INFORMA June issue

A BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF THAI – ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JUNE 2011

the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity

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PRESIDENTMr. Lino Geretto – LGV Engineering Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 255 8717 Fax: +66 2 255 8716 Email: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENTSMr. Giacomo Mauri – River of East-West Harmony Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 81 814 5160 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Sawang Pracharktam – Thai Optical Group Plc.Tel: +66 2 440 0506-8 Fax: +66 2 440 0509Email: [email protected]

HONORARY TREASURERMr. Chakrit Benedetti - Italasia Electro Co., Ltd. Tel: +66 2 261 7990-9 Fax: +66 2 261 8700E-mail: [email protected]

HONORARY SECRETARYMs. Tiziana Sucharitkul – Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd.Tel: +66 2 653 5555 Fax: +66 2 653 5678Email: [email protected]

DIRECTORSMr. Federico Cardini – F. Infinity Chalon Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 207 8614 Fax: +66 2 207 2626Email: [email protected]

Mr. Giancarlo De Santis – G.DS Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 391 4456-7 Fax: +66 2 391 0524Email: [email protected]

Fr. Giovanni Contarin – Camillian HospitalTel: +66 2 185 1444 Fax: +66 2 185 1403Email: [email protected]

Mr. Luca Vianelli – MDA Consulting SEA Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 652 2447 Fax: +66 2 652 2448Email: [email protected]

Mr. Mario Bracci – Asia Cement Public Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 641 5600 fax: +66 2 641 5680Email: [email protected]

Mr. Pichai Chiratiwat – Central Trading Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 229 7000 Fax: +66 2 367 5445-6Email: [email protected]

Mr. Pierre Nicou – Eurofood – The Commercial Company of Siam Ltd.Tel: +66 2 261 0245 Fax: +66 2 261 0243Email: [email protected]

Mr. Rene Okanovic – Berli Jucker Public Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 381 4541E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Renzo Ambrosini – Impero Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 664 4491 Fax: +66 2 258 1159Email: [email protected]

Mr. Romeo Romei – Quick Pack Pacific Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 367 1092 Fax: +66 2 531 6425Email: [email protected]

SECRETARY GENERAL Mr. Sandro ZanelloThai-Italian Chamber of Commerce.1126/2 Vanit Building II, Room 1601B16th Floor, New Petchburi Rd., Makkasan, Rajdhevee, BangkokTel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Fax: +66 2 253 9896E-mail: [email protected]

The Informa is the bi-monthly magazine of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, covering all business activities and social news of interest to the members of the Thai-Italian community and others active in the expanding Thai-Italian bilateral relations. EDITOR: Thai-Italian Chamber of CommerceTel: +66 2 253 9909 Fax: +66 2 253 9896E-mail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Thai-Italian Chamber of CommercePresident: Mr. Lino GerettoChairman: Mr. Giacomo MauriDirectors: Mr. Chakrit Benedetti Mr. Pichai Chitathiwat Mr. Rene Okanovic Mr. Sawang Pracharktham

Secretary General: Mr. Sandro ZanelloItalian Embassy Representative: Ms. Somsri PobpipugtraItalian Trade Commission Representative: Mr. Vincenzo Calì Dante Alighieri Association Representative: Mrs. Jane PurananandaScand-Media Representative: Mr. Gregers MollerTICC Staff: Ms. Ratigul Sanguansuk: Membership Executive Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak: Marketing Executive Jessica Ward: English Editor

PUBLISHER:Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 4/41 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village, Ramintra Soi 14, BKK 10230 Tel: +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169Design: Disraporn YatpromEmail: [email protected]

ADVERTISING CONTACT:Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scand-Media Corp., Ltd.Tel: +66 2 943 7166 Ext: 151 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Mobile: +66 81 866 2577Email: [email protected] - www.scandmedia.com

Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak, Marketing ExecutiveThai-Italian Chamber of CommerceTel: +66 2 253 9909, +66 2 255 8695 Ext: 103Fax: +66 2 253 9896E-mail: [email protected] – www.thaitch.org

Lino GerettoPresident

Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

President's MessageThai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

Dear TICC Members and Friends, The period comprising the months of May and June is full of activities and celebrations for both the Chamber and all other Italian Institutions. Certainly, the most important event in June is that of the “Festa della Repubblica” (Republic Day), which is celebrated annually throughout Italy, on the second of June. The day commemorates the institutional referendum held in 1946 when the Republic of Italy was formed after the end of Fascism and the Second World War.

