GlassTech Asia 2005 opens and aims to earn 450 m baht for Thailand

The timely moving of the venue to Bangkok from Singapore by its organisers Conference & Exhibitions Management Services (CEMS) and Singapore Glass Association is expected to reap benefits for exhibitors, visitors and Thailand. The event is hosted by the Thai Glass Dealers Association and strongly supported by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

GlassTech Asia, the 5th International Glass Products, Glass Manufacturing, Processing & Materials Exhibition and Conference, will give Thailand’s and the region’s glass makers convenient access to relevant glass making technology and equipment from all over the world.

Mr Edward Liu, Managing Director of Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS) explained, “The demand for flat glass around the world is set to increase by 3.9 percent annually to more than 44.1 billion square feet in 2006, while the flat glass production is forecast to increase by some 4.4 percent a year to 41.7 million metric tones in 2006.

“The situation is excellent for exhibitors and trade visitors of GlassTech Asia to seize this opportune moment to do business. GlassTech is the largest glass exhibition in ASEAN with 352 companies and organisations from 30 different countries showcasing their latest technologies on a 10,000 sqm exhibition area,” Mr Liu said.

He said the Singapore pavilion would be the largest country pavilion with 32 exhibitors occupying almost 1,700 sqm floor area.

Mr Liu was confident the show would attract some 8,000-10,000 trade and public visitors particularly Glass Manufacturers of the Federation of Thai Industries. This will further help us strengthen our HollowGlass Asia sector.

During the three-day event, the organisers will put into play their “hosted buyers programme” for particular business people from overseas to meet and discuss business possibilities.

“Because this is a first time event organised in Thailand, we have a number of delegates from Asia-Pacific countries flying here specifically to seek out business opportunities,” Mr Liu concluded.

Mr Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana, Director of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said “Presently, Thailand is one of the preferential locations for automotive and building industries. This has resulted in the increasing demand for the glass reinforcement market. The first staging of GlassTech Asia 2005 incorporating HollowGlass Asia 2005 to Thailand will be another broad platform for manufacturers and distributors of flat glass and other specialist glassware to meet global suppliers of glassmaking plant, equipment, and consumables in a-business-to-business environment.

“We are also very happy to know that the number of exhibitors and their corresponding space intake for this year is 30 percent bigger than the previous one held in Singapore.

“The role of TCEB is to bring into Thailand conferences and exhibitions to help further promote Thailand’s trade, investment and economy as a whole. Supporting such event to be staged in Thailand is also in line with the Thai government’s effort to actively promote the country as an international hub for conventions and exhibitions. We are confident that GlassTech Asia 2005 will generate some 450 million baht in revenue and will bring in new investments into the country,” Mr Peerapong said.

Mr Gan Chee Siong, Chairman of Singapore Glass Association, said “GlassTech Asia 2005 is the 5th presentation and by far is the biggest and having best format in its entire admirable seven-year run. HollowGlass Asia is incorporated with GlassTech Asia 2005. The two events allow the showcasing of the glass industry in its full entirety, from flat glass to hollow glass.”
“GlassTech Asia 2005 is designed for architects, automobile manufacturers, automotive glass manufacturers, building contractors, distributors & agents, engineers, glaziers, interior designers, property developers, glass manufacturing, machinery & parts suppliers/manufacturers, window & façade suppliers/manufacturers, and glass fabricators,” said Mr Gan.

GlassTech Asia 2005 will be a great time for students of various educational institutions in the field of engineering, architecture and interior designs to learn about technology related to their academic course.

“The Thai Glass Dealers Association is delighted to host GlassTech Asia 2005. We believe that this will help the glass industry in Thailand to further develop and compete better in the international market,” said Mr Surachai Jitchaipoka, President of Thai Glass Dealers Association.

GlassTech Asia 2005 is supported by Peninsula Malaysia Glass & Mirrors Dealers Association (PPKCSM), Philippines Chamber of Glass & Aluminum Ind Inc (PCGAI), Australian Glass & Glazing Association (AGGA), Italian Association of Glass-Processing Machinery and Accessory Suppliers (GIMAV), Glass & Glazing Federation(GGF) and National Glass Association (NGA).

Seen in photo from left to right are Mr Surachai Jitchaipoka, President of Thai Glass Dealers Association, Mr Gan Chee Siong, Chairman of Singapore Glass Association, Mr Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana, Director of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Mr Edward Liu, Managing Director of Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS) and Mr Prasert Maekwatana, Chairman of Glass Manufacturers of the Federation of Thai Industries during the GlassTech Asia 2005 opening ceremony.