Since 1980 we've worked towards building strong links between the private sectors of Australian and Thai business, as well as developing mutually beneficial relations with our respective governments.
Our members have access to key networks via local and national meetings, seminars, functions, forums and missions. In addition, we keep you informed of important new information on Australian/Thai business developments, government initiatives, industry trends and opportunities. Our website is one of the ways we deliver such information to our membership network.
We'd like to offer businesses interested in pursuing markets in Thailand the opportunity to join our organisation and experience all that the ATBC has to offer.
Why pursue business opportunities in Thailand?
Effective 1st January, 2005 the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) became operable. For Australian business, Thailand has immediately became a more attractive business prospect. Tariffs on more than 75 percent of Australia's exports into Thailand have now gained a zero rating whilst the progressive schedule for the balance has been clearly stated. This generates an appealing advantage over major trade competitors
It is most unfortunate that events in Thailand over the past year continue to raise negative perceptions of that country in Australia, at a time when business in general is feeling the need to contain expenditure. The ATBC is aware of this but also knows that most Australian businesses operating in Thailand have been relatively unaffected despite all the negative publicity.
Nevertheless, we believe that such hard times are when membership of Business Councils such as the ATBC is most valuable. From our previous experience of downturns such as the 1997 crisis in Thailand, it is important for businesses with long-term goals to stay in the Thai market to continue to demonstrate commitment to operations in Thailand.
At the Australia Thailand Business Council we are committed to supporting our members through economic cycles. We have high-level access to business leaders both in Thailand and Australia and provide valuable networking events and information sharing.
The Council has been very active recently, representing members at the inaugural meeting of the Australia-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in Perth, and as supporting partner facilitating Melbourne and Sydney seminars where the Thai Minister and Vice-Minister for Industry outlined an economic stimulus package whereby their Government offered tax breaks and exemptions on investment in infrastructure and the introduction of new technology.
The Council will, as in the past, give members the opportunity to participate in confidential discussions with prominent individuals dealing with Thai politics, commerce and economics, and share information, reports and experiences from all sides of Thai politics for members. The Council has arranged for members to receive informal briefings in Sydney and Melbourne on the recent events in Thailand by the President and ex-President of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok.
In future months members will be invited to participate in seminars on the benefits to be derived under the TAFTA and the new ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
However, we are currently examining all areas of the Business Council’s operations in an effort to be more efficient and to provide better value for money for members. To continue as an effective body, the ATBC will rethink ways of providing better and more cost effective service to members.
We are well aware of the need for members to see practical returns for their Subscription fees. Ours of course is a registered not-for-profit body, totally dependent upon subscription income, and operating on the proverbial shoe-string in terms of administrative expenses, with the Australian Chamber for Commerce and Industry (ACCI) providing the Business Council with heavily subsidized Secretariat services.