As this year marked the 150th anniversary of the Unity of Italy, this year’s celebration, in particular, was truly an extraordinary and magnificent event. The Italian community, the Embassy of Italy, and a great deal of friends gathered at the Oriental Hotel. The National Day was celebrated in a beautiful context of food, colors of pride and anthems.

Another important event, during the month of June, is the Italian Film Festival, which has become a key part of the celebrations. Created and directed by Italian Senator Goffredo Bettini, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Thailand and the Chamber, the main objective of the festival is to promote cultural and commercial aspects of the new Italian production, particularly in the growing Asian market.

In May, the TICC Board of Directors was welcomed by the Ambassador of Italy H.E. Michelangelo Pipan in the new Embassy located in All Seasons Place, CRC Tower, Wireless Road. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relations between the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Italy and to share ideas for joint projects in the future.

Recently, the TICC concluded the “Ospitalita’ Italiana” project: a celebration of the eno-gastronomic industry of Italy in Thailand, and its perfect synthesis of culture and food. Fourteen Italian Restaurants in Thailand received special awards of appreciation, during the event, which was held at Nai Lert Park Swissotel and generated a large turnout of both attendees and food and beverages operators.

In the framework of the European Project titled SCRIPT, the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce, Bioagricoop, and the Franco Thai Chamber of Commerce all participated in the THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2011, which was held at Impact Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani from the 25th to the 29th of May. The Project aimed at increasing the potential of Thai Trade through a correct implementation of self control and third party certification procedures inspired by the EU approach.

Finally, TICC is pleased to announce Mr. Francesco Pensato, the Representative of the TICC Office in Phuket who will liaise with new members and expand TICC businesses, services and activities in the Southern Region. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Francesco Pensato great success in his new mission.

I would like to conclude this letter by thanking you for your continued support to the Chamber and enjoyment at the Italian Festival 2011.

Arrivederci,

Lino Geretto

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Contents

MOVIEMOVItalian Film festival 2011 celebrates 150 Years of Italian Unity

Italian National DayOn June 2 at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

TICC ProjectSCRIPT- European Project

Central Goes Shopping in ItalyAcquired la Rinascente, No. 1 Italian Luxury Department store

Absolute Power over a Limited Company

Paradiso di NavinThai Representative at the 54th Venice Biennale

TICC Events

ICE’s News- Taste of Italy Let’s cook Italian!

Member AreaWelcome Mr. Francesco Pensato, the Representative of the TICC Office in Phuket

Award Ceremony the “Ospitalita’ Italiana” ProjectTICC Organized the Award Ceremony for the “Ospitalita’ Italiana” project

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or email to [email protected] [email protected] or visit www.vipreal.info

For English, Scandinavian or Germanor email to [email protected]

or [email protected] or visit www.vipreal.infoFor English, Scandinavian or German

Tel: 02 632 1995 | www.standrews-schools.com

INSPIRING FUTURES.St. Andrews International SchoolsQ u a l i t y I n t e r n a t i o n a l E d u c a t i o n S i n c e 1 9 9 5St. Andrews International SchoolsQ u a l i t y I n t e r n a t i o n a l E d u c a t i o n S i n c e 1 9 9 5

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ITALIAN FLIM FESTIVAL

MOVIEMOV: Italian Film Festival 2011

Moviemov Italian Film Festival has been an itinerant showcase built around a selection of the most important Italian films of the last year 2010/2011 still unreleased in Thailand and also an opportunity to explore new and possible connections and chances of meetings, through the essence of Italian cinema.

