Govt to host fair in Riyadh

The government will host a trade exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the end of this month to promote Thai SMEs.

The Thai Trade Exhibition Saudi Arabia 2023 will be held from Aug 27–30 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre to expand entrepreneurs’ trading markets and investment opportunities, deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said yesterday.

According to Ms Rachada, more than 100 Thai entrepreneurs and SMEs will showcase their products and services, ranging from food, clothing, wellness, and tourism, in Riyadh, where people’s purchasing power is higher.

Entrepreneurs and SMEs from Saudi Arabia and its neighbouring countries were expected to attend the exhibition.

At least 20,000 visitors and invited buyers are also expected to visit the exhibition, the deputy spokeswoman said.

The event is a result of cooperation between the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) and will be one of the biggest trade exhibitions ever held in the Middle East.

It is the result of the improved diplomatic relationship after years of frayed ties and diplomatic conflict, said Ms Rachada.

In January 2022, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited Riyadh at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi crown prince.

Many MoUs and opportunities were discussed, as well as the improved ties, said Ms Rachada. Bilateral cooperation on labour, trade, and investments was also discussed during the meeting.