Dear Members,

The publication of this Directory is an important milestone for the Chamber. First and foremost because this “Handbook” sums up the Chamber’s founding dimension: its Member base. In terms of content we are very proud to display 230 members in this 2010 issue, i.e. 31 more (or +15%) than last year. This number is one of the indicators that reflect the size and dynamism of the Franco-Thai business community which the Chamber intends to represent, federate, inform, stimulate and serve the interests of.

Also in this 2010 Directory edition we have the privilege and pleasure to share with you numerous messages of support from high standing French and Thai officials. These messages will also be displayed on the FTTC website and you can access them directly by clicking on the links below. We take that opportunity to thank all these officials for their appreciated and valued support.

Message of His Excellency Mr Viraphand Vacharathit
Ambassador of Thailand to France

Bonjour! Sawasdee krub!

Thailand and France have had long-lasting economic relations since the glorious era of King Narai of Siam at the time of the great period of King Louis XIV. The joint Action Plan signed in 2004 includes all areas of cooperation such as foreign affairs, defence, economic and trade relations, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges and education. This joint Action Plan has reflected the strategic partnership between Thailand and France.
Thailand’s exports towards France are diversified. They include clothes, computers, car parts, gems and jewels, as well as fresh and canned fruits. The Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce is of great help in assisting Thai exporters to enter the French market.
The series of agreements signed in recent years confirms the interest of France for Thailand’s potential of its domestic market, with an economic growth of around 5% annually and a population of 65 million inhabitants. France also counts on its exports capabilities and views the possibility of enlarging its activities to other countries in the region. Indeed, with its ASEAN partners, Thailand forms a free-trade area with a market of more than 570 million inhabitants.
In terms of investments in Thailand, France is the 8th country in the world and the 5th of the European Union. Thai authorities wish to encourage French companies to invest in target industries, such as the maintenance of aircrafts, the car industry, the food packaging sector, environmental technologies, alternative energies, services and the fashion sector. Today, more than 60 big French groups as well as 350 SMEs are represented in Thailand. These figures are likely to increase with the prospect of big investment projects in railways and underground transports, as well as in the energy sector.
The cooperation between the business sectors of our two countries is very strong and the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce has been actively contributing to promote trade relations between France and Thailand.
The Royal Thai Embassy in France would like to take this opportunity to renew its commitment for a fruitful partnership and looks forward to cooperating with the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce towards this endeavour.

Vive la coopération franco-thaïe!

Sincerely yours,
 

H. E. Mr Viraphand Vacharathit

 

It gives me great pleasure to extend my best wishes to the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) and its members on the occasion of the publication of “FTCC Handbook 2010-2011”.  I am confident that it will serve as a valuable source of reference for all who are involved in promoting trade and investment between Thailand and France.

For more than 40 years, the FTCC has played a crucial role in promoting trade and investment between Thailand and France.

I congratulate the FTCC on the many initiatives it has undertaken to improve trade and investment relations between our two countries as well as assisting Thai exporters to enter French market and vice versa through its network around the world.

I had the opportunity to meet with French Minister for Foreign Trade, Anne-Marie Idrac, during her official visit to Thailand last year. We both agreed that there were still enormous potentials for greater development of trade and investment as well as a wide range of other bilateral activities between Thailand and France.

In 2010, the Thai economy is clearly on track for recovery which makes Thailand attractive for investment.  Thailand would no doubt become a dynamic gateway for trade and investment to the region once the ASEAN Economic Community is realized in 2015. I am confident that this government can work hand in hand with the FTCC and its members to strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership between our two countries.

On this occasion, I would like to once again wish the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and all its members every success in their future endeavors.

H.E. Mr. Kiat Sittheeamorn

The Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of France enjoy deep rooted trade ties which have continued to grow over the years. On behalf of the Board of Trade of Thailand and The Thai Chamber of Commerce, we extend our special congratulations to the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Thailand for the publication of  “FTCC Handbook 2010-2011”, a directory of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Over the past decades, Thailand and France have developed a long term relationship of trade and investment. Our bilateral trade has grown appreciably from strength to strength. We recognize that France continues to be one of our close partners in the pursuit of trade and economic development. We are confident that our trade & investment relationship will be expanded more and more in the years to come.

It is certain that this Handbook and Directory will serve as a valuable and useful source of reference for all who are interested in promoting joint cooperative efforts between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of France.


Dusit  Nontanakorn
Chairman

On the occasion of the publication of the “FTCC Handbook 2010-2011”, it gives me great pleasure to offer my congratulations and best wishes to the members of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

For more than four decades the FTCC has worked to strengthen and improve French business interests in Thailand, and has proved to be a valuable partner in the nation’s development.
In fact, France and Thailand enjoy a rich history that dates back as far as the 17th century, when diplomatic missions were first exchanged. And, it was just four years ago that then President Chirac made the first ever visit to Thailand by a French head of state, at which time he stated that “Thailand is a country at the crossroads of China and India, two major emerging powers, and through her role as a forerunner in Asia’s economic boom, her demographic weight, her history, her dynamism and her central role within ASEAN, she is set to become a major partner for France.”

