Thailand ramped up its shipments to Myanmar to capitalise on the opening of its economy, with an aim to raise export growth with the country by 30% next year.
Somdet Susomboon, assistant director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said a Thai delegation of state authorities and businesses would participate in the Thailand Trade Exhibition from Dec 6-9 in Yangon and Dec 13-16 in Mandalay.
The trade show will feature 259 booths and 220 exhibitors, comprising Thai consumer products, health and beauty products, construction materials, home furnishings and furniture, electronics and electrical appliances, and apparel.
"The event will give Thai entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet potential partners in Myanmar to raise their export channels," said Mr Somdet. "It also gives Myanmar consumers a first-hand look at the quality, design and diversity of Thai products."
For the first 10 months of the year, two-way trade between Thailand and Myanmar totalled US$5.46 billion (170.34 billion baht), with exports from Thailand making up $2.54 billion, a rise of 10%.
Thai exports to Myanmar are expected to grow 12% this year to $3.19 billion.
Prajuab Supiness, director of the Thailand Trade Office in Yangon, said export promotion activities to Myanmar are even more active next year as there are over 50 trade missions planned by organisations such as the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Investment.