The Italian Film Festival 2011 is created and directed by the Senator Goffredo Bettini and organized by the Asiatica Film

Mediale and Playtown Roma, with the collaboration of the Italian Embassy, supported by the Ministry of Culture, The Chamber of Commerce of Rome, the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce and also many other sponsors and private partners, has been surprisingly a success in terms of public and interest, with a participation of almost 10,000 people The festival showed not only movies but also retrospectives, tributes and in particular an exhibition about Fernanda Gattinoni, the famous fashion designer during the years of the Hollywood stars in Rome. To compare the recent Italian Movies with the history and the most important directors, there was a retrospective about Mario Monicelli, one of the most influent directors for the Italian comedy in the past. There were seven movies selected among his bests: La Grande Guerra – The Great War; Un Borghese Piccolo Piccolo – An Average Little Man; Il Marchese del Grillo – The Marquis of Grillo; I Soliti Ignoti – Big Deal on Madonna Street; Guardie e ladri– Cops and robber; Parenti serpenti– Dearest relatives poisonous relations and Amici Miei–My friends. The Halls of SFX Cinema Emporium, one of the most famous in Bangkok, host the majority of the program projection and to encourage the participation of the students some movies were shown at Chualalangkorn University. All the movies were free of charge and in Italian language but with both English and Thai subtitles. The cultural twinning between Italy and Thailand has been completed by the tribute to Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, one of the most talented and popular directors, well known in the international festival circuits. Two screenings, Ploy and Last life in the universe, in collaboration with the cinema magazine CIAK have been dedicated to his work and an Award as Best Thai Director 2011. In the past few years Italian cinema, just like Asian cinema, has become more and more important in the international scenario, thanks to a new generation of young directors and actors, who are highly regarded and wanted in the festival circuit. For this reason, during the professional days organized by the Moviemov in Bangkok, the International Rome Film Festival dedicated two days at the Thai films pre-selection for the next festival edition that will be held from

8-12 June 2011, Bangkok, SFX Cinema, 6th Floor Emporium Department Store

October 27th to November 4th 2011 in Rome. The other Italian movies presented at the festival were: Manuale d’Amore 3 – The Ages of Love; Mine Vaganti – Loose Cannons; Una vita tranquilla – A Quiet Life; La scuola è finita – School is over; La doppia ora – The Double Hour; Dieci inverni – Ten Winters; Io sono l’amore – I Am Love and Valzer – The Waltz. The first day started with the presentation of the Fernanda Gattinoni’s Exhibition followed by a buffet dinner with typical Italian food offered by the most important Italian restaurants in Bangkok. Most influent Thai people, some movie stars and many Italian guests attended the reception. The official opening of the festival was set by the speech of the Senator Bettini before the projection of the movie Ages of Love with the presence of the director and the producers. The main event of the second day was the presentation of the movie Loose Cannons, after the introductive speech of the special guest: the director Ferzan Ozpetek. In the following days, all others movies have been screened, some of them already presented at the past edition of International Rome Film Festival, Una vita tranquilla – A Quiet Life by Claudio Cupellini, nominated for several David di Donatello awards and the other one is La scuola è finita, by Valerio Jalongo, an outline about Italian school today. Then, we need to mention the positive response by the public for La doppia ora – The Double Hour by Giuseppe Capotondi and Dieci inverni – Ten Winters, Valerio Mieli’s debut, a bittersweet sentimental comedy with Michele Riondino and Isabella Ragonese. Io sono l’amore – I Am Love by Luca Guadagnino with Alba Rohrwacher and the outstanding Tilda Swinton closed the Festival on 12th June. The director and Antonella Cannarozzi (Oscar® Nominee for Best Costume Design) attended the official screening. A technical jury that judged the movies from the Showcase made up of three members: Thai Director Ekachai Uekrongtham, Cinema Professor at Chulalongkorn University, Elio De Carolis and Chalida Uabumrungjit, one of the representatives of Thai Film Archive, awarded with a MOVIEMOV plate as best movie represents Italy abroad Mine Vaganti by Director Ferzan Ozptetek.

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ITALIAN FLIM FESTIVAL

Senator Goffredo Bettini, Creator and Director of this festival

A special tribute has been dedicated to an Italian director and screenwriter and one of the masters of the Commedia

