CS Bangkok Highlight

Excellence in Trade Appreciation Night

On February 8, 2012, CS Thailand held its annual Excellence in Trade Appreciation event to recognize outstanding Thai importers and distributors of U.S. made products. Over 200 guests were in attendance, and Ambassador Kenney presented awards to 49 award recipients. This event focused on highlighting the success achieved by local companies in 2011 in increasing U.S. exports of products and services in Thailand, by recognizing those firms that have generated the most Export Successes. Also recognized were local businesses that have sponsored and supported Embassy events, as well as Embassy staff from a variety of sections who provide critical support to Commercial Service activities.

On January 12, 2012, Mr. Francis Peters, Commercial Attaché, and CS Thanyathorn Voravongsatit participated in the grand launch opening of the Parker Pen Boutique store in Bangkok, operated by Newell Rubbermaid (Thailand) Inc., a subsidiary of US-based Newell Rubbermaid Inc, the producer and global distributor of Parker pens. Mr. Francis Peters was joined by Newell Rubbermaid executives and gave the welcoming remarks.

Founded in 1888 in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States, Parker Pen Company created the first fountain pen and has expanded its products across the globe, including Thailand. Parker marks its 50th anniversary in Thailand and plans to expand their line of leather goods and accessories. The company will continue to expand with two more stores in Bangkok and launch a series of marketing campaigns through magazines, newspapers, billboards and online media. In 2012, the company expects a 10 percent growth, capturing 30 percent of overall shares in the premium pen market.

On February 14, 2012, CS Bangkok, in cooperation with Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP, organized a successful seminar to share investing opportunities information in the USA, which included an overview of the demographics in the US, business opportunities, market expansion strategies, and the SelectUSA program. The seminar was attended by representative of 180 participants from across section of industries in Thailand including: textile and garment manufacturers, frozen food exporters, and services providers. The presentations were led by Mrs. Kessiri Siripakorn, Minister (Commercial) at the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Mr. Francis Peters, Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Commercial Service, American Embassy Bangkok, and followed by four Executive Directors of Thai Trade Center offices, which are located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The presentations were informative sessions providing Thai business executives with an overview of US investment opportunities. Commercial Specialist Thanyathorn Voravongsatit supports the SelectUSA program for CS Thailand, and took the lead in initiating contact with the DITP and coordinating this event. CO Peters presented SelectUSA program, in line with the DITP mission to encourage Thai entrepreneurs and investors to invest in the USA.