Thai-UK Business Infrastructure through BCCT

Simon LandyVice Chairman, BCCT

Executive Chairman, Colliers International Thailand

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THAILAND (BCCT)www.bccthai.com

- Founded 1946:- first foreign chamber in Thailand- first British chamber in Asia

- 530+ corporate members and 100 events per year

- Mission statement: "To serve the needs and promote the development of British business in Thailand and as ‘Partners in Progress’ contribute directly to Thailand’s economic advancement”

UKTI/BCCT OVERSEAS BUSINESS NETWORK PROJECT

- UK government initiative to expand trade – outsourcing UKTI services to British Chambers

- Launched 2013 in 20 countries – Thailand in the front line

- Services include:- market entry advice / research- “launchpad”- webinars- trade mission support, etc

- Launch of British Business Centre 10 February 2014

OSMEP & UKTI MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

- Objectives: - develop SMEs in both Thailand and UK- facilitate Thai/UK SME collaboration and exchanges

- Activities:- Sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practice- Match-making in Thailand and UK + training

workshops, seminars and conferences

- BCCT is delivery partner – Action Plan launched in 2014

- MOU signed by British and Thai Ministers in May 2013

BCCT ALUMNI PROGRAMME

- Launched 2012

- Objective: to connect Thai students in UK (5,000+) with BCCT member companies in Thailand for internships or employment

- Main vehicle – page on BCCT website

- First BCCT Career Fair in UK at Samaggi Samakhom Sports Day in Manchester in February 2013

- BCCT Chairman and ED met students with Thai Ambassador in London in October 2013

BCCT UK GROUP

- Established 2011

- UK Group Chair (Steve Buckley) also Vice Chair of Anglo-Thai Society

- Objective: to utilise the knowledge of executives and diplomats returning to UK from postings in Thailand

- Ensures that BCCT is represented at Thailand business events in UK

- Acts as a forum to discuss Thailand business issues in UK linking with Royal Thai Embassy in London, Asia House and D Group

ANGLO-THAI SOCIETY (ATS)

- Founded 1962 to help promote good relations between the UK and Thailand

- Around 300 members

- Organises events and activities, including:- Summer Reception at the House of Lords in June- Educational Awards at the Oriental Club in November

- ATS representative in Thailand is BCCT Executive Director

BCCT ALUMNI PROGRAMME

- Launched 2012

- Objective: to connect Thai students in UK (5,000+) with BCCT member companies in Thailand for internships or employment

- Main vehicle – page on BCCT website

- First BCCT Career Fair in UK at Samaggi Samakhom Sports Day in Manchester in February 2013

- BCCT Chairman and ED met students with Thai Ambassador in London in October 2013

ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS (APPG)

- Thailand group chaired by Roger Godsiff MP. Purpose: - improve links between the British and Thai parliaments- encourage deeper understanding of cultures- promote bilateral trade

- ASEAN group founded by Mike Weatherley MP in 2013

- Platform in Parliament to promote British business overseas and Thai/ASEAN interests in the UK

- Hosts Thai/ASEAN business and political delegations in Parliament when they come to London

SOME KEY EVENTS IN UK 2014

- 1st April – Parliament, London – APPG ASEAN briefing by BCCT and ASEAN Britchams

- 2nd April - British Expertise, London – briefing by BCCT ED- 7th-10th April – UK ASEAN Business Council (UKABC)

Roadshow to Leeds, Cambridge, Leicester and Birmingham- May or June tbc – BOI events in UK- 17th July – International Festival of Business, Liverpool

(South East Asia event)- October – British Chambers of Commerce International

Trade Conference- October or November – UKABC Roadshow- plus other BCCT-initiated events to be scheduled

UK MISSIONS TO THAILAND 2014

- 13-14 March - Smart Cities:Smart Living mission

- 24-25 March – Automotive trade mission, Bangkok and Eastern Seaboard

- 21-25 May – Yorkshire & Humber trade mission to Thaifex (food & drink companies). There will also be a stand at Thaifex for Scottish companies

- plus other events to be scheduled

Thank you for your attention