all’ Italiana (Comedy Italian style) Mario Monicelli. The crit-ics have described his cinematography as a perfect mirror of the Italian society during the 1950s and 1960s, the pre and post War years. Through his movies we can understand the evolutionary change of an entire society, the costumes and traditions of a country, all the virtues and vices of one generation and their weakness, bitterness, failures, hopes and dreams. Without his work, we wouldn't have had the courage to change our point of view concerning the Italian history learned on school books. From Macchiavelli's Mandrake (Mandragola) to the Comedy of craft (Commedia dell'Arte), we have revalued the deepest vein of the Italian culture: to play down the importance of everyday dramas. An entire life dedicated to Cinema, his genius and intemperance, as only the great masters can act. According to this, celebrating the 150th Unification of Italy anniversary, the organizers have decided to describe Italy and Italian people through Monicelli's work, since there are a new generation of Italian directors (thanks to the work of Monicelli, Dino Risi and Luigi Comencini) bringing new life to the Comedy Italian style. A special selection of 7 movies among these "La Grande Guerra - The Great War", featuring Alberto Sordi, Vittorio Gassman e Silvana Mangano. For this work Monicelli won a Leone d'Oro in the Venice Film Festival, and an a Academy Award nomination for best foreign film. "Un Borghese Pic-colo Piccolo - An Average Little Man" that was presented in the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, "Il Marchese del Grillo – The Marquis of Grillo" for whom Monicelli won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 32nd Berlin International Film Festival and "I Soliti Ignoti - Big Deal on Madonna Street".

DID YOU KNOW...?

Thai people discovered cinema in 1897 and the first Thai films appeared in 1930. Since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the Thai movie production has strongly increased. Last year foreign film productions grew by 16 per cent in number and 108 per cent in value. In 2010 Thailand earned 1.9 million Baht from foreign film productions because 578 movies, documentaries, commercials, television series and music videos were shot here.

A CLASSIC RETROSPECTIVE DEDICATED TO MARIO MONICELLI

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ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY

ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY 2011

The day commemora tes the institutional referendum held during the 1946 suffrage in which for the first time all Italian people, men and women, were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, after the end of the Fascism and the Second World War.

The Italian Embassy in Thailand, like every year, had the honor to organize an event to celebrate this important an-

niversary. Over 500 distinguished guests including accredited diplomatic bodies in Thailand, representatives of the cultural and business community as well as members of Italian commu-nity in Bangkok took part in the ceremony held in the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok on the 2nd of June 2011.

During his welcoming speech, H.E. Mr. Michelangelo Pipan, Ambassador of Italy in Thailand, reminded us of the impor-tance of this celebration to all Italian citizens worldwide, es-pecially this year when Italy celebrates 150 years of national unity. A country that in a short historical time changed from being the:

“Newcomer to the European power games of the mid of the XIX Century (…) to a State whose advanced society and economy project it as a protagonist on the scene of the pres-ent day globalized world, a founding father of the European Union, an influential member of G8/G20, a determined con-tributor to the United Nations ideals, both in financial terms and through our relevant presence in many peace keeping missions around the world”.

H.E. Mr. Michelangelo Pipan, the first Italian citizen in Thai-land, was also pleased to remind the distinguished audience of the “Principles of respect, friendship and cooperation that have characterized our (Italy) relations with Thailand” since 1868, just seven years after the proclamation of Italy as a Nation.

The Ambassador declared the two countries can count on "A long tradition of intense, friendly and mutually profitable relations (...)”. Established by the fact that “Italy was the initial step of HRH King Chulalongkorn’s first trip to Europe in 1897” and “As early as 1911, the Thai pavilion figured prominently at the celebrations for the 50th unification anniversary in Tu-rin, the first national capital that is at the center of this year’s celebrations as well”.

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On June 2, in the Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok the Embassy of Italy celebrated the birth of the Italian Republic. Festa della Repubblica (Festivity of the Republic) is celebrated in Italy on the second of June annually.

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ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY

Picture 1: Orchestra Music entertained the guests

Picture 2: TICC Directors with the Italian Ambassador H.E. Michelangelo Pipan: (From L-R) Mr. Giancarlo De Santis , Mr. Giacomo Mauri, Mrs. Wilasinee Thumprakob, Mr. Lino Geretto, TICC President, H.E. Mr. Michelangelo Pipan and madame, Ms. Tiziana Sucharitkul, Fr. Renato Attrezzi from Camillian Hospital and Mr. Romeo Romei.

Picture 4: Mr. Marco Midolo, Counselor to the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok with guests

Picture 5: (From L-R) Mr. Gigi Chiozza, Mr. Riccardo Cozzo, Mr. Sandro Zanello, TICC Secretary General, Mr. Giovanni Galanti, Mrs. Carla David with her friend and Mr. Nicola Genovesi from Savino Del Bene (Thailand) Ltd.

