INFORMA Jan-Mar 2014

A BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF THAI – ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARCH 2014

“Going beyond beauty”

The Cosmetics Industry in Thailand

President's Message

Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce PRESIDENT Mr. Giacomo Mauri – River of East-West Harmony Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 81 814 5160 VICE PRESIDENT Ms. Tiziana Sucharitkul – Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd. Tel: +66 2 653 5555 Fax: +66 2 653 5678 HONORARY TREASURER Mr. Chakrit Benedetti - Italasia Electro Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 7990-9 Fax: +66 2 261 8700 DIRECTORS Fr. Giovanni Contarin – Camillian Hospital Tel: +66 2 185 1444 Fax: +66 2 185 1403

Giacomo Mauri President Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Paolo Tavolato – TMF (Thailand) Ltd. Tel: +66 2 613 4900 Fax: +66 2 613 4999 Mr. Sawang Pracharktam – Thai Optical Group Plc. Tel: +66 2 440 0506-8 Fax: +66 2 440 0509 Mr. Yongyudh Teeravithayapinyo – Jewelry Network Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 610 9378-9 Fax: +66 2 610 9379 Mr. Rene Okanovic – Berli Jucker Public Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 381 4541 Mr. Pierre Nicou – Eurofood – The Commercial Company of Siam Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 0245 Fax: +66 2 261 0243 Mr. Luca Vianelli – MDA Consulting SEA Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 652 2447 Fax: +66 2 652 2448 Mr. Romeo Romei – Quick Pack Pacific Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 531 6425 Mr. Federico Cardini – F. Infinity Chalon Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 207 8614 Fax: +66 2 207 2626 Dr. Francesco Pensato – WorldPharma Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 7 6 263 923 Fax: +66 7 6 367 153 Mr. Andrea Gallucci – DIGITHAI Software Group Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 610 3925 Mr. Sandro Zanello – Savino Del Bene (Thailand) Ltd. Tel: +66 2 714 3700-3 Fax: +66 2 714 3515 SECRETARY GENERAL Mr. Giovanni Quaratesi Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce.

1126/2 Vanit Building II, Room 1601B 16th Floor, New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, Bangkok Tel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: secretarygeneral@thaitch.org

The Informa is the magazine of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, covering all business activities and social news of interest to the members of the Thai-Italian community and others active in the expanding ThaiItalian bilateral relations.

EDITOR: Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Tel: +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: info@thaitch.org EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Chairman: Mr. Sandro Zanello Directors: Mr. Giacomo Mauri Mr. Sawang Pracharktham Secretary General: Mr. Giovanni Quaratesi Italian Embassy Representative: Ms. Somsri Pobpipugtra Scand-Media Representative: Mr. Gregers Moller TICC Staff: Mr. Michele Tomea Trade Manager Ms. Panizara Khabuz Marketing and Pr Executive Ms. Siriwan Sanchumchuen Membership Executive Ms. Wijit Wijit Sanboriboonsuk Accounting Executive PUBLISHER: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch, Prasert-Manukitch Road, Chorakaebua, Ladprao, Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom / Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com ADVERTISING CONTACT: Advertising Contact: Ms. Karittha Sopitthip (Miù) Marketing and Pr Executive Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Tel: +66 2 255 8695 Ext: 103 Fax: +66 2 253 9896 E-mail: pr@thaitch.org www.thaitch.org Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 943 7166 Ext: 116 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Mobile: +66 81 866 2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com - www.scandmedia.com

Dear Members and Friends, This is the first issue of INFORMA for 2014, a good opportunity for me to wish you a very happy and prosperous year. From the perspective of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), I look forward to a year of added activities to strengthen members interaction and increase business involving Italy and Thailand.

To gracefully start the year, we have decided to color this issue with the beauty of the Thai cosmetics industry. The Thai market is offering excellent growth opportunities to cosmetic companies from Italy and Thailand, and from other countries. This issue reports facts and figures on the Thai cosmetics market, including past performance and future outlook. In addition, it deals with intellectual property and related legal issues, topics that you should find useful. It also presents opportunities for TICC members to attend international fairs.

With the arrival of H.E. Francesco S. Nisio as new Italian ambassador in 2013, TICC is seeing a renewed involvement of the Embassy of Italy in the promotion of trade and investments by Italian enterprises in Thailand and Thai companies in Italy, particularly regarding larger business enterprises. TICC enthusiastically welcomes the opportunity to be part of this effort that also involves the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Among several projects planned for 2014, I would like to highlight the continuation of “Ospitalità Italiana”, a very successful worldwide initiative that recognizes Italian restaurant that prove to offer absolutely genuine and high quality Italian food and service. Your active participation and frank feed-back on this and all other activities continues to be the key to TICC’s success. I will be more than happy to welcome you at all events and to hear your advice for further improvement.

Arrivederci, Giacomo Mauri President

Contents 6

Overview: “Going beyond beauty” Cosmetics Estate Market in Thailand: Past, Present, Future

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Chankapho Company Limited Exclusive Interview with Saowanee Toh-sawat, President

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Business Focus Intellectual Property in Cosmetics Industry

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The Embassy of Italy Art Connects Thai and Italian Spas

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Business Opportunity Fiera Milano: Opportunity to Beauty & Care 2014 in Turkey

14

Business Opportunity The New Italian Technology and Best Practices in Agricultural Mechanization and Quality Management in Agri-food

15

Business Opportunity The New Faces of Dante Alighieri, Bangkok

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Legal Issue Want to Make It in the Thai Makeup Market?

– An Attractive Legal Overview

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Phuket Committee The Dante Alighieri Association Opens in Phuket

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Eastern Seaboard Committee Essential Insurance in Eastern Seaboard of Thailand

22

Ospitalità Italiana Cheese: Back to Basics

23

TICC Events Achieved Events

25

TICC Members Area

28

TICC Fairs & Upcoming Events

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BUSINESS FOCUS

The Cosmetics Industry in Thailand

T

he Cosmetic Market in Thailand is expected to grow at a rate of 3% per year until 2017. With 17.5 Million Baht (420 thousand Euros) spent for beauty care within 2012 in Thailand, the spending forecast rates more than 20 Million Baht(480 thousand Euros) by 2017. Thais pay much attention to the appearance care, as consequence of some environmental factors, as the continuous heat and pollution, which increase the body care products demand.

Furthermore, cosmetics sector is increasing even towards male sex, especially regarding the skin care. The outward look has become an important factor for both business and personal life, the demand of cosmetic services has grown and, as a result, the cosmetic market of beauty for clinics and hospitals is in expansion.

According to the recent report "The Future of the Skincare Market in Thailand to 2017", in terms of growth per category, Facial Care is the largest sector, followed by Body Care. Also, the fast-growing segment of hair removal is expected to increase of 4% between 2013 and 2017.

Many leading brands have begun to provide a special line for the treatment of acne, a frequent problem among the Thai population.

In agreement with a recent financial report, carried out by the renowned leader of L'Oreal cosmetics world, 60% of young men in Thailand are worried about acne problems and oily skin, and more than 70% of them, aged between 15 and 24 years, use facial cleansers. Sometimes acne treatment products are offered in multi packs, such as cleansers, moisturizers and pore minimizers. These kinds of products have become much more competitive

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BUSINESS FOCUS

The table below shows the percentages and a sample of products exported from Thailand.

as a result of the increasing number of clinics for skin care in Bangkok and other provinces.

Over the next five years, products for body care will increase enormously, especially products for face care and acne treatments. Moreover, the acne treatment products affordable for the majority of the population. Thai tropical plants, famous for their pharmaceutical and cosmetic properties, are becoming the main raw materials for the industrial production of anti-aging skin cosmetics, being an inexhaustible source for industry. The use of herbs in Southeast Asia brings European brands to launch new products made by these Asian herbs. The latest research

by Mintel, reveals a great opportunity for Thais producers to use these local products, then selling both within their own country and outside

Cosmetics productions In Thailand, the production of cosmetics is one of the biggest in the world. In the first seven months of 2013, sale of products related to skin care specialist shops in Thailand has reached 103.5 million Euros. Products for skin and hair are the most publicized in Thai media, especially with regard to anti-aging, skin whitening products and UV protection.

