TPT March 2009

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M arch 2009 14
Industry News
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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.
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:
Website:
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
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
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,
Second time round for Tube Southeast Asia 2009
 Bangkok will again be host city to the second Tube/wire Southeast Asia
 Home to Tube Southeast Asia – the Bangkok International Exhibition Centre