ASEAN Integration Textiles – Apparel – Leather was hard hit by buyers’ cancellation as “Red Shirt” protests raged in some areas of Bangkok. Despite vast improvement in Quality, attendance dropped by about 10%. Visitors on business negotiation days numbered around 4,000 while visitors on public days exceeded 23,000, the majority hailing from Japan, Vietnam, India, the U.S.A and Cambodia.

Reflecting the “Look East” concept and ASEAN Integration, joint activities organized during BIFF&BIL 2010 included the 1st Asian Designer Congress, Thailand Club formation, WGSN Trend Fashion 2011/12 seminar, ASEAN Pavilion, Japan Pavilion and 48 fashion shows.

“ By June Thailand’s SAFSA forum will offer Virtual Vertical Factory (VVF) services, 13 VVF groups have also been formed to promote business matching for shirts and other targeted segments; 7 more groups are in the offing,” said Greenville general manager and president of The National Federation of Thai Textile Industries, Mr Pilan Dhammongkol.

Mr Pilan Dhammongkol, President of The National Federation of Thai Textile Industries.

Moving the fair to April will coincide with Japan’s buying season and increase orders for year-end delivery. Local businesses have been very supportive this year, said Mr Setr Vanijvongse, managing director, H.M. Factory for Thai Silk Co., Ltd.

 
“Previous assumptions that sales volumes would regain normalcy by March were overruled by highly publicized street protests, resulting in 30-40% sales decline. Because raw material costs have become more volatile since the ASEAN-China Free Trade agreement took effect, we are focusing domestic production. If political conflicts continue, revenues which fund payrolls and tax will be affected,” said Mr. Setr.

Mr Jirasak Rojanavongse, Research & Development Manager, Santavee Intergroup.

Santavee Intergroup’s blue and earth toned linen fabrics targeting Japanese consumers testified to successful networking, said Research & Development manager, Mr Jirasak Rojanavongse.

 
Kongkiat Textile’s three booths showcased yarns, knitted/ fancy fabrics, and the “no secret” garment brand. Since 12/08, the company has reduced yarn capacity by about 30% while yarns have been developed into fabrics and garments that correspond directly to consumers’ needs. By outsourcing some product lines to forego capital investment, the company managed to achieve quantum growth. The next step is to explore export markets.

35-40% of Indorama Polyester Industries’ output goes into garment production, the rest automotive/ home textile applications and technical textiles. By combining anti-microbial feature with moisture management, the company has developed multi-functional fibers Projecting Bt15.7billion annual sales revenue, the company will invest Bt500million to increase current capacity of 200,000 tons for export to 40 countries worldwide.

Mr H.K. Agarwal, Group Executive President, Thai Rayon hopes to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness vis-à-vis India, China and Vietnam.

 
Shifting from mass production to hi-end functional brand products, Thai Rayon’s new Birla Modal Fibre successfully launched in Turkey and China will be introduced to local yarn/ fabric/ garment producers through one–on-one approach and participation in major trade fairs, said Mr H.K. Agarwal, group executive president of Thai Rayon.

Two consecutive years of participating in BIFF&BIL has improved brand recognition and customers’ confidence. By expanding production into value added products, Mr H.K. Agarwal, group hopes to leverage Thailand’s position as fashion hub in this region.

“Last year we introduced Birla Modal in Turkey and China and the feedback was very good. We also have a plan to introduce this product in Thailand soon. Our strategy is to promote the fiber into yarns and fabrics and garments to be made in Thailand for domestic use and export. We sell branded fiber. We don’t want to sell it the same way as the normal fiber which is much more in volume. To promote the new products, we chose to showcase them in major trade fairs and by one-to-one approach. Our next step would be creating awareness within the consumers and the trade as well. We want to highlight good features of Birla Viscose fibers, to bring it up, to build awareness and develop a base for good quality products in Thailand.

“This is the second year we promote our products in BIFF&BIL fair. We can build more awareness. We can say that because of this event, we got more publicity and customer enquiries. Our customers are also being more confident. We want to thank you for the support. We want to work closely with TTIS because they have very good committee.” said Mr H.K. Agarwal.