The notion of "beauty" is closely linked to the

Thai culture, appearance visible from the 25% growth compared to 2012 for the sale and distribution of cosmetics. One reason for the growth of the Thai producers is the high taxation of producers and importers from abroad.

Cosmetics information and purchasing From a survey on a sample of 200 Thai people between 20 and 35 years old, people purchase cosmetics for the 53% in malls, followed by 36% of individual shops, 15% in pharmacies and 8% Internet and in duty-free.

76.5% of Thai people looks for information on the products on the Internet and then buy them in stores, while 24.5% buy the same products directly on the websites. The most popular way of information for Thais is still media paper (79%), TV (64%) and thanks to friends (58 %).

Regarding the sale of foreign cosmetics, there is a greater distrust on the part of the population, given the high cost more than the cosmetics of local production; the purchase of foreign products is still largely done when the price is discounted. L'Oreal, despite the particularly aggressive taxation, however, has achieved market leadership with regard to the sale of skin care products, having sold during 2012

about 18% of the total of the entire national market. In 2012 in Thailand were imported cosmetics for about 103 million Euros and the situation has remained unchanged over the last three years. The forecasts do not vary even for the expected imports until 2016. The reason why the situation remains stable is because of the high tariffs and protectionism.

Import and export About 103 million Euros of cosmetics were imported in Thailand in 2012 and the situation has not changed over the last three years. The forecasts do not vary even for the expected imports until 2016. The reason why the situation remains stable is given in part by high tariffs and protectionism by the strong Thai politics to their own businesses. Within ASEAN (Association of South East Asian countries), Thailand is the country that exports most cosmetics, with over 760 companies and 220,000 employees involved. Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia are the main buyers of Thai cosmetics, and represent 53.77% of the value of imports of cosmetics. The most exported products are soap bars, facial and skin care products and raw materials for cosmetics.

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INTERVIEW

The legendary value of Thai scents in Beauty Care industry An interview with Ms. Saowanee Toh-sawat, President of Chankapho Co., Ltd.

TICC had an opportunity to Interview the President of Chankapho Co., Ltd., Ms. Saowanee Toh-sawat, about her experience in beauty care and herbal products in Thai and foreign markets.

“In August 2013, Chankapho Co., Ltd. was born officially.

“Chankapho” is the name of Thai flower with fine and unique scent which represents well our fragrant products and uniqueness of Thailand. Though the company has just established, we have been in cosmetics and beauty care for 13 years. There are 15 employees working in the office and small plant. The product lines cover skin care, spa products, and herbal products. Our hard work paid off once our products received the OTOP 5 Star Award in 2012 and Petchburi’s Excellence Award in 2013.”

Could you give us background about Chankapho Co., Ltd.? What is your strength compared to the others?

Prior to the establishment of Chankapho Co., Ltd., I was a Marketing Manager in a private company in Bangkok and moved to Tambon Rai-Som, Petchburi. I began to help “Rai-Som Herbal Community Group” to focus more on marketing. They were guided to offer the products that serve the customers’ needs. The interesting part is the integration between the traditional production descended from previous generations for a small consumption and new technology in order to sell in a bigger scale. The products are full with quality and functional properties. The important things we need to improve are the standards and packaging to meet the customers’ expectations.

In August 2013, Chankapho Co., Ltd. was born officially. “Chankapho” is the name of Thai flower with fine and unique scent which represents well our fragrant products and uniqueness of Thailand. Though the company has just established, we have been in cosmetics and beauty care for 13 years. There are 15 employees working in the office and small plant. The product lines cover skin 8

care, spa products, and herbal products.

Our hard work paid off once our products received the OTOP 5 Star Award in 2012 and Petchburi’s Excellence Award in 2013.

Most of our products use the least amount of chemical components which is considered as our strength. Main ingredients used are the extracts from tropical flowers such as Chankapho (Resk Puteh Keruing or Resak), Peep (Indian Cork Tree), Rajawadee (Butterfly Bush, Byttneria or Summer Lilac), Mali (Jasmine) and Moke (Wrightia religiosa Benth). We grow the flowers ourselves in organic way and the ingredients are verified by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Some ingredients are sent to Naresuan University for further research. We try to adapt new technology and seek for innovative production. Despite the small size of the plant, all containers and packages are monitored carefully. Antibiotics are used to clean the containers before putting the cream in.

Does your company have your own product lines? If so, who is your customer? If not, to whom you are the manufacturer for?

INTERVIEW We manufacture and merchandise our own products both wholesale and retail to 30 provinces in Thailand such as Doi-Kham Shop, souvenir shops, beauty & herbal shops. The company also participates in trade fairs from time to time.

Our target market is the people from middle and upper classes. At the moment the biggest clients are working women.

The average prices are higher than other brands in the same level. Nonetheless, compared to imported brands, our range of prices is reasonable and affordable.

As there are several items contacting the skin directly, the product formulas are under great supervision of Dr. Samran Toh-sawat (Pharm. D.), my father.

Furthermore, I also took a course about Thai Traditional Medicine organised by Thailand’s Ministry of Health. We are also an OEM and ready to customize the products according to the purchasing orders. We have received attentions from some well-renowned companies in Thailand and signed MOUs with CP All (7-11) FlyNow and King Power.

Which types of products are in greatest demands?

The popular products are Herbal Conditioning Spray, an anti-allergen spray, and Thai Blossom Perfume, deodorant powder which is distilled from Alum with over 1,000 degrees Celsius. We are giving more attention to skin care like essential oil for spa, face cleansing gel, extracted silk protein plus collagen soap, and herbal shampoo for hair fall control.

Will the opening of the AEC market affect your business? Do you have plans to broaden your market, when?

I think the official opening of AEC between ASEAN countries in 2015 is a good opportunity for the cosmetics and beauty business. Thanks to the regulations revision by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), exporting cosmetics becomes more convenient. Despite intense competition due to the borderless trade, it will be a great chance for us to expand the market as well. Competitors in this region are Indonesia and the Philippines.

In addition, foreign investors looking for a production base in Thailand can become our customers too.

Hopefully, with the opening of AEC we will be able to get more customers.

How do you see the behaviors of customer?

With pollutions and artificial materials nowadays, apparently the world is looking for something non-chemical and turning to something more organic and natural that does not leave residues or cause allergies to the skin or body in the long run. They also pay more attention to antiaging and nonsurgical face-lift products.

To serve personal tastes with different skin conditions may be difficult, but once they find the perfect match they will be with you forever.

We observe and do some researches in products and herbs that people are interested in and propose the idea to the customers. Then we will customize the products according to their preference.

What is your forecast about cosmetics market? What is your long-termed plan?

From the information given by Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association, a recent overview of the cosmetics industry in Thailand continues to improve steadily,

but entrepreneurs who are just starting to penetrate the international market may find a slow progress due to the political situation recently. The number of cosmetics and beauty care products exported to ASEAN countries is equal to 37%, Japan 30 %, Europe and Australia 5 % and other countries 26 %. China is also a huge market that attracts investors in various industries. The export to China is growing especially the herbal cosmetics. The income from cosmetics industry represents 2.2 % of GDP. Moreover, the report from the Department of Agriculture indicates that the global demand for herbs and herbal products, especially cosmetics and supplements, are increasing consistently. The summary of herbal cosmetics’ consumption and export value from Thailand is worth 180,000 million Baht, while herbal spa product is about 10,000 million Baht.

This is a good sign showing that there is still a room for us, Thai entrepreneurs and involved parties such as agriculturists and their communities, to grow.

My plan is to work more on our product design, as well as improve English of the team for the opening of AEC and to explore new opportunities in global market. Besides, we already have the website but I would like to create a stronger online engagement with the customers.

What do you expect from the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce?

We hope that TICC will help us promote the company and products, introduce us to both domestic and international markets and exchange ideas and perspectives in beauty care business.

For more information about Chankapho Co., Ltd., please contact Saowanee Toh-sawat President Chankapho Co., Ltd. 106/14 Moo 1, Raisom, Muang, Petchburi 76000 Tel: (66) 3240-1537, (66) 8-9548-7277 Website: www.chankapho.com

Now we have purchasing orders from Myanmar, Nigeria, Spain and Singapore.

