BANGKOK, Apr 3, 2010 / — Minister of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, Mrs. Porntiva Nakasai, along with the Deputy Minister of Commerce of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. Brig. Gen. Aung Tun, and the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Mr. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, formally opened the Bangkok International Fashion and Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF & BIL 2010, ASEAN Integration Textiles – Apparel – Leather) on Thursday, April 1st.

Organised annually by the Department of Export Promotion, this year’s event is inspired by the theme “Look East,” and revisits the spirit of regional unity under the banner of ASEAN Integration.

“This year’s concept, BIFF & BIL 2010, ASEAN Integration Textiles – Apparel – Leather, represents rising potential, combined strengths and strong relationships within the ASEAN fashion industry. This covers every specialized field from its upstream to downstream sectors, and from textiles and apparel to travel kits, leather goods and shoes,” said Mrs. Porntiva.

“Even as we see signs of a gradual recovery in the global economy, and many trade agreements associated with effective free trade agreements are likely to help growing the fashion trade volume between ASEAN countries and their partners, I think that to remain in the game, we must remain competitive. Not just offering the most reasonable prices, but we have to offer creative ideas, quality, safety standards and keeping in touch with the needs of the consumer.”

To celebrate the opening of BIFF & BIL 2010, ASEAN Integration Textiles – Apparel – Leather, an extravagant series of fashion shows took the stage with special collections by leading designers from 10 ASEAN and greater Asian countries including Cambodia , China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The international nature of the fair was also mirrored in the nationality of buyers and other visitors who attended the opening day, with the highest number of visitors coming from Vietnam, Japan, India, and the U.S.A. respectively.

BIFF & BIL 2010, ASEAN Integration Textiles – Apparel – Leather is being held at Challenger Hall 1 – 3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from now until 4 April with the last two days opening for the general public.

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