Picture 6: The Ambassador gave the opening speech

Picture 10: Guests enjoyed the great Italian foods and fine wines

Picture 11: Distinguished Guest listening to the speech of H.E. Michelangelo Pipan, The Ambassador of Italy to Thailand

Picture 12: the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s reception Picture 13: The Italian Embassy’s personnel

Picture 14: The representatives from Salesian Sisters Foundation

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2 When addressing present relations between Italy and Thailand, the ambassador pointed out two important initiatives organized for this unique Italian anniversary: the first is the Italian film festival in Bangkok described as “A special event for a special year (…) that will premiere the 8th of June, and will last through four very intense days of screenings, meetings with actors and direc-tors, workshops and seminars”. The second initiative being the exhibition on the 1911 Thai pavilion in Turin.

In Conclusion, His Excellency informed the guests about the new premises of the Italian Embassy in Bangkok where the Embassy body “Will be able to offer more and bet-ter services and (…) to enhance further the cooperation between Italy and Thailand“.

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THE EMBASSY OF ITALY

Italian Festival 2011 Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity

Friday 1st-7th July 2011“The city, fragments and shadows”Contemporary Art Exhibition by Susanna Terra and Orit DroriKoi Art GallerGrand Opening on Friday 1st July, 6.30 [email protected] tel. 02 6623218

Two artists, both long term residents in Asia, have come together to tell a story of cities and the solitude within their walls. The cities of Susanna Terra and Orit Drori evolve from photographic realities into imaginary and symbolic images. From the essence of urban reality they express the loneliness and isolation so strong in our present day lives.

This year’s Italian Festival will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unity, exploring the intriguing development and character of the Italian identity through performances, concerts, films, exhibitions, seminars and other cultural events.

For more information please visit www.italianfestivalthailand.com or contact Embassy of Italy: 02 250 4970

Thursday 30th June 2011“Buddhism and Human Rights: some further notes on the idea of human dignity in Buddhist thought”Lecture by Prof. Claudio Cicuzza (Webster University)2 pm, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Arts (Siam Boromrajakumari Bldg., Room 707)

Some of the key concepts expressed by the Buddha and transmitted in the canonical texts can offer a great help in understanding the core of human nature and the real significance of human rights. The lecture will focus on the Buddhist philosophical tradition and will be based on the Buddha’s teachings contained in Pali Buddhist texts, in search of a balanced and impartial analysis of human rights from a Buddhist perspective.

Tuesday 13th-31st July 2011“GLAMOUR – 60 Years of Italian fashion” Central ChidlomGrand Opening on Tuesday 13th July, 6pm

Born in Florence on the 12th of February 1951, with the first ever fashion show organized by the Marquis Giorgini in Villa Torregiani, the Italian “alta moda” celebrates in 2011 its 60th anniversary. The exhibition aims at celebrating the event with a collection of more than 80 samples of haute couture and accessories by the most famous Italian fashion designers, featuring the evolution of Italian fashion in the last 60 years.Press Conference on June, 28th at 2pm

Tuesday 11th October-18th November 2011 “The Siamese Pavilion at the Turin Expo 1911”Bangkok Art & Culture Center

Exhibition dedicated to the deep cultural bilateral relations that led to the participation of Siam in the Turin Expo 1911 held on the occa-sion of the 50th Anniversary of Italian Unity. The Siamese pavilion of the Expo was designed by the Italian architect Mario Tamagno, the author of, among others, Bangkok’s Anantasamakon (Throne Hall).

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A Thai student with a product design background having a passion for accessories. She is currently working on a shoes project for her thesis in Milan, Italy. Her aim is to grab an opportunity to work as an accessories designer for some leading fashion houses.

What did you design for WHAT'S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU®? And Which is your most characteristic product?One of the projects I did was for shoe design, the inspiration came from food wrapping. From the culture of Italian, Japanese, and Thai, I gave a new perspective on the design of wrapping feet. The other project involved with bags, the Solar Eclipse clutch bags collection was inspired from the light transformation. “When the Sun overlay with the Moon shadows, the Solar Eclipse begin”. This was a key phrase for the project, I combined and experimented with many different kind of materials to cre-ate the interesting light transformation effect onto each bag. In every single of my product has its own character with the form, design, experimentation and material combination. My works are more like art and design ob-jects rather than shoe or bag, which makes them unique.

