(KPL) The value of export of vehicles, auto parts and accessories from Thailand to Laos reached more than US$ 370 million, a press conference was told on Mar 15.

The amount included US$343 million for the export of vehicles and US$ 37 million for the sales of automotive parts and accessories to Laos.

Thailand is going to hold the annual Thailand Auto Part and Accessories in its capital city Bangkok in April.

"Thailand Auto Part and Accessories plays a very important role in helping Thailand become a trading hub of auto parts and accessories for ASEAN,” Ms. Yanee Srimisay, Director, Vientiane-based International Trade Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand told the press conference in Vientiane.

“The objective of TAPA 2018 is to drive Thailand towards being Asia’s trading hub of auto parts and accessories and to promote Thailand’s image as the world-class automotive and auto parts production base,” said Director of Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association Pattharpon Panyajaray.

TAPA is expected to help boost auto part and accessories export of Thailand as well as create opportunity for small and medium enterprises to popularize Thai automotive products in international market.

TAPA 2018 is expected to feature a wide range of auto parts and components, vehicles, auto accessories, repair and maintenance services, tools and machinery not only from Thailand but also Taiwan, India, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong and South Korea.

The event is expected to draw over 9,400 visitors from 64 countries around the world.

KPL