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Intellectual Property in Cosmetics Industry I

ntellectual Property Rights are enforceable rights over the use of inventions and creative works; they consist in the right to exclude others from their use. Enforcement and protection of IPR are essential to all aspects of business, and they help companies to prevent against infringers profiting from their innovation, ideas and brands. An efficient IPR strategy can prevent IPR related issues and also be effective in case of an infringement; it includes registering, protecting rights, monitoring industry trade fairs, developing a well-timed and proportionate warning letter campaign, initiating selective civil actions and recording rights with Thai customs.

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IPR have to be asserted in each country because they are territorial. It is recommended to register the IPR assets in the country before entering the market, because IPR are not recognised across all of ten countries of ASEAN. The best ways to prevent IPR-related issues is to use a layered, holistic IPR protection strategy, like registration of registrable rights and other methods such as contractual protection and internal security measures. There are four categories of IP rights: Copyrights, Trade Marks, Patents and Trade Secrets.

Copyright is provided for written, artistic, cinematographic, audio-visual, architectural and photographic works; Trade Mark is

a sign that identifies goods and services of a company, helping the costumers to distinguish one producer from another. The registration consists in filling an application at the national administrative office of respective ASEAN countries or at the World Intellectual Property Organisation; Patents are rights granted to the inventor of a product for a limited amount of time. There are many patent systems across the ASEAN, they concern the field of technology and the field of design; Trade Secret is non registrable form of IPR that allow companies to ensure their business advantage over their competitors, because it enjoys an infinite term.

The growth of the Thai cosmetics market shows no signs of abating, but companies are starting to face the problem of fake products. Cosmetic products, as high brands fashion products, are affected by low-cost copies of products being imported into Thailand and sold through all the daily markets of the country. More and more fake cosmetics are entering the market and for defend against these threats; companies have to invest on an Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy.

As consequence, IP law is getting widely a central topic also for cosmetics industries which have to protect their trade marks and patents from competitors copying.

Cosmetics Company can acquire rights

to the trademark by filing an "intent-to-use" trademark registration application with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property as long as someone else hasn't actually started using the trademark.

To be registered, the trademark sign must be distinctive (i.e. neither generic nor descriptive of the designated products or services), non-deceptive (as to the proprietorship or origin of the goods or services), and available (not identical with or similar to prior trade marks filed by a third party). This protection lasts for 10 years from the filing date in Thailand, with the option to indefinitely extend for consecutive 10 years periods, subject to timely application for renewal.

In addition, cosmetic products often involve “formulation chemistr y,” which is the chemistry of combining various compounds with different functions to achieve an overall desired effect. This contrasts with “new molecule” chemistry in which patent protection is sought for new chemical species, such as in the case of typical pharmaceutical patents. In many or most cases, a new cosmetic compound will be formulated from a variety of different ingredients, all of which are individually known but which collectively are believed to provide a superior product. In such cases, you can expect Thai Department of Intellectual Property examiners to look for prior art that shows the individual ingredients and to reject your patent application on the grounds that “it would have been obvious” to combine them to obtain your new formulation.

Summarizing all, IP rights are fundamental instruments for protecting our products from competitors copying and they have to be well known by every company, especially by cosmetics ones, which can face unsafe copied products entered in market because of their unfair competitors.

Sources: Asean IPR SME Helpdesk 2013 Asean IPR SME Helpdesk website www.asean-iprhelpdesk.eu/ World Intellectual Property Organisation www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html www.ipthailand.go.th/ipthailand/index.php

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CULTURE

Art Connects Thai and Italian Spas Galileo Chini,a link between the two countries

T

hinking about Italy, the thought of beauty comes along. Italy is well known all around the world for its fine art, which is essential part of Italian culture. Back in the times, various cultures came across Italian Art generating beautiful results.

At the beginning of the past century, Thai and Italian artists started to exchange influences also with amazing results.

Several Italians: architects, painters, sculptors, engineers, potters, have been invited in Thailand

by King Rama V to build palaces, create sculpture and paintings. One of them was a ceramist and painter named Galileo Chini, born in Florence in 1873.

When Galileo Chini was in Italy, he started his experience as ceramist in a small factory that became quickly very successful both in Italy and abroad for its artistic quality products. He was in Thailand from 1911 to 1914, where he did contribute at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok with paintings depicting the history of the Chakri Dynasty, from the first to the sixth reign. The King Rama V had a predilection for Italian artists, he went in Italy twice, and the second time in 1907 was in Venice at the Biennial of Art Exhibition. Here he felt in love with Chini’s paintings and invited him to decorate the Throne Hall.

The link between Italians and Thais goes above arts; in fact both of them love to take care of their bodies relaxing in a spa. Italy is certainly one of the countries with the greatest number of spas (more than 350, of which almost 50% located in Northern Italy), with a tradition originated ancient ages. The first thermal bath, called terme in Italian, date back to the ancient Romans (first terme was build on I sec B.C.), who discovered the health benefits of terme; the population at that time used spa as a resting, socialization and wellness center. The

popular and fashionable with foreign tourists and expatriates, but the Thais are also enjoying this new alternative therapy, one which is often ideal to ensure a smooth natural balance.

spa tourism, as modern phenomenon, sees the birth of luxury spas and hotels.

Traditionally, spas area was reserved for aged people or those in need of spa treatment, but today the spa tourism is a choice made by all social stratus and corresponds to a good part of the entire tourist movement in Italy. The most famous Italian terme are in Montecatini, Saturnia, Abano, Salsomaggiore, Sirmione, Boario and Bormio.

Nowadays spas are well known and present all around the world and offer not only thermal bath, but also other services, like massages, sauna, Turkish bath, all finalized to take care of body and mental health and harmony.

Thailand has emerged as the spa capital of Asia in the past couple of decades, drawing on its rich tradition of homegrown remedies and herbal medicine, the country has tapped into these folk traditions to build a vibrant, modern spa industry. Not only are spas

Thailand’s prominence in the spa industry has been confirmed repeatedly by numerous awards during the past five years, for 20122013, Thailand received the “Best Spa Destination (Asia),” Reader’s choice Award from readers of AsiaSpa India Magazine, India’s most popular spa and wellness industry magazine. As of February 2011, there were 1,463 registered spas, health shops, and other beauty facilities with certificated from the Public Health Ministry of Thailand as of February 2011. Of these, 454 are spas, although there are also many small, unrecognized spas throughout Thailand. The most famous are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Phuket.

The traditional Thai massage is the most popular service offered in spas in Thailand.

The claimed benefits of Thai massage are many, including the relief of physical and emotional tension, ameliorated sleep, improved flexibility, a greater awareness of body and mind, and a release of blocked energy.

A symbolic union between Thai and Italian love for wellness can be found in the decorative ceramics made by Galileo Chini at the “Terme of Salsomaggiore” in Italy, drawn with the Thai inspiration for their exotic and elegant motifs.

Rachele Maria Maezza Representative, Ca’ Foscari Desk Bangkok Vanit Building II, 16th Fl, Suite 1601B, 1126/2 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand E-mail: cafoscaridesk_thailand@thaitch.org

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Fiera Milano: Opportunity to “Beauty & Care 2014” in Turkey The Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) has signed an agreement to be Fiera Milano’s representative in order to promote some selected fairs.

F

iera Milano lnterteks is a joint venture partnership merged between Fiera Milano, one of the leading trade fair organisers in Europe, and lnterteks, the most long standing company in the exhibitions sector of Turkey.

Since 3 August 2012, Fiera Milano lnterteks is responsible for the sales in all exhibitions in Fiera Milano’s network covering Italy, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, China, India and Singapore as well as all trade fairs in Turkey.

importers, wholesalers, dermatologists, estheticians, hairdressers, make-up

In November 2014, Fiera Milano Interteks is organising the 24th Beauty & Care 2014, the trade fair in Ankara, Turkey. It is an international B2B trade fair about cosmetic products, perfumery, professional hair products, coiffeur equipment and spa-wellness-fitness products with the objective to encourage and strengthen the commercial connection between Europe meets Asia The event will gather several leading companies and important world brands with their latest technologies & products and attract thousands of visitors.

This international trade fair provides global exposure to Thai companies with an overall 3,480-square-metre space and 291 brands joining the exhibition. As the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) is an official representative for Fiera Milano, TICC is able to set up a pavilion for the members exhibiting in group.

