BIG+BIH April 2014 to Reaffirm Thailand's Status as ASEAN's Design Central

BANGKOK, March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The season of design is at the threshold, with the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG+BIH)  set to unlock the gates next month, to allow an estimated 40,000 people in on the best Asia has to offer in design, innovation and creativity in lifestyle goodies.

Indeed, 37^th edition of BIG+BIH this April 19-23 will be a grand celebration of the creative DNA of designers across Asia. The twin events will underscore Thailand's strength and leading position as ASEAN's sourcing hub for lifestyle products, while also presenting  manufacturers much opportunity to embark on new markets.

Bringing together serious numbers of leading producers and designers from Thailand and overseas, BIG+BIH April 2014 will demonstrate the latest trends in a whole array of lifestyle products.

Internationally-recognized as one of the biggest lifestyle fairs in the ASEAN region, BIG+BIH April 2014 bring together more than 600 leading entrepreneurs, plus emerging designers from Thailand, India, Indonesia, mainland China, Malaysia, South Korea, Ghana, South Africa, Italy, Taiwan, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Singapore and Japan. Spread over 40,000 square metres of floor space at BITEC will be more than 1,600 booths showcasing top-notch products -- from gifts, premium products, lifestyle goodies, houseware designs, and innovative toys, to top quality stationery.

With over 200 booths representing members of the Thai Housewares Trade Association, its President Mr. Niphon Ratana-arporn, stated: "In recent years, Thai houseware products and tableware products have enjoyed continuous expansion, with an impressive 10 percent annual growth. Although the recent political movements may possibly halve that growth figure, I am positive that the industry will top the 5 percent growth rate by the end of this year."

Mr. Niphon added, "Thanks to the unique designs and premium quality of products, Thailand has scored very well. South Korea was a strong competitor in the past, but after the price of raw materials increased, many buyers chose to place their orders with Thai manufacturers instead. In order to earn the customers' trust, we must overlook our profit margins and deliver the best. 'What's best for the customer' is truly the key to this industry's success."

Meanwhile, Mr. Jirabool Vittayasing, Secretary-General of Thai Lifestyle Products Federation (TLPF) shared his ideas in developing the lifestyle industry.

Speaking on expanding and securing new markets, both Mr. Niphon and Mr. Jirabool shared the opinion that Thai producers have to adapt and improve in order to expand to big markets like Australia, Russia, Africa and Japan. Both said those key players are at present reducing their orders from China. Therefore, Thai manufactures should snap up this great opportunity, by having the government spearhead the move to attract the key players.

BIG+BIH April 2014 will also be hosting a range of interesting activities, such as the Innovation Fair + Toy Design, DEmark, Thailand Trust Mark, Top of OTOP, Showcase of Products for Seniors, Hotel Lifestyle Concept Showcase. Also featured are the "Big Toy Design Innovation Contest 2014" and various workshops conducted by experts, aimed at developing the skills of Thailand's new generation of budding designers.

Being unveiled for the first time will be the "Asia Talents 2014" project. Presented under the theme "ASEAN+6 Cultural Effects", 40 young-blood designers from 10 ASEAN countries and Six Dialogue Partners, such as Magno Design Indonesia, Outofstock Design, Studio Juju, Studio KDSZ and Toast Living, will showcase their masterpieces in design.  Budding designers are welcome to gain inspiration from a Design Talk to be held by Mr Anon Pairot and South Korean artist Seung-Yong Song.

BIG+BIH April 2014 will take place at BITEC, Bangna. Exclusive trade days are from April 19-21, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The general public will be welcome on April 22 from 10 a.m. till midnight, and April 23 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For further information, please call +66 (0) 2507 8372, +66 (0) 2507 8309 or visit www.bigandbih.com, www.ditp.go.th

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140319/HK86221

SOURCE Department of International Trade Promotion