The strong bonds between France and Thailand led to the opening of the Board of Investment’s European office in Paris, and our work together with major French organizations to enhance our business and investment relationships. The BOI has continuously introduced measures aimed at making Thailand a competitive investment location. In 2009, the confidence of French investors in Thailand was reflected in the 660 million baht worth of applications they submitted to the Board of Investment for promotion, and the trend for 2010 seems to remain positive.

The Thailand Board of Investment looks forward to continuing the strong and friendly relationship that we have enjoyed with the FTCC and to working towards the benefit of both Thailand its members. I am confident that just as 2009 saw record applications submitted to BOI, so too the current year will reflect the inherent strength and benefits that has made Thailand one of the best places for investment.

I would like to reiterate my best wishes for the continued success of the FTCC.


Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang
Secretary General

Historically, the French Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand have enjoyed deep-rooted ties that have continued to flourish over the years. Among the countries of the European Union, the French Republic has always been one of Thailand’s prominent trading partners. However, I am convinced that there is still enormous potential for greater development of trade and investment as well as a wide range of other bilateral activities that can help to enhance future relationship between both countries.

In this regard, I believe that the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) can play a crucial role in facilitating such developments. During the past 44 years, the FTCC and its activities have helped to promote better understanding between the Thai and French peoples. It is, therefore, my hope that the FTCC and its members will continue with their good works in helping to strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

On the occasion of the publication of “FTCC Handbook 2010-2011”, I hope the publication will help foster the Thai-French trade relationships and also serve as a medium to enhance its activities and achievements for the government agencies and the business communities both in Thailand and France. On behalf of the Federation of Thai Industries, I would like to extend my best wishes to the FTCC for continued success in the future endeavors. I am certain that this Handbook will be of utmost value to the business community of the two countries.


Payungsak Chartsutipol
Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries

As we enter 2010, I am pleased to report that the FTCC continues to strengthen its position as a leading Chamber of Commerce.

Evident of the Chamber’s continuing growth and development are its increase in membership and addition of new services.

Already increased by 15% compared to 2009, membership in the FTCC is sure to continue to grow under the direction of Mr. Emmanuel Cibla, the Chamber’s new Director, and his team.

Significantly, the Chamber has begun to develop its services on two fronts.

First is the creation of several Committees and working groups to better serve our members’ interests.  Industry-specific Committees recently created include the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) Committee, the Human Resources Committee and the Tourism Committee. Notable among the new Committees is the Thai Business Relationship Committee, created specifically to focus on the FTCC’s Thai members’ needs and on building contacts with Thai authorities.

Second is the development of stronger institutional relationships so that the Chamber can better serve its members. The Chamber continues to work in close contact with Thai and French authorities and with the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce (JFCCT). The Chamber is particularly thankful to Ubifrance, to the French Embassy and to the Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE) for their ongoing support and collaboration.

I believe our membership reflects the diversity and richness of the Franco-Thai Business community. This 2010-2011 FTCC Handbook is published to celebrate that diversity and to help member companies increase exposure in the community.

Another highlight of 2010 will be the launch of a new FTCC print magazine – another channel to keep members updated on the Chamber’s and each other’s developments throughout the year.

On behalf of the FTCC Board of Directors, I thank you for your continued support to the Chamber and wish you every success in 2010.


Franck Fougere
FTCC President

The publication of this Directory is an important milestone for the Chamber. First and foremost because this “Handbook” sums up the Chamber’s founding dimension: its Member base.

In terms of content we are very proud to display 230 members as of early April, i.e. 30 more (or +15%) than last year at the same period; and we are sure that a number of other companies will continue joining us throughout 2010. This number of members is only one of the indicators of the Chamber’s performance obviously but it is an important one. It reflects the size and dynamism of the Franco-Thai business community which the Chamber intends to represent, federate, inform, stimulate and serve the interests of.

In terms of format, we are following the path initiated last year with a well-designed full-color hand-book which has drawn positive feed-back from a lot of you. This classy publication is made possible thanks to the special support of our Premium Members and Advertising Members, to whom we extend our gratitude. In return, this makes this Directory a very attractive and efficient tool to promote our Franco-Thai business community in general and our Member companies in particular, both in Thailand and abroad (France and other Chambers in Asia), where the hand-book is distributed.

2010 is a year where we intend to consolidate our Chamber as a solid and professional platform, with a team that combines innovation and experience. And I would like to take that opportunity to thank our operational team which, I can assure you, is truly and fully dedicated to serve our Members and our Chamber, working long hours and sometimes week-ends, to meet and exceed your expectations.
 
Thank you all for your trust and support.

Emmanuel CIBLA