Beauty and Care 2014 Fair

The activities in the event are such as the 4-day shows from the most known Italian hair designers in the “meeting points” area and the Make-Up Championship which is the make-up competition under the “CAT WALK” theme. The winner will

Organised by:

Beauty & Care 2014 brings together new entrepreneurs and sector professionals like

artists & leader sector companies looking for new markets and features on Beauty & Care Equipment and Products, Hair Care Equipments and Products, Professional Nail Equipment & Hand-Foot Care, Cosmetics and Selective Perfurmery and SPA, Wellness and Fitness Equipment and Products.

participate in the competition in Europe.

For more information about business opportunity in Beauty & Care 2014, please contact Mr. Michele Tomea, Trade Manager of the ThaiItalian Chamber of Commerce at 02 255 8695 ext 104 trade@thaitch.org.

Event information:

Date:

30 October – 2 November 2014

Ve n u e : C o n g r e s i u m A n k a r a , AT O Internationale Convention & Exhibition Center, Ankara, Turkey Website: beautyandcare2014.com

For more information, please contact Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC)

Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Vanit Building II, 16th Fl, Suite 1601B, 1126/2 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Tel: 02 255 8695 ext 104 E-mail: trade@thaitch.org www.thaitch.org

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

“The new Italian technology and best practices in agricultural mechanization and Quality Management in Agri-food” The seminar on Agricultural Mechanization in Myanmar

Mr.Fabio De Cillis, Italian Trade Commissioner with Executives of UMFCCI (the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry),the Italian speakers Mr.Davide Gnesini and Mr.Umberto Trulli with participants.

O

n March 28th, the Bangkok office of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) that has jurisdiction even on Myanmar - will jointly organize with the Embassy of Italy in Yangon and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) the Seminar on Agricultural Mechanization in Myanmar: “The new Italian technology and best practices in agricultural mechanization and Quality Management in Agri-food”.

The Italian technology in Agricultural, Agri-business and food sectors is renowned worldwide for its innovation, high quality and unique capability to provide personalized solutions that can meet any specific requirement. This seminar will feature an overview of Italian state-of-the-art technology in agricultural mechanization, Quality Management in

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Agri-food and its potential applications in Myanmar.

The participants will be given the possibility to learn and experience many best practices and know-how in agricultural mechanization; furthermore, they will have the chance to have an overview on the great opportunities that a wide range of technological applications in agriculture can give, through the presentation of some practical case studies.

This is the first time that the Italian Trade Agency organizes an event in Yangon; the newly opened market is growing very fast and the chances for foreign investments are concrete. This seminar represents the beginning of a series of activities that will be implemented in the near future, aiming to support the development of the Country and strengthen the cooperation between Italy and Myanmar.

For more information, please contact Italian Trade Commission Bangkok Agenzia per la promozione all’estero e l’internazionalizzazione delle imprese italiane Ufficio di Bangkok Bangkok Office 14/B Floor, Bubhajit Bldg., 20 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand T: +662 6338491-3 F: +662 6338494 E: bangkok@ice.it W: www.italtrade.com

DANTE ALIGHIERI

The new faces of Dante Alighieri, Bangkok The Italian community in Bangkok is adding new faces every year, and so is the local branch of Dante Alighieri. The Italian cultural association has recently appointed at its helm Maria Flora Di Matteo, a jovial native of Abruzzo region who joined “La Dante Bangkok” last year and distinguished herself for the passion and vitality she brought to the organisation.

S

ignora Di Matteo, who prefers to be called “Floriana”, took the place of former president Alessandro Ursic, with whom during last year she formed a tight-knit team that aimed to build up a solid base of members and to broaden the scope of activities offered by La Dante. Ursic was asked by the new president to remain active as her deputy, and the committee of the association has been expanded to a total of 13 members.

Di Matteo has lived in Bangkok for 9 years, but since 1989 she has visited Thailand regularly. An art entrepreneur who used to organise exhibitions throughout Italy, she now works part-time as an interior designer but is dedicating more and more time and energy to La Dante, and has talked tens of friends and acquaintances into joining as members.

“There is a lot of potential for our association”, she says. “The end goal would be linking up with other Dante Alighieri branches in Asia, and be able to cooperate together on some events”.

Meanwhile, the new president has already scored a few successes, managing to launch some initiatives who were long in the planning.

“From March 26, every last Wednesday of the month we’ll be showing a selection of Italian movies at the Italian Embassy (All Seasons Place, 40th floor, 6.30 pm). All movies are subtitled in English, thus everyone can enjoy the show. We decided to choose recent films, of which there are many. Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Great Beauty” has just been awarded the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Movie”, says Di Matteo.

Another newly-inaugurated initiative celebrates Italian excellence in the kitchen. In January, La Dante started offering cooking classes on Saturday mornings at “Pizzeria Da Luigi”, in Sukhumvit Soi 25. Lessons were an instant success: 15 students had the opportunity of savouring the delicious food prepared by themselves, being taught and entertained by chef Pierluigi Melidoro.

“It’s an opportunity to experience the culinary art of a country famous and appreciated for the authentic tastes of its gastronomic tradition, which contributes in making Italy one of the most attractive holiday destinations”, explains Di Matteo. “We aim to teach a style of cooking which incorporates the secrets of Italian mothers, simple but tasty”.

La Dante Bangkok plans to keep offering its well-established language courses for adults, in collaboration with the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC). Di Matteo - who in the past taught Italian to children for the association strongly intends to relaunch the courses for kids, who were discontinued in the past years due to the lack of qualified teachers in Thailand.

“The teaching of Italian is our flagship”, says the new president.

Another project that Di Matteo took to heart is the “Italian Library”. After collecting over a hundred books, La Dante Bangkok will soon start a service of book lending in a dedicated place at TICC. “We intend to leave a window on Italian culture and quality always open, and as Italian who have left our country we have a personal responsibility in keeping the cultural flame alive wherever we live abroad”, she adds.

The increased number of activities in La Dante’s calendar include also cultural events in the evenings, which the association tries to organise on a monthly basis (the dates are announced on their website, www. ladantebangkok.com). “We are proud of our social dinners, where members and friends have the opportunity to stay together and express new ideas”, says Di Matteo. In the past

year, La Dante has invited Italian musicians to perform in exquisite dinners with some of the best Italian food in Bangkok.

Di Matteo is determined to set up other activities, including a course of Italian diction, and possibly a group trip to Sicily after the summer. “I’m confident that 2014 is going to be a great year for us, and it has already started on the right path”, concludes the newlyelected president.

For more information, please contact

Dante Alighieri Association Vanit Building II, 16th Fl, Suite 1601B, 1126/2 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand E-mail: ladantebangkok@gmail.com Website: www.ladantebangkok.com

15

LEGAL ISSUE

Want to make it in the Thai makeup market?

– An attractive legal overview “Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference.” – Aristotle

“P

ersonal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference.” – Aristotle Even though it was more 2,000 years ago when the great Greek philosopher Aristotle made the above remark about personal beauty, it appears that his words still ring true in this modern-day world of materialism where people are still judged by how they look and; therefore, are willing to spend a fortune to improve their appearance.

Those who are patient may choose to rely on food supplements and exercises while those who are in need of a quick fix may resort to plastic surgery. However, cosmetics have never lost their role in our quest for beauty and the beauty industry seems to never stop flourishing worldwide.

If you are thinking about starting up a cosmetics business in Thailand, here are a few legal issues that you may need to know.

Governing Authority The Food and Drug Administration of Thailand (FDA) is the main governmental authority that is responsible for monitoring food, drugs and beauty products. Its roles include issuing cosmetics manufacturing licenses, issuing cosmetics import licenses, and controlling cosmetics labeling. To produce or import cosmetics for sale in Thailand, you have to follow the rules and standard procedures in accordance with the type of cosmetics that you are marketing.

Type of Cosmetics Cosmetics can be designated into three types under the Cosmetics Act B.E 2535 - specially controlled cosmetics, controlled cosmetics and general cosmetics.

1. Specially controlled cosmetics - This type of cosmetics may cause serious harm to users or contain toxic substances,

16

e.g., hair dye, hair perm, toothpaste, mouthwash, and hair removal products.

