailand economy.