Where in Milan or in Italy inspires you most and why?Before I decided to change my life into an accessories world, I found myself falling in love with Italian culture and craftsmanship. That’s why I came to Milan to follow my dream and make it come true. I studied in two design school in Italy, the first one was in Milan, Domus Academy and another one in Florence, Polimoda. From those two schools I learned a lot about the design and cultures which had their own flavor and distinguished characteristic. In Milan, people are more fashionable, I was surrounded by the fashionista which I learned what the real fashion world is, but for Florence I believe it is more classical city, I gained much experi-ence in an artisan and crafmanship which I think I could not find it from anywhere else. I could not say which place I love most because both are inspire me in every differ-ent aspect. I still would love to go to other

cities in Italy, I believe I would get new in-spirations, gain more experiences and fullfill my dreams.

What are, in your opinion, the main differenc-es and similarities between our two countries?In my opinion, there are some similarities and differences between our two countries. First of all, we both are the world large producer of accessories item with large amounts a year. We have a lot of factories and entrepreneurs, but the difference is things that are made in Italy is more valuable and acceptable? I think one of the most important things is about the design. Even we are the main producer in the world, but the Italian add this value to their products which make the big difference. The second, we both have our own cultures and characters which are the out-standing points, but Italian pay attention to their strong point and know how to make it more recognizable while Thai has a simpler approach. The last point of view is about the product development and support from the orga-nization and government. Italian has well organize and their government really push forward for their outcome where as Thailand is also one of the most important production and resources country and has lots of quali-fied personnel. However we need the support from our government to move forward to be one of the design and production country like Italy.

How is your plan for the future: do you have any projects right now?After finishing a Master degree in Footwear design in Florence, I decide to move to New York to learn and explore my experience in one of the most fashionable city in the world. I have done my internship in Accessories design team mainly for the footwear design department for Alexander Wang. It was a great opportunity and experience while I was there. Now I’ve learned and gained more knowledge from another world fashionable design culture besides Italy. I plan myself to go back and work in Italy. I really would love to improve my skills in design and production and becoming a footwear master, integrating the fashion and artisanship. My goal is to go back to my home coun-try to share my passion, knowledge and experience to students, companies, factories, organizations or those interested in Footwear design field. My upmost aim is to establish a nonprofit organization to educate, build and support new Thai footwear designer generations to be in the front role of the ef-ficient design and production country in the world.

Premrudee Leehacharoenkul, a designer of the first collection WHAT'S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU®

Thai InspirationInterview to Premrudee Leehacharoenkul, Thai designer in Italy

WHAT’S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU® is a new fashion brand, manufac-turer of high-end shoes,

bags, and accessories entirely produced in Italy. Fashion items for WHAT’S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU® collections are designed by University students of art, architecture, interior and fashion design from 92 countries and profes-sionals from the fashion, art and design industries as well as those who, regard-less of age, have good ideas and wish to see them realized and rewarded.

What you have learned from this experience?I have learned so many things from this ex-periences, I learned how to survive to new places, cultures and people. There were so many different points of view from Bangkok to Milan, Milan to Florence, Thai to Italian culture, I adapted myself little by little into a detail of each cultures and people attitude. I thank you for my decision to come to Italy, I gained more experience in shoes and accessories design field both in fashion and artisanship which are really full fill my career in the future.

INTERVIEW

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ICE

This year is the 5th time of ‘Taste of Italy’, the Italian Food Promotion organized by Central Food Retail. Among these, 3 times in cooperation with us, the Italian Trade Commission. This year the Taste of Italy is held under the theme ‘Let’s Cook Italian!’ unraveling the secrets of classic Italian cooking that everyone loves.

Central Food Retail Co., Ltd. is proud to present the twenty-eleven redux of Taste of Italy between 1 – 28 June 2011 – boasting a

plentiful variety of imported Italian products sure to vividly portray the true flavors of Italy.