Accordingly, these cosmetics are strictly controlled and must undergo a safety assessment in order to ensure that they can be used safely by consumers. As such, importers and manufacturers of these specially controlled cosmetics must comply with several obligations and follow rigorous standard procedures, which include obtaining cosmetics registration, submitting product sample and supporting documentations to the FDA, notifying the FDA before manufacturing or importing such products, labeling the products with adequate information, and paying an annual fee for the manufacture or import of said products.

2. Controlled cosmetics - This group of cosmetics is less harmful in comparison to the first type, resulting in less stringent control and less complicated standard procedures. Sunscreen, anti-dandruff products, loose powder, and sanitary napkins are just a few examples of these controlled cosmetics. However, before any of these beauty products reaches the Thai market, potential importers and manufacturers are required to submit product samples and documentations to meet the requirements under the Cosmetics Act as well as notify the FDA before manufacturing or importing such products.

3. General cosmetics - Cosmetics other than the first two types fall within this category.

They include eyeliners, eye shadows, lipsticks, soap, cream, and perfume. As these general cosmetics do not contain harmful ingredients and are likely safe for consumers, manufacturers can produce any of these

LEGAL ISSUE

products without having to notify the FDA beforehand. Nevertheless, it is still necessary for importers of these general cosmetics to obtain import licenses from the FDA prior to importing the same.

Cosmetics Labeling In addition to manufacturing and importing monitoring processes, labels of cosmetics are also controlled. Labeling requirements are set out in order to provide consumers with access to the information they may need to make an informed decision before purchasing a product.

Labeling requirements may vary on the type of cosmetics to be marketed, but it is generally required that all cosmetics labeling must be in Thai and contain sufficient product details, e.g., type of cosmetics, ingredients, place and date of manufacture, manufacturer’s or importer’s name and address, instructions, caution, and volume of the product.

Direct Selling Direct selling is regarded by some as a popular distribution channel for cosmetics.

Nonetheless, it is heavily regulated by the Direct Selling and Direct Marketing Act B.E. 2545 where registration of a business plan is an absolute must before business can be conducted. In order to protect consumer interests, a number of rules and regulations in relation to direct selling were also introduced.

For example, a salesperson must deliver a document evidencing the purchase and sale of a given product to his or her customer at the time of purchase. The law further requires that said document must be in Thai and contain the name of the salesperson and the customer, the date of delivery of the goods purchased, and, most importantly, the customer’s termination rights.

Advertising

Get Professional Help

Now that you have your beauty products ready to hit the market, here comes one of the hardest parts of growing your business - advertising.

Cosmetics can be advertised without having to notify or file an application with any authority beforehand. However, this does not mean that your creativity has no boundaries as your advertising claims must still comply with the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2552. For instance, your advertising claims must not be deceptive, exaggerated, unfair, or misleading to consumers.

The issues presented in this article are just a starting point and there are still some other relevant legal issues that should be considered before investing in a makeup business in Thailand. Discussing with legal counsels or professionals who practice in this area is a great idea as you will be able to get answers from the right experts, enabling you to run your business with possibly no bumps in the road.

Product Liability Even if your cosmetics have already passed safety tests to primarily ensure its quality, there can still be claims by disgruntled customers that your products produce undesirable or even harmful effects on them. If this is the case, then the parties involved in the manufacturing and selling of such a product, i.e., manufacturers, importers, and sellers, are bound to be jointly liable for any damage caused pursuant to the provisions under the Liability for Injuries from Unsafe Products Act B.E. 2551. Moreover, even if you may have disclaimed liability for damage that may be caused by your product either unilaterally, e.g., having a disclaimer outright on the label or packaging of the product, or bilaterally, e.g., signing an agreement to this effect with a consumer before any damage occurs, such a disclaimer or agreement is not going to be valid in court.

One of the best strategies to avoid or minimize business loss from such unfortunate events is to maintain adequate product liability insurance coverage since it can greatly help protect your business from claims relating to the manufacture or sale of unsafe products.

International Legal Counsellors Thailand Ltd. 18th Floor, Sathorn City Tower 175 South Sathorn Road Tungmahamek, Sathorn Bangkok 10120, THAILAND Tel: 66 (0) 2679 6005 Fax:66 (0) 2679 6041 www.ilct.co.th & www.russinvecchi.com

Mr. Karinevidch Olivero; Email: karinevidcho@ilct.co.th Ms. Warittha Ratanacharee; Email: waritthar@ilct.co.th

17

PHUKET AND SOUTHERN REGION OF THAILAND COMMITTEE

TICC’s Phuket Member List

Phuket 2012/2013

TICC is pleased to inform you that Phuket and Southern Region of Thailand Committee is operative in Phuket.

Dr. Francesco Pensato TICC Director and Chairman of Phuket and Southern Region of Thailand Committee Mr. Salvatore Parisi Deputy Chairman of TICC Phuket Committee The Committee premises are located at: WORLDPHARMA – JK DRINKS 68/203-204, Moo 1, Tambon Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel: +66 76 263 923 Fax: 66 76 367 153 E. phuket@thaitch.org

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PHUKET AND SOUTHERN REGION OF THAILAND COMMITTEE

The Dante Alighieri association opens in Phuket

I

ladanteinphuket.com which will soon show the schedule of Italian languages classes for kids and adults, cultural and networking events, social dinners and will also display a list of agreements for the members of the association, which is now completing the registration process with head-quarters in Italy.

n the next few months, La Dante Phuket will get started on a very rich program of activities.

Italian Community on the Phuket Island wants to actively contribute to the promotion of the Italian Culture.

Phuket Island is one of the most popular travel destinations of Southeast Asia, it welcomes almost 8 million tourists per year, and two hundred thousand of them are Italian.

Furthermore, the island is one of the places with the highest concentration of expats in Thailand, thanks to the over one hundred thousand people from all over the world who decided to live there.

According to a recent report from an American magazine, one Phuket resident out of five is a farang (foreign in Thai). Indeed, many foreign communities crowd the island (Swedish, French, German, Swiss, Australian and, the new entry, Russian). The Italian community is also well represented with almost one thousand residents and many tourists that spend part of the year there. Who are those Italians, part of this ‘’Little Italy’’ on Phuket? There are entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, chefs, pizza makers, artisans, diving instructors, families and all-aged people. Truthfully, Italian style and food culture in Phuket also raises a lot attention and curiosity from Thais and foreigners living there, thanks to the many brands and high quality restaurants on the island.

But Italy is not only about good food and style.

Even in a touristic environment, the Italian Community, since a long time, feels the need

to bring more of the things that truly made Italy famous in the world: culture, arts and a sense of beauty. Dante Alighieri Phuket has been created to the response to this need. This group will follow the example of the famous organisation present all over the world and until now, for Thailand, only in Bangkok. The Dante Alighieri Phuket Committee aims to become a point of reference for the activities related to Italian Culture and to create opportunities to share common passion and values in the local Italian Community. Never the less, as started the first paragraph of the Dante Alighieri bylaw, The Committee will also work hard on" safeguarding and promoting the Italian language and culture in the world, reviving the spiritual roots of compatriots abroad and spreading love and worship for Italian culture among foreigners’’.

From now on, to know more about this project, it is possible to visit the website www.

The composition of this new association, which will join the over four hundred already existing all over the world, has already drafted its own bylaw, internal regulations and committee structure: the Italian H.C. in Phuket, Mr. Francesco Pensato, Mr. Gianni Orgera (President), Mr. Beppe Bonazzoli (Vice President), Mr. Francesco Greco (Secretary General) and the founding members Mr. Julius Mazzocchini, Mr. Franco Rebolini and Mr. Nicola Forcignano'. All of them sharing the same passion and determination in this new project, reminding us of Giorgio Gaber’s (famous Italian singer) words, ‘’L’impegno e’ partecipazione’’ (Commitment means getting involved).

For more information, please contact

Dante Alighieri Society Phuket E-mail: info@dantealighieriphuket.org Website: www.dantealighieriphuket.org

19

EASTERN SEABOARD COMMITTEE

Essential Insurance

H

aving spent 34 years in the Insurance Industry, the last 23 of them in Pattaya, I think I have earned the right to be called an experienced insurance man.

In my time in Pattaya I have seen many changes; obviously the town has grown into a city, buildings and condominiums have mushroomed, the expat community is larger than ever, the range of available goods and services increases daily but insurance remains a constant, there in the background and ready to be used if needed.

