Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is intent on implementing the “Thai Food, the World’s Food” policy to support the food demand of the global market that tends to grow in parallel with the increasing population by optimising “Private Sector-led policy with Government Supporting” to reduce all barriers that could obstruct export activities and promote the Soft Power to make people around the world know and become fond of Thai food.
Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has also assigned the Department of International Trade Promotion to jointly organise THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023 with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse in order to bring in more than 95,000 visitors from all over the world to be an active part of trade negations with local Thai food and beverage entrepreneurs. This event is expected to generate a trade value of over 70 billion baht.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce stated that, “The food industry definitely plays an important role in the global economy. The driving factor that mainly affects this fundamental industry is global population growth which is estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050, from today’s figure of 8 billion. Such significant increase will correspondingly lead to fast-growing food demand. For this reason, many countries become aware of possible food
shortages that may arise in the future. Although they have active Food Self-Sufficiency policies on hand, it could be insufficient when considering the actual population trend.”
“Thailand has maintained its real strength in the food industry due to its uninterrupted abundance. The country is a source of many important agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits and cassava. It is also well known for excellent food processing know-how, inventions of food innovation, safety standards, and sustainability concept. Moreover, Thailand is able to serve the global market’s quick changing demand and has the potential to export in such an excellent way that it has been named the kitchen of the world. The Ministry of Commerce’s dynamic Thai Food, the World’s food policy also made Thailand the 15th biggest food exporter in the world in 2022 with an export value of 1.36 trillion baht, a 22.7% increase from the previous year” said Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit.
He also added that part of the remarkable success in Thai food export comes from the government and the Ministry of Commerce’s cooperative policy that provides concrete support for export activities by applying Private Sector-led policy with Government Supporting. This method lets the private sectors with high expertise take the lead and the government co-assists by reducing all kinds of export obstacles, setting up a joint committee on commerce to define a concrete export strategy, work together closely to solve problems on site, and proactively find solutions for rapid accomplishment.
Another highlighted policy is the promotion of Thai food Soft Power with the purpose of making people around the world know and adore Thai food with its unique charm. This will in turn lead to a higher demand for Thai products and services. The Department of International Trade Promotion has taken vigorous action in this regard and will relentlessly continue its mission.
“THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023 is actually another important part of moving forward Thai food as a hub of the Word’s Food. This event repeatedly emphasises the potential of Thailand as a leading producer and exporter of world-class quality food and is a major annual platform that allows Thai entrepreneurs to meet, do a trade negotiation and form business networks with importers around the world, increasing their opportunity to expand their export to overseas markets. The great on-site edition of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA is back again this year, same as before the COVID-19 pandemic, while its online edition THAIFEX Virtual Trade Show is also available to serve those who look for convenience without a need to travel”, said Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit.
In this year event, at “THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023”, more than 3,000 exhibitors, including Thai and international exhibitors, are present with almost 6,000 booths from over 40 countries. More than 95,000 visitors from 140 countries with trade value over 70 billion baht for Thailand are expected.
The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand has endorsed the "Thai Food, the World's Food" policy statement in response to the increasing global population. With a focus on a "Private Sector-led policy with Government Supporting" approach and "Thai Food Soft Power" strategies, Thailand is ready to welcome global buyers to the upcoming THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023 event.
The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is committed to implementing the "Thai Food, the World's Food" policy to meet the growing food demand in the global market, which is closely tied to the increasing population. This policy aims to optimise a Private Sector-led approach with government support, aiming to reduce barriers that could hinder export activities. Additionally, it seeks to promote Thai food's Soft Power, raising awareness and appreciation for Thai cuisine worldwide. To further these goals, the Ministry has tasked the Department of International Trade Promotion to collaborate with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse in organising THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023. This event aims to attract over 95,000
visitors from around the world, facilitating trade negotiations with local Thai food and beverage entrepreneurs. The event is projected to generate a trade value exceeding 70 billion baht.
Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, emphasised the crucial role of the food industry in the global economy. He highlighted the impact of population growth, estimating that the global population will reach 10 billion by 2050, compared to the current figure of 8 billion. This significant increase will inevitably lead to a higher demand for food. Many countries are already anticipating potential food shortages, despite having active Food Self-Sufficiency policies. These policies may prove insufficient considering the actual population trend.
"Thailand's real strength in the food industry lies in its abundant resources. The country is a major source of essential agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and cassava. Moreover, Thailand is renowned for its expertise in food processing, innovations in food, adherence to safety standards, and commitment to sustainability. Thailand can effectively cater to the ever-changing demands of the global market, earning its reputation as the 'kitchen of the world.' The Ministry of Commerce's dynamic Thai Food, the World's Food policy has elevated Thailand to the 15th largest food exporter in the world in 2022, with an export value of 1.36 trillion baht—an impressive 22.7% increase from the previous year," stated Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit.
He further emphasised the significant role played by the government and the Ministry of Commerce in supporting Thai food exports through a cooperative policy that applies a Private Sector-led approach with government support. This approach allows private sectors with high expertise to take the lead, while the government assists by minimising export obstacles. Concrete support measures include establishing a joint commerce committee to define an export strategy, collaborating closely to solve on-site problems, and proactively seeking solutions for swift achievement.
An additional highlight of the policy is the promotion of Thai food Soft Power, aiming to raise global awareness and appreciation for Thai cuisine's unique charm. This will subsequently
drive higher demand for Thai products and services. The Department of International Trade Promotion is actively engaged in these efforts and will continue its mission tirelessly.
"THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023 plays a crucial role in advancing Thailand's position as a hub for global food. This event consistently highlights Thailand's potential as a leading producer and exporter of world-class food, providing a significant annual platform for Thai entrepreneurs to engage in trade negotiations, establish business networks with importers worldwide, and seize opportunities to expand their exports to overseas markets. The highly anticipated on-site edition of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA returns this year, reminiscent of the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era. Additionally, the online edition, THAIFEX Virtual Trade Show, caters to those seeking convenience without the need for travel," stated Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit.
This year's THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2023 event is set to feature over 3,000 exhibitors, including both Thai and international participants, showcasing their offerings through nearly 6,000 booths from over 40 countries. With more than 95,000 visitors expected from 140 countries, the event is projected to yield a trade value exceeding 70 billion baht for Thailand.
