November 1, 2024BANGKOK – The third edition of “Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2024” kicked off on Wednesday at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Organised by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, in collaboration with public and private sector partners and running until tomorrow (November 1), the fair aims to drive long-term growth and strengthen the pet industry.A global hub for the pet industry, the event is spread over 20,000 square metres of exhibit space and the participation of nearly 400 exhibitors from 40 countries and trade visitors from over 80 countries.It features international pavilions from 12 countries and an extensive conference programme with over 40 expert speakers. Among them is the Thai Pet Avenue highlighting innovative products from Thai small and medium enterprises that blend creativity with quality.A dedicated Pet Trade Service Consultant Zone allows experts to offer advice for businesses wanting to expand into new markets, on such issues as trade regulations, imports, exports and global product standards.Special events include the Networking Night at Pet Square, the Pet Innovators Pitch on Thursday, and the Soi Dog Donation Campaign to improve the welfare of dogs and cats on Friday.The three-day event is expected to welcome over 10,000 visitors, generating up to US$25 million (850 million baht) in trade value from deals closed during and after the fair.To meet environmental preservation trends, carpets at the Pet Square Zone are 100% recyclable, while waste generated from booth construction will be used for clean energy production.Benefits to MICE and pet industriesPresiding over the opening ceremony, Jeroen Van Hooff, president and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, noted that the pet industry in Southeast Asia has experienced an exponential growth, especially in Thailand.Thailand’s pet industry is expected to grow by 10% annually, thanks to the country’s potential in pet food manufacturing, cutting-edge facilities and highly skilled workers, he explained.He added that Thailand also has potential in the MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry for its service and hospitality, which support business partnerships and “bleisure” travel.Hooff expects the pet industry to grow further due to “pet humanisation”, in which pets are more seen as family members than companions.“More people are transitioning from being the best owners to the best parents,” he said, adding that city expansion, households without children and seniors are contributing to the trend of pet humanisation.Echoing Hooff, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)’s senior vice president, Salanroj Sutaschuto, said the Asian pet industry is growing rapidly due to lifestyle changes.The exhibition underscores the increasing importance of the pet industry in Southeast Asia and worldwide, he said, adding that he expected the fair to improve the Thai pet industry and build collaboration among i
Gio. Dic 26th, 2024