But what is insurance?

An insurance policy is just a piece of paper (maybe written in a foreign language to you) that makes a number of promises to purchaser of the contract. Even when written in English these terms can be difficult to understand so it is essential that when you purchase an insurance contract, whether it is for health, vehicle, house or business, your professional advisor understand both the contract and your personal needs to make sure the contract you are getting is the right one for you!

In its simplest form insurance is paying a (relatively) small premium on a regular basis, usually annually, to avoid a potentially large bill if you were not insured.

Insurance companies charge premium based on actuarial figures to give you this piece of mind so that is why health insurance becomes more expensive as you get older; why cars with larger engines can be more expensive than smaller vehicles and houses built entirely out of wood cost more to insure than houses built out of stone.

Let us not be under any illusions, insurance companies, like casinos, play the odds and will generally make a profit, and even though sometimes an unexpected blip such as the recent floods in Thailand, over a number of years the insurance company will make their profit. This profit is demanded by their stakeholders and expected by the industry as a whole.

Over my years in the insurance industry, I conclude that while some insurance companies are better than others, there is no such things as a bad insurance company (they wouldn’t survive?), problems arise because the insurance broker or agent 20

either doesn’t help or doesn’t know how to help.

Let us be fair about this. The job of an insurance-man is to sell you the correct policy for your needs. For this he gets his commission. There is no commission payable for helping the client settle the claim, for filling out claims form on behalf of the client, forgoing to the scene of the accident and taking photographs, for negotiating with the insurance company over a settlement and generally in the event of a legitimate claim making sure that the client is paid correctly and swiftly.

Also ensuring that the health insurance company makes the necessary guarantees to the health provider so the correct procedures can be carried out in a timely manner.

The responsible and caring insurance agent will do this and more; his telephone will be on 24/7 because accidents and emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night. As far as the insurance agent is concerned this part of a service he provides willingly and knows that generally providing a good service, the rewards of having a satisfied client who will recommend the services to their friend are incalculable.

The problem that most people will have is that they do not know if the advice they receive, the policy they have taken out is the right policy for them. The only sure way

to check is to have a claim but that is a painful and often expensive way to find out if the policy and/or agent can perform the function you hope they can perform.

An alternative is to ask around your circle of friends, particularly those who have had a claim, to see if the agent acted in a satisfactory manner; was he available for help and advice? How good was the insurance company etc.

Where possible try to use an agent who has been in Pattaya/Chonburi for a long time.

Any agent, as long as he doesn’t have a secondary occupation, should have been able to collect a large portfolio of clients as well as a lot of practical experience.

It would not be worth such an agent to perform badly in any situation, either selling or helping settle a claim, as nothing spreads faster than a bad reputation.

Insurance, like cars in Thailand, works. You just need a good and experienced driver.

Mr. Jack Levy Managing Director MLG Consulting Service Co., Ltd. 63/14-15 Moo 10 South Pattaya, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi E-mail: jack@mlgconsultingservice.com

EASTERN SEABOARD COMMITTEE

TICC Eastern Seaboard Members

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Eastern Seaboard Committee Mr. Carlo Filippo Ciambrelli Chairman of TICC Eastern Seaboard Committee

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The Social Lawyers Co., Ltd. 63/14 South Pattaya Rd. MBMG Group Building, Moo 10, Nongpreu, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Thailand Tel: +66 38 427 904-5 Fax: 66 38 424 535 Email: easternseaboard@thaitch.org

21

OSPITALITA` ITALIANA

CHEESE: BACK TO BASICS Different ways to enjoy it

In Thailand as in many other countries outside Europe, cheese is consumed mainly at restaurants as appetizer or topping for pizza and pasta. This doesn’t happen in Italy, the homeland of the most famous cheeses. From Gorgonzola to Asiago, Mozzarella to Fontina, Parmesan to Provolone, in Italy cheese is always present on the dining tables of the whole peninsula.

But what is exactly the cheese? It is a milkbased food that is produced in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms by the coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk, usually the one of cows, buffalo, goats or sheep and for this reason is an excellent and complete food for every age. Cheese can be categorized by its density: soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard.

Italy is one of the most productive cheese countries, as a matter of fact it produces hundreds of different cheeses, to be precise 450. Among those, 32 have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which are among Italian family’s favorites products.

Knowing the history of a dish and the place it comes from can be really interesting, as regards the cheese, it was discovered by accident. It has its earliest record dating back to the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. This delicious product was part of the Sumerian diet, 4000 years before the birth of Christ, made from both cows’ and goats’ milk and stored in tall jars. In the Roman era cheese really came into its own. Cheesemaking was done with skills and knowledge and reached a high standard. By this time it was known that various treatments and conditions under storage resulted in different flavors and characteristics. The larger Roman houses had a separate cheese kitchen, the caseale, and also special areas where cheese could be matured. It was served on the tables of the nobility and traveled to the far corners of the Roman Empire as a regular part of the rations of the legions. Today you can find the real italian cheese almost all over the world.

Today you can find the real italian cheese almost all over the world. In Thailand you can buy it thanks to many food importers such as Eurofood: one of the main quality cheese importer from Europe, distributing directly in Bangkok to the catering and retail market, importing around fifteen types of Italian cheese, such as Parmigiano Reggiano,

e-mail: info@thaitch.org www.italasiagroup.com http://www.10q.it/ www.eurofoodthai.com

Yes, you did hear it right! In Italy cheese is usually served at the end of the meal as a dessert course.

In order to intensify flavor and aroma of cheese, many recipes accompany cheese with dry fruit, pears, honey, aromatic vinegar or compote, according to one’s taste. The combination of cheese and pears which mixes two flavors and two opposite milieus was born in the Middle Age. General rules for matching cheese with different kind of food are easy: the contrast of flavors enhances the different peculiarity, in fact a spicy cheese marries better the sweetness of a soft honey, fresh cold cuts and bread. Conversely a light cheese goes perfectly with grissini, aged cold cuts or a honey with a strong flavor. Likewise is for wine. White wine marries better a hard and tasty cheese, like Grana Padano, and on the other hand, for soft cheese is well recommended a red wine. project implemented by

Gorgonzola, Grana Padano, Taleggio, Provolone, Pecorino, and more over. Now, you PASTA GORGONZOLA, PEARS AND WALNUTS

Directions

may be wondering “How cheese is served at the table?”, well there is an Italian famous proverb that says: “Al contadino non far

sapere quanto è buono il formaggio con le pere” “Do not let the peasant know how good cheese is with pears”.

sponsored by

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 200 gr of pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally. In pan heat up 100 gr of Gorgonzola and 2 tablespoons milk until the cheese is melted. Add the 1 pear, peeled and cubed and the cooked pasta.

Leave it on the fire for a while, stirring and adding the grated Parmesan cheese. Top with walnuts. Season with pepper to serve.

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promoted by

TICC EVENTS

The Bridge of Hope 2013 – Christmas Charity Dinner for Children in need of the Camillian Home, Bangkok

O

n 19th December, the Thai – Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) in collaboration with the Camillian Home organized “The Bridge of Hope 2013 – Christmas Charity Dinner for Children in need of the Camillian Home” that took place at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel in Bangkok.

The event started with the welcoming speeches by Fr. Giovanni Contarin, Director of Camillian Hospital, Mr. Giacomo Mauri, TICC President and Mr. Claudio Vatta, representative from The Embassy of Italy. Over 360 participants contributed in recreating the atmosphere of the Christmas spirit with the company of their friends while supporting a worthy cause.

All guests had the chance to taste a mouth-watering Italian Aperitivo followed by a four course dinner prepared by Chef Vittorio with first class Italian products, followed by traditional Italian Christmas cake Panettone and Prosecco.

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TICC EVENTS

The Bridge of Hope 2013 – Christmas Charity Dinner for Children in need of the Camillian Home, Bangkok While tasting delicious Italian food and drinks, guests were entertained by international artists and the Camillian Home children presented by Ms. Giulietta Consentino, Thai-Italian artist and Mr. Giovanni Quaratesi, TICC Secretary General. The evening included a lucky draw and the auction to raise funds for children living with HIV/AIDS and other people in serious need of medical care in Thailand.

