The fair features designs in furniture, home decor and other lifestyle products. VNS Photo Minh Thu

BANGKOK – Lacquerware, rattan bags and woven toys are just some of the Vietnamese handicraft products on display at STYLE Bangkok — the biggest lifestyle trade fair in Asia.

Artisans and enterprises from Việt Nam travelled to Bangkok to participate at the fair, which opened officially on October 18.

The biannual event is being held for the fifth time by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce.

The focus of the fair is creativity and innovation, in line with the Thai government’s creative economy policy. It aims to boost the country’s image as a producer of international lifestyle products and support Thai entrepreneurs. It also creates a chance to connect businesses in lifestyle products around the world.

The October edition features about 1,800 booths of 1,000 exhibitors from 70 countries such as the US, Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, England, China, South Korea and Việt Nam.

Sansern Samalapa, Vice Minister of Commerce, noted that lifestyle products were one of the most important industries because of the high potential of the product range, the quality of materials, skilled craftsmanship, and ability of producers, as well as their innovation and creativity. Even though the world economy was facing many challenges, the Thai lifestyle product industry remained strong and accounted for 5% of all exports in 2018.

“The event connects producers and the region with foreign buyers, especially those ones from regional countries like Việt Nam, the Philippines and China,” he said.

“It also underlines the country’s position as a hub for supporting and expanding businesses across ASEAN. In addition, STYLE Bangkok serves as a stage for the lifestyle product industry, which is almost totally made up of SMEs and talented designers who are eager to develop their creative and innovative products, add to their value and present them to international markets.”

The concept “Cre-novative Origin” is a perfect blend between Creative and Innovation and synonymous with Thai origin.

Apart from the exhibition, various sideline activities will be held such as an open space for knowledge sharing, and forums for participants, performances for artisans to demonstrate their skills, competitions for designers, and seminars.

Vietnamese lacquerware originating from Phú Xuyên District, Hà Nội, displayed at the fair. VNS Photo Minh Thu

Nguyễn Bích Ngọc Trâm from HCM City has a booth to display her woven toys at the fair. She has exported the products to many countries, but this is the first time she has attended the STYLE fair.

“I want to introduce my products to foreign partners at the fair. I've visited some booths and can see that Thai handicraft products are really sophisticated and creative.”

“The fair helps us exchange experiences and update on trends,” she said.  

Nguyễn Thế Chiến, owner of Thai Metro supermarket in Hà Nội, attended the fair as a buyer. As a supplier of Thai products in Việt Nam, the fair was a good chance for him to find partners.

“I have attended fairs in Thailand many times to find the best products for Vietnamese people,” he said.

“The fair creates a good chance for me to seek partners and reliable sources goods. It also helps enhance co-operation between enterprises. Vietnamese products are also well received in Thailand.”

Kathathong Thongyai, assistant to director general of DITP, appreciated the participation of Vietnamese artisans and enterprises at the event. 

“I believe the fair will provide opportunities for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to extend their businesses, boosting the economic growth of Việt Nam and the region,” he said.

“I am impressed by Vietnamese culture, cuisine and handicrafts. I believe that Vietnamese enterprises in these fields will gain success in Thailand.”

“I consider Việt Nam a promising market with a vibrant growing economy. I look forward to having more Vietnamese partners at the next fair.”

The fair will run until October 21 at the Bangkok International Trade and Convention Centre (BITEC). VNS