In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has adjusted its strategy and action plans regarding trainings and seminars. Instead of gathering entrepreneurs and interested individuals for in-person sessions, more training and seminars will now be conducted online. Many were and will be broadcast via Facebook Live, such as a training on international trade organized by the New Economy Academy. The Offices of Commercial Affairs in various countries have also launched similar online training programs. For example, on 12 March 2020, the Office of Commercial Affairs in Mumbai held an online seminar on online retail businesses in India and opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.
Moreover, given the current situation, DITP has remodeled its action plans, which originally included showcasing Thai products overseas, participating in international trade fairs, setting up trade delegations, network building and organizing promotional activities, to focusing on online exhibitions instead. This is a new initiative to boost exports that addresses the current need to avoid face-to-face interactions. DITP has launched a pilot project showcasing the potential of digital content industry (film, animation and digital content) and promoted Multimedia Online Virtual Exhibition (MOVE), or business matching through online channels. This is done by having a website that demonstrates Thailand’s digital content industry, to facilitate online trade negotiations between Thai and foreign entrepreneurs. This online negotiations will be held during a three-day-exhibition in May 2020 and will be expanded to products of other categories from May to August 2020.
Meanwhile, business matching will also be conducted online via videoconference. DITP hosted a trial online business matching for the fresh and processed fruit industry in Centara Grand at Central Plaza hotel on 4 March 2020, with satisfactory results. It is planning to upgrade the teleconference rooms to accommodate further product- and market-specific business negotiations.
Furthermore, for manufacturers, exporters, entrepreneurs, and the public in general who want to be kept up-to-date on trade situations and learn the latest developments via the DITP website, www.ditp.go.th, DITP has created a banner ‘the Information Center on COVID-19 Impacts on Trade’ that gathers information from the International Trade Promotion Offices around the world. It is constantly updated to enable visitors to get access to real-time information, make informed decisions and identify new business opportunities in the changing situation.
For more information, please contact the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, via www.ditp.go.th or by phone at 1169 (direct line for international trade).