S.Valentine’s Networking Event “THIS VALENTINE’S… FIND YOUR OTHER HALF | Trova la tua dolce metà | Trouvez votre moitié”, Bangkok – Thailand

O

n 12th Februar y, TICC and FTCC organised the Networking Event for S. Valentine’s day. The event started with the welcoming speeches by Mr. Giovanni Quaratesi, TICC Secretary General, and Mr. Lucas Boudet, FTCC Executive Director. Over 120 guests had the chance to taste for the first time the Italian Chocolate Bacio Perugina.

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Over 120 guests from the vibrant Bangkok international community enjoyed a mouthwatering traditional Aperitivo Italiano offered

by Aroy Italy and Savino Del Bene together with French bread and biscuits by Maison Jean Philippe, wine by Italasia and first class Italian sparkling fruit beverages and water by San Pellegrino. The new Vespa Flagship Store

with a fantastic display of new and historical models of this Italian brand created the perfect atmosphere. The ice-breaker games “Find your other half” were organised for every participant to make new friends and win Vespa’s bag pack full of chocolate, special discounts for new Launch model of Vespa and many other products by sponsors.

TICC EVENTS

“Ca' Foscari Desk” at the TICC, Bangkok – Thailand

S

ince February 2014, A “Ca’ Foscari Desk” has been opened at the Thai – Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), as a result of a collaboration between TICC and Ca’ Foscari. The project is dedicated to enhance cultural and business exchanges between Italy and Thailand by creating links between universities, business, organizations and institutions. “Ca’ Foscari Desk” main aims are to provide internship for Italian students. The official page is on TICC website at www.thaitch.org.

Business Luncheon - SISTEMA ITALIA, Bangkok – Thailand

O

n 13th February, TICC had the pleasure to organise a Business Lunch in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok in order to raise the level of the presence by the SISTEMA ITALIA in Thailand. Aim of this event was to create the opportunity for representatives from Italian large enterprises in Thailand to discuss common strategies to foster trade and investments between Thailand and Italy and to present their ideas and concerns to the new Italian Ambassador H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, the President of TICC, Mr. Giacomo Mauri and the honour guest Mr. Isara Vongkusolkij, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. It was an important step for the cooperation of Italian Companies, Institutions in Thailand and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Joint Chamber Breakfast Talk "Intellectual Property in Thailand", Bangkok – Thailand

O

n 19th February, TICC in collaboration with FTCC and the ASEAN IPR SME Helpdesk organised a Joint Chamber Breakfast Talk on “Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Thailand: Anti-counterfeiting and enforcement strategies for EU SMEs”. The aim was to provide necessary tools to better protect manage and enforces the intellectual property rights by giving an overview of the IP landscape, best practice advice and case studies in Thailand.

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MEMBERS AREA

Participating companies

MEMBER for MEMBERS Card Benefits - Special discounts in selected products and services offered by participating companies - Opportunities to expand customer base Terms & Conditions - Additional registration is required.

- The offers are not application with any other promotion and subject to change without prior notice. Additional restrictions can be applied.

For more information please visit www.thaitch.org/members/ members-for-members-card or contact Membership Executive at membership@thaitch.org or 02-255 8695 ext. 106.

AIRLINES │Turkish Airlines AUTOMOTIVE │Cavallino Motors y Vespiario CONSULTING │The Social Lawyers y Legal and Commercial Services Internation y Smart Search Recruitment EDUCATION │ KIS International School y D&D Business Language Service Co. Ltd. FURNITURE & INTERIOR │ K.V.R. Trading HOTEL │ Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumphini Park y Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok y St. Regis Hotel Bangkok y Paradise Beach Kamala y Banyan Tree Bangkok y Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit y Boomerang Village Resort y Happy Elephant Resort MEDIA & PR │ Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd TRADING │ SKGF trading (2002) Co., Ltd. HOSPITAL │Camillian Hospital y Bumrungrad Hospital FASHION & TEXTILE │ Arte di Murano REAL ESTATE │ Happy World S.M.Co.Ltd LOGISTICS │ FLS 1993 FOOD & BEVERAGE │ Great Earth RESTAURANTS │ LUCE Italian Restaurant (Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok) y Rossini’s Restaurant (Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit) y Saffron and Taihei (Banyan Tree Bangkok) y Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumphini Park y La Buca Italian Restaurant y diVino Food&Wine y Sole Mio Restaurant y L’Opera Restaurant y Mamma Mia! (Hua Hin) y Café del Sol Restaurant (Boomerang Village Resort Phuket) y Da Maurizio Bar e Risto (Phuket) y Cape Sienna Phuket y La Capannina (Phuket)

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE THAI-ITALIAN CHAMBER R OF COMMERCE 2014 The business directory is a great working instrument for TICC members, Italian entrepreneurs working in Thailand, and public institutions in both Italy and Thailand. The business directory includes an overview of both countries and information about TICC activities, fairs & exhibitions to enhance business growth and network internationally.

Hard Copy Format price: 2,500 THB (standard postage included) Electronic Format: 2,000 THB (delivered by email) For more information please visit www.thaitch.org/publications/directory or contact Marketing & PR Executive at pr@thaitch.org or 02-255 8695 ext. 103.

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MEMBERS AREA

Facts & Figures Total Employees: 15-20

AD ASIA CONSULTING CO., LTD. 9/252, UM Tower, 25th Floor, B1, Ramkhamhaeng Road, Suanluang, Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Thailand Tel: (66) 2719 9746 Fax: (66) 2719 9747 E-mail: info@adasiaconsulting.com www.adasiaconsulting.com Company Background AD ASIA Consulting Company Limited is part of the AD ASIA Group Limited; Hong Kong based company, relating to advisory and consultancy services, specialty for Interior, Architect, Construction, and Real Estate Investment Sector.

AD ASIA Consulting offers full range of construction services. Our strategic management has direct control by affiliate companies; AD ASIA Manufacturers (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and AD ASIA Construction Co., Ltd. which has a strong reputation in manufacturing high quality furniture and construction industry, In addition to providing management and ser vices for construction, we also provide specialty advisory and consultancy services at a strategic level with in-depth assessment of real estate investment and construction values as well as their operational and performance capabilities.

Products or services Construction Management Construction Advisory & Consultancy Interior / Architect / Engineering Project Management Real Estate & Property

Products & Services Merger and Acquisition, Company Evaluation, Business Strategy, Development and Planning, Company Re-organizations, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Debt Structuring

CLASS FINANCE S.R.L Cesare Suglia Advisor

Facts & Figures Year Established: 2006 Total Employees: 5

Milano (MI) Via Paoli Alessandro 4 cap 124 Tel: (39) 02 496 83 315 Fax: (39) 02 873 65 906 E-mail: suglia@classfinance.it Website: www.classfinance.it/ Company Background CLASSFINANCE is an independent consulting firm that, using the knowhow and specific expertise of its Partners, is able to offer a wide range of services of Corporate Finance. CLASSFINANCE ensures: Deep knowledge of the market, Ability to identify and to select suitable industrial and financial partners for specific acquisition, transfer or search processes, Ability to analyze and to design the optimal transaction structure and eventually to retrieve the necessary financial resources, Union of multi-skilled professionals derived from different sectors, An outstanding network with financial and industrial investors, Great experience in the management of negotiations with the selected counterparts, in the definition of the legal documentation and in the management of the involved external advisors, Specific competences and expertise in the Real Estate market segment, No conflict of interests so to safeguard the Client’s affairs and business

DECORATIVE PLASTIC COMPANY LIMITED 514/11 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1) Pracha-utit Rd., Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: (66) 2158 2646 to 9 Fax: (66) 2158 2509 Email: sale@dplast.co.th Website: www.dplast.co.th Company Background Decorative Plastic Co., Ltd is a manufacture with Canadian and Thai Shareholders we have been in the PVC industry for 8 years.

Our manufacturing facility is based between the borders of Lao and Vietnam. We house total 7 calendars (machines with a production capacity of 4,000 Metric Tons per month. Our production includes: Artificial leather, Clear sheet, Overlay high quality PVC products, Marine vinyl’s, table cloth, high quality opaque sheeting, automotive material, shoe material for a variety of Applications.

