On hand to welcome Mr Napinthorn and join the official opening was Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and a host of other officials and leading local business figures.
The event, underway at the Outdoor Arena of Central Phuket Floresta shopping mall through to Sunday (Feb 16), brought together key representatives from government and private sectors, including Woranit Apiratjirawong, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office, and officials from trade, tourism and local industries.
The fair features over 300 exhibitors from six southern provinces ‒ Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun ‒ showcasing a diverse range of products and services.
Mr Napinthorn noted that the Andaman Trade Fair highlights the region’s economic potential through exhibitions and business networking opportunities, including Business Matching sessions.
He also noted that the products and services featured at the fair include:
- Community and identity products, innovative goods, and BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) products.
- Tourism-related businesses, including community tourism services.
- Agricultural and processed agricultural products.
The event also includes the launch of the Andaman SME product and service information platform and a Digital Trading Platform training course, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with skills to compete in the digital marketplace.
Attendees were treated to traditional Rong Ngeng performances and a special cultural showcase, ‘ANDAMAN Life’, to celebrate the region’s rich heritage. Following the performances, the Deputy Minister of Commerce officially declared the fair open and visited various booths to engage with local entrepreneurs.
Phuket and its neighbouring Andaman provinces recognise the fair as a vital platform for market expansion, both domestically and internationally. By facilitating trade connections, the event is expected to drive economic growth and enhance income distribution within local communities, reinforcing sustainable regional development, said an official report of the event.