TPT March 2009

I ndustry N ews

Second time round for Tube Southeast Asia 2009

steel. Vietnam has plans for a major steel complex with a capacity of 7.5 million tonnes per year starting in 2011. Taiwanese companies will invest US$6 billion in the plant. Malaysia plans to expand its steel industry through investing around US$13 billion to support the needs of the metal fabrication, engineering and construction industries.

Tube/wire Southeast Asia will take place for the second time from 13-15 October 2009 at the Bangkok International Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand. Following a highly successful launch show in 2007, which attracted 381 exhibiting companies from 30 countries and 7,038 visitors, the event is set to build on the success of Southeast Asia’s economic growth. Southeast Asia continues to exhibit good economic development despite the global economic situation, with Vietnam leading the region with 8.5 per cent growth in 2007. Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have also recorded positive growth. GDP projections for these countries remain positive for the next few years. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow registered a 25 per cent increase in 2006, to reach its highest level of US$51 billion. The Thai government is targeting investment of one trillion baht by 2009 from both domestic and foreign businesses. Both Vietnam and Malaysia are viewed as competitive investment destinations. There is a necessity for infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia. Thailand,

Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia are prioritizing their infrastructure development so as to enhance their competitiveness and long-term growth. Thailand has recently set a goal to complete the 770 million baht Bangkok mass transit project within 3.5 years. The automotive industries in Thailand, Indonesia and

Malaysia continue to grow in importance as end users of wire, cable, tube and pipe products. In 2007, Thailand manufactured close to 1.3 million light vehicles, a figure that is forecast to grow to over 2 million by 2012. Indonesia

 Home to Tube Southeast Asia – the Bangkok International Exhibition Centre

has emerged as an export centre for multi- purpose vehicles. Malaysia’s automotive clusters are to be developed at several locations and local production of parts and components is also set to rise. The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) aims to promote the upstream steel sector, turning Thailand into ASEAN’s hub of high-quality

Thailand is one of the largest petrochemical producers in the world and continues to invest in new facilities, with at least six major plants set to start up in 2010. Vietnam plans to invest heavily in petrochemicals and petroleum refining. Two oil refineries are being built and a third targeted for completion in 2015. A number of gas transmission projects have been proposed in Indonesia, including the building of a gas pipeline from South Sumatra to Batam. “The importance of the southeast Asia tube and pipe market cannot be over- emphasised. The relocation to Bangkok was readily supported by the ITA as we recognised the importance of the Thai market as well of those in surrounding countries. The successful outcome of the 2007 exhibition fully justified that support,” says Mr Albert Sedlmaier, chairman of the International Tube Association (ITA). Tube Southeast Asia 2009 is organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, with sponsorship and support from the International Tube Association. Messe Duesseldorf Asia – Singapore Fax : +65 6337 4633 Email : tube@mda.com.sg Website : www.tube-southeastasia.com

 Bangkok will again be host city to the second Tube/wire Southeast Asia

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M arch 2009

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