Thailand to organise first trade fair in city

Kolkata, Sep 10 (PTI) Thailand is set to organize the country's first trade fair in India at Kolkata to complement its 'Look West' policy and also to promote bilateral trade, an embassy official of the South East Asian nation said Monday.

Presently, 40 Indian companies with investments of USD 2 billion were operating in Thailand and 30 Thai firms with investments were functioning in India, Tharadol Thongruang, minister counselor (commercial) of the Royal Embassy of Thailand said.

Owing to geographical proximity, West Bengal was very closely bonded with Thailand, Thongruang said adding that over time, the relationship strengthened in terms of bilateral trade. Bilateral trade in 2016 was USD 7.72 billion with USD 5.15 billion in exports and USD 2.57 billion in imports.

The two-day fair would be held from September 12 organized in association with Bengal Chamber and Department of International Trade Promotion of the Royal Thai Government.

Thai product categories in health and beauty, household items, fashion accessories, food, and beverages would be showcased in the fair, he said. The fair organizers would also hold B2B meetings, he said.