Thai-UK Business Infrastructure through BCCT Simon Landy Vice Chairman, BCCT Executive Chairman, Colliers International Thailand

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THAILAND (BCCT) -Founded 1946: -first foreign chamber in Thailand -first British chamber in Asia corporate members and 100 events per year -Mission statement: "To serve the needs and promote the development of British business in Thailand and as ‘Partners in Progress’ contribute directly to Thailand’s economic advancement”

UKTI/BCCT OVERSEAS BUSINESS NETWORK PROJECT -UK government initiative to expand trade – outsourcing UKTI services to British Chambers -Launched 2013 in 20 countries – Thailand in the front line -Services include: -market entry advice / research -“launchpad” -webinars -trade mission support, etc -Launch of British Business Centre 10 February 2014

OSMEP & UKTI MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING -Objectives: -develop SMEs in both Thailand and UK -facilitate Thai/UK SME collaboration and exchanges -Activities: -Sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practice -Match-making in Thailand and UK + training workshops, seminars and conferences -BCCT is delivery partner – Action Plan launched in MOU signed by British and Thai Ministers in May 2013

BCCT ALUMNI PROGRAMME -Launched Objective: to connect Thai students in UK (5,000+) with BCCT member companies in Thailand for internships or employment -Main vehicle – page on BCCT website -First BCCT Career Fair in UK at Samaggi Samakhom Sports Day in Manchester in February BCCT Chairman and ED met students with Thai Ambassador in London in October 2013

BCCT UK GROUP -Established UK Group Chair (Steve Buckley) also Vice Chair of Anglo- Thai Society -Objective: to utilise the knowledge of executives and diplomats returning to UK from postings in Thailand -Ensures that BCCT is represented at Thailand business events in UK -Acts as a forum to discuss Thailand business issues in UK linking with Royal Thai Embassy in London, Asia House and D Group

ANGLO-THAI SOCIETY (ATS) -Founded 1962 to help promote good relations between the UK and Thailand -Around 300 members -Organises events and activities, including: -Summer Reception at the House of Lords in June -Educational Awards at the Oriental Club in November -ATS representative in Thailand is BCCT Executive Director

BCCT ALUMNI PROGRAMME -Launched Objective: to connect Thai students in UK (5,000+) with BCCT member companies in Thailand for internships or employment -Main vehicle – page on BCCT website -First BCCT Career Fair in UK at Samaggi Samakhom Sports Day in Manchester in February BCCT Chairman and ED met students with Thai Ambassador in London in October 2013

ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS (APPG) -Thailand group chaired by Roger Godsiff MP. Purpose: -improve links between the British and Thai parliaments -encourage deeper understanding of cultures -promote bilateral trade -ASEAN group founded by Mike Weatherley MP in Platform in Parliament to promote British business overseas and Thai/ASEAN interests in the UK -Hosts Thai/ASEAN business and political delegations in Parliament when they come to London

SOME KEY EVENTS IN UK st April – Parliament, London – APPG ASEAN briefing by BCCT and ASEAN Britchams -2 nd April - British Expertise, London – briefing by BCCT ED -7 th -10 th April – UK ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Roadshow to Leeds, Cambridge, Leicester and Birmingham -May or June tbc – BOI events in UK -17 th July – International Festival of Business, Liverpool (South East Asia event) -October – British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference -October or November – UKABC Roadshow -plus other BCCT-initiated events to be scheduled

UK MISSIONS TO THAILAND March - Smart Cities:Smart Living mission March – Automotive trade mission, Bangkok and Eastern Seaboard May – Yorkshire & Humber trade mission to Thaifex (food & drink companies). There will also be a stand at Thaifex for Scottish companies -plus other events to be scheduled

Thank you for your attention