A result of 46 carefully selected retail outlets of Central Food Retail are proud to boats a variety of 37 Tops market stores, with premium quality products and service to offer, 5 Tops super stores which of-fer just as much to indulge in because they carry an assortment of international products similar to those of a standard Tops market, plus 4 Central Food Hall stores, the premier international name recognized as being the best food store in all of Asia. We have all the aspects of Italian cuisine covered for you to create a lasting, delicious impression.

Home to over 1,000 authentically Italian ingredients for great Italian classics, you’re sure to find an answer to all your culinary needs. And if you don’t, there are product ambassadors and staff within the store to assist you in whatever questions you may have.

At Central Food Hall and Tops market, you’ll find over 1,000 au-thentic Italian ingredients for all your favorite recipes and to all the great Italian classics. Our imports include Agnesi pastas, Bertolli oils, Ferrarini hams, Parmigiano cheeses, Fiamma tomato sauces, Segafredo Zanetti coffee beans, and exquisite wines, so you’re sure to find an answer to all your culinary needs. And if you don’t, there are product ambassadors and staff within the store to assist you in whatever questions you may have.

With regular weekend cooking shows at all primary locations, those of you who are shopping may find yourselves enchanted by the wonders that are the sigh, smell and taste of Italian cuisine – topping their shopping experience with that special something.

Additionally, you can perfect the art of Italian cuisine with our special promotion, during the themed period every 300 baht you spend at participating Tops Super, Tops market, or Central Food Hall store earns you one chance to be in a draw towards one of five prizes of a full-fledge Italian cooking course, teaching everything from pasta and steak to cocktails and gelato, even the art of making a perfect espresso.

Taste of Italy – Let’s Cook Italian!

Cooking show by Italian chef from Spasso, La Bottega di Luca, Rossini's, Brio and Grappani-no restaurants at the opening ceremony

Previous “Taste of Italy”Taste of Italy – “AMO L’ITALIA” 30 September – 27 October 2009 The Italian Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Michelangelo Pipan and ma-dame, Mr. Vincenzo Cali, Italian Trade Commissioner and madame, Mr. Marco Midolo, Former First Secretary, Embassy Of Italy and Mr. Vanchai Chirathivat, Chairman Central Group of companies at the opening ceremony

For more information:Italian Trade Commission, Bangkok Office (ICE Bangkok) 14/B Floor, Bubhajit Bldg.,20 North Sathorn Rd. Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500T +662 6338491-3 F +662 6338494 E-mail: [email protected] /www.italtrade.com/muangthai

The demonstration of how to cook a "Lover's Pasta" menu that featured a speciality: golden Pasta at the opening

News

Taste of Italy "FESTA DELLA PASTA" 26 May-22 June 2010H.E Micheangelo Pipan at the opening ceremony

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13-15 September 2011, Bangkok Italian Pavilion organized by the Italian Trade Commission at Wire Southeast Asia 2011, Southeast Asia's leading procurement ground for the latest manufacturing equipment and technology for the wire and cable industries.

October - December 2011, Bangkok- Seminar on Italian Technology for Environment and Renewal Energy (Renewal Energy, Solar Energy and New

Technology for Sustainable Development)

- Technological Seminar for Plastic Sector organized by the Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with Assocomaplast (www.assocomaplast.org), Plastic Industry Club - FTI, and Thai Plastic Industries Association TPIA (www.tpia.org)

Italian Festival Ad

UPCOMING

EVENT

Again it's time to say Buonissimo!!!ICE

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The 31st of May 2011 at the Pullman Hotel in Bangkok consisted of a full day seminar

which officially launched the project SCRIPT: “Self control and third party certification; knowledge and application of the key pro-cedure to implement voluntary and regulated requirements of the EU single market and building trust on Thai products and services with cultural identity”. This project is organized thanks to the cooperation of Bioagricoop, the Thai Ital-ian Chamber of Commerce and Franco Thai Chamber of Commerce and aims to increase Thai trade potential through the correct implementation of self control and third party certification procedures inspired

