THAILAND - The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITECH) is investing THB 750m (US$24.8m) in its facilities in anticipation of increased business brought in by the extension of Bangkok’s SkyTrain.
The company is spending THB 350m on a welcome hall and walkway to connect the centre with Sukhumvit Road to attract visitors and exhibitors travelling by elevated train. The BTS Sukhumvit line extends from On Nut to Baring and enters service on 12 Aug. BITEC visitors can also use the Bang Na station.
The welcome hall and walkway will add 5,000sqm to the centre located on Bang Na-Trat road. Both projects are expected to be complete by year-end.
The venue is also investing THB 400m in renovating existing facilities, which today span 50,400sqm. Last year BITEC hosted 40 exhibitions, including 27 industrial shows and 13 consumer events. It recently extended its contract with Reed Tradex Co to stage the Manufacturing Expo, one of Thailand's largest manufacturing and supporting industries events.
Director of marketing and sales Panittha Buri forecast the opening of the BTS extension and more convenient access could lead to a 15 per cent increase in the number of events organised at Bitec.
"We intend to push forward to meet world standards after being voted one of the five best international trade and exhibition centres in the Asia-Pacific region," she said.
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