Products & Services PVC Artificial Leather, Solid Leather, Casting Leather 27

MEMBERS AREA

PVC Super Clear Transparent Sheet, Membrane Wood Grain PVC Deco Sheet, PVC Sticker Film Facts & Figures Year Established: 2006 Total Employees: 25 in office, 45 in factory

GENERALI – TRADE CREDIT (GENERALI THAILAND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GENERALI HK & SACE) Roberto Galiani Office Manager – Trade Credit 5/ F& 10/F Generali Tower, 8 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong Tel: + 852 3187 6852 Fax: + 852 2115 9830 E-mail: robertogaliani@generali. com.hk Website: www.generali.com.hk Company Background: Generali’s Trade Credit Insurance protects a company’s accounts receivables against a loss arising from the non payment by a credit customer due to financial difficulties or political risks. The granting of credit facilitates. In enhances the development of international trade.

However, it requires the vendor to assume the non payment risk and therefore the sale cannot be considered as secure until it is paid.

Generali provides the necessary protection against the risk of nonpayment.

28

ITALGATE (PHUKET) CO,.

LTD. Luca Ferraris CEO 164/17 Soi Nanai 8, Nanai Road, Patong Beach, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: (66) 8 5258 6744, (66)7632 2892 Fax: (66) 7632 2892 E-mail: phuket@italgate.com Website: www.italgate.com Company Background Azienda con oltre 13 anni di presenza nel Regno di Thailandia, ITALGATE e’ uno studio professionale fondato a Bangkok nato con l’idea di fornire assistenza e supporto nell’ambito delle relazioni commerciali esistenti tra Italia e Tailandia., ITALGATE si propone dunque, come obbiettivo primario, di favorire e rendere più agevoli i rapporti tra le due Nazioni.

L’operato della Società si rivolge ad intervenire attivamente in loco allo scopo di rendere più comprensibili e di snellire gli iter burocratici che “opprimono” ogni tentativo di approccio da parte di soggetti esterni a questo Paese.

Grazie alla ultra decennale esperienza del Sig. Giuseppe Forina & Ferraris Luca in questo campo e alla serietà dei suoi collaboratori, ITALGATE è convinta e consapevole di poter offrire un onesto e serio contributo verso un sempre più profondo rapporto di amicizia e di conoscenza reciproca tra Italia e Thailandia

Products & Services Visti di Ingresso Business e Famiglia, Permessi di soggiorno Business e Famiglia Permessi di Lavoro, Visti Italia e Stato Civile, Visti di Ingresso in Italia Pubblicazioni e Matrimonio, Ricongiungimento familiare, Registrazioni di Nascita I n t e r p r e t a r i a t o e Tr a d u z i o n i , Traduzioni certificate, Traduzioni legalizzate, Costituzione di Società, Company Limited Partnership (s.s. s.n.c.)

Compapy Limited (s.r.l. - s.a.s.), Public Company Limited (s.p.a.)

Licenze e Autorizzazioni, Settore Industria, Settore Commercio, Settore Artigianato Settore Turistico, Settore Import-Export, Apertura Uffici di Rappresentanza Sede fissa autonoma, Sede temporanea assistita, Assistenza Legale Facts & Figures Year Established: 2009 Total Employees: 9

NET ESTATE CO., LTD. M.R. Siriyada Varavarn Board of Directors 719 KPN TOWER, 21st floor, Rama 9 Rd. Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320, Thailand Tel: (66) 2717 1179 Fax: (66) 8717 1178 E-mail: khunyingda.v@gmail.com

MEMBERS AREA

Company Background Net Estate Company Limited is a land development company engaged in property development, construction, infrastructure, investment holding. We operate in four business segments; property development, which develops and sells properties; property leasing, which leases properties; construction, which is engaged in construction of building works; department store operation, which provides investment holding, project management, property management, and disposal of leasehold land.

into the forested hills overlooking the secluded serenity of Naithon Beach, on the West Coast of Phuket, suitably distanced from the hectic energy of patong Beach, the Brand new Pullman Arcadia Resort is the archetypal coastal escape, endowed with the classic pale sands and the electric blue sea which makes it a perfect location for watersport enthusiasts. With 277 rooms resort features a sophisticated design that blends the highest international standards with local beauty.

Products & Services Counter Service Space for rent Rice cafĂŠ Pharmacy SACE SPA HONG KONG Facts & Figures Year Established: 2014 Total Employees: 7 people

Michael Creighton Head of Hong Kong Office 5 Fe 10 F, Generail Tower,8 Queens Road East, Hong Kong Tel: + 852 3187 Fax: + 852 2115 9830 E-mail: + 852 6190 0586 Website: www.sace.it

PULLLMAN PHUKET ARCADIA (FAIR & FIRM CO., LTD.) Brett Wilson General Manger 22/2 Naithon Beach,Saku, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: (66) 7630 3299 Fax: (66) 7630 3270 Company Background: The Pullman Phuket Resort is a stunning Winter Sun Resort with fabulous facilities catered flawlessly for adults and families alike. Built

Company Background: SACE offers export credit, credit assurance, foreign investment protection ser vices, financial guarantees, sureties and factoring.

With operations worth â‚Ź70 billion assured in 189 countries, the SACE Group supports the competitiveness of Italian and foreign businesses, guaranteeing more stable cash flows and transforming enterprise insolvency risks into development opportunities.

SPECIALONE CONSULTING CO., LTD. Franco Giovanola Owner & Founder Level 12, ZenWorld Tower @ Central World, 4, 4/5 Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: (66) 2697 9100 Mobile: (66) 8 6020 8359 Fax: (66) 2697 9001 E-mail: info@specialone.asia; franco@specialone.asia Website: www.specialone.asia Company Background Swiss quality based company, member of Axio-Net Business Solutions (Switzerland) group, providing state-of-the-art solutions and professional IT Consulting & Services to a wide range of industries worldwide. Offshore development center located at our IT Hub in India. Our strategy builds on our expertise in consulting, technology and outsourcing to help clients create sustainable value for their customers and shareholders.

Products & Services CRM, Application Software Development, Web Solutions & We b s i t e D e v e l o p m e n t , E-Commerce Application Development, System and Data Integration, BI, Security Audit and Assessment, Penetration Test, Ethical Hacking Training, IT Outsourcing Services and more.

Facts & Figures Year Established: 2012 Total Employees: 5-10 (Group 200) 29

TICC FAIRS-UPCOMING EVENTS

International Trade Fairs in Italy 2014 Exhibitions In Italy

Detail

Date

Venue/Website

Cosmoprof

Cosmetics

4 – 7 April

Bologna, Italy www.cosmoprof.it

Vinitaly 2014

Wine fair

10 – 14 April

Verona, Italy www.vinitaly.com

Cibus

Food

5 – 8 May

Parma, Italy www.cibus.it

The Turin International Book Fair

Trade fair for books

8 – 12 May

Torino, Italy en.salonelibro.it

Vicenzaoro Charm 2014

Goldware and jewelry

18 – 23 May

Vicenza, Italy www.vicenzaorospring.it

In 2014, take your golden opportunity to display and trade your products and services in the TICC supported fairs!

For more information and Special conditions for BUYERS and EXHIBITORS through TICC, please contact: Mr. Michele Tomea Trade Manager Email: trade@thaitch.org Tel: 02 255 8695 Ext. 104

International Trade Fairs in Thailand 2014 Exhibitions in Thailand

Detail

Date

Venue/Website

Bangkok International Gift Fair & Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2014

Gift Fair and Houseware

19 – 23 April

BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand www.bigandbih.com

THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2014

Food and beverage

Trade: 21 – 23 May Public: 24 – 25 May

IMPACT, Bangkok, Thailand www.thailandfoodfair.com

Upcoming Events April – June 2014 Date

Event

Location

10

All Chambers Songkran Networking Event

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok

End of April

Business Luncheon

TICC’s Office

29

GET TOGETHER – Back-to-Business Networking Event

Medinii Restaurant, The Continent Hotel Bangkok

17 May

A Journey to Experience “Unique Marina Lifestyle”

Portofino, Pattaya

End of May

Business Luncheon

To be confirmed

1st week of June

Ospitalità Italiana Phuket

To be confirmed

End of June

Ospitalità Italiana Bangkok

To be confirmed

End of June

Business Luncheon

TICC’s Office

April

May

June

30