Economy
Thai SMEs Expand Global Reach Through Hong Kong Trade Initiative
The Department of Foreign Trade and the Office of SMEs Promotion have led 80 Thai entrepreneurs to Hong Kong to foster international trade networks and market insights.
According to Khaosod Online, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has partnered with the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) to launch the 'DFT+' project, aimed at helping Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter the global market. A delegation of 80 Thai entrepreneurs, led by Deputy Director-General Chanintorn Rimcharoen, recently visited Hong Kong to build trade networks and gain practical market experience.
The initiative focused on two primary activities. First, participants attended the HKTDC Hong Kong Food Pro 2026, where they explored the Thailand Pavilion organized by the National Innovation Agency (NIA). This allowed entrepreneurs to observe international food and beverage trends, study consumer behavior, and analyze product presentation strategies used in the Hong Kong market. Second, the delegation engaged in business matching sessions, providing a platform for Thai SMEs to negotiate directly with potential buyers and importers from Hong Kong and China.
For residents and travelers, this initiative highlights a push toward modernizing Thai exports and increasing the availability of innovative local products abroad. While the project successfully facilitated direct networking, the long-term impact on export volumes and the specific success rates of these business matches remain to be confirmed as the entrepreneurs integrate these insights into their future marketing strategies.
