Major 2008 Auto Parts Show Underscores Industry Growth

Major 2008 Auto Parts Show Underscores Industry Growth Thailand Auto Parts & Accessories 2008 (TAPA 2008), the region's most significant industry trade event, is expected to generate 285 million baht in orders from about 400 exhibitors, slightly less than the previous trade show. The unhealthy economy is blamed for the expected weaker performance. The 2006 trade show generated 295 million baht in orders. The 2007 fair was scheduled for October, but was replaced by TAPA 2008 to coincide with similar fairs in China and Taiwan. The fair, to be held for the third time, has helped Thailand gain a reputation as Asia's auto parts and accessories hub. Hosted by the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), the fair would be held at Bangkok International & Trade Exhibition Centre (Bitec) from April 23-27 next year. It would showcase auto-related parts and components, agricultural machinery and vehicles such as harvesters and tractors and the latest export vehicles. At least 400 companies from Thailand, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, India, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, the US and Canada are expected to participate.The fair also expects to draw more than 17,000 trade visitors from Asean and South Asia, former Soviet states, the Middle East, South Africa, Japan, Korea, the US, the UK, Germany and Italy. Over the past 40 years, Thailand's automobile and auto parts industries have been developing quickly, especially in the areas of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and replacement equipment manufacturers (REM).