SCRIPT– European ProjectLaunch of the European Union-funded SCRIPT Project

by the EU approach. The EU contributes 80% of the project’s total budget of 500,000 EUR (approximately 22 million THB). The opening speeches in the morning, welcoming the numerous guests, were deliv-ered by Mr. Samuel Cantell (First Secretary – Operations Section, European Delegation), Mr. Marco Midolo (Counselor and Head of the Commercial Office, Embassy of Italy) and Mr. Erwan Le Carer (Deputy Economic Counselor, Embassy of France). Consecutively, Mr. Giovanni Galanti (Project Director – Bioagricoop) and Euro-pean experts Mr. Cozzo, Mr. Panconesi and Mr. Passeri presented the participants an overview on project SCRIPT and its main ob-

jectives, along with a technical presentation on organic certifications and its development in Europe and Thailand. The second part of the seminar included the presentation of three research topics de-veloped by Ms. Rungsaran Wongprawmas (University of Bologna), Mr. Giovanni Qua-ratesi (TICC) and Ms. Kankamon Sincharoen (FTCC) respectively, on the perception of EU key players on Thai Silk and Cosmetic Products, successful stories of EU standards adoption in Thailand by Agro Food and thirdly Silk and Cosmetics companies.The studies presented as well as all the pre-sentations are available at http://script-thai.eu/script-project-launch/

Seminar on Voluntary certification for Thai Silk and Cosmetic products

On the 1st and 2nd of June, in the frame-work of the SCRIPT Project, two the-

matic seminars were organized, specifically focused on voluntary certification for Thai silk products and Thai Cosmetic Products. The seminars primary intent was to in-troduce the project to Thai silk and cosmetic operators attending the event and interview the SMEs interested in the project. The open-ing speeches were delivered respectively by Mr. Pairoj Limchamroon (Director-General of

The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture) and Mr. Andrew Jack (President of Thai Spa Association). Subsequently European experts offered detailed information on technical requirements for a successful ap-plication in both sectors, so as to support the Thai companies participating and give a practical approach to Project SCRIPT. At the end of the seminars, the companies attending the events from both sectors who were interested in the Project SCRIPT were

interviewed by a panel of EU experts. This was to identify and select 5 companies for each product area to become part of a pilot group applying for the GOTS and NaTRUE certifications.

For more information and the presentations produced on the two days please visit http://script-thai.eu/thematic-seminar-silk/ http://script-thai.eu/thematic-seminar-cosmetic-spa/

(Left) Mr. Andrew Jacka, President of Thai Spa Association

(Right) Mr. Pairoj Limchamroon, Director General, The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture

TICC PROJECT

1 2 3 4

1. Participants attending the seminar 2. Mr. Samuel Cantell, First Secretary – Operations section, European Delegation 3. Mr. Marco Midolo, Counselor and Head of the Commercial office, Embassy of Italy 4. Mr. Erwan Le Carer, Deputy Economic Counselor, Embassy of France

17

TICC PROJECT

Time Frame: 30 months, 10th Jan. 2011 – 9th Jul. 2013

Project Value: 500.000 EUR, approximately 22 million THB. EU Funded: 80%

Partners: Bioagricoop, Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce, Franco Thai Chamber of Commerce

Overall Objective: Aware beneficiary and target groups, train and coach-ing target groups to produce a correct application of self control and third party certification procedures inspired to EU practices and show results and test new products.

Project Purpose: Increase Thai Trade potential through the correct imple-mentation of self control and third party certification procedures inspired by EU approach

More information: http://script-thai.eu/

Studies: All the researches and presentation developed in the frame of the Script Project have been published and distributed on a CD and also available for download at: http://script-thai.eu/studies/

The Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Bioagricoop and the Franco Thai Chamber of Com-

merce presented the SCRIPT project at the ThaiFex World of Food Asia 2011. The event was held in Bangkok in the Impact Exhibition Arena, the leading trade platform for the food and beverage industry in South East Asia. From 25th to the 29th of May 2011 the SCRIPT booth hosted the 3 project partners and 5 Thai companies (Bio-agricert Thailand, Chang Rai Pualae Pinnapple, Doi Chang Coffee, Mongkol Fine fresh and Southeast Asia Organic). The SCRIPT Booth at ThaiFex, a project founded by the EU community was a great opportunity for the participating companies to promote their organic products and provide visibility to the project itself. Numerous Thai producers visiting the Booth showed interest in the EU certifications as instruments to increase their exports to Europe. These producers also had the opportunity to speak directly with the 5 Thai companies already certified about the process and the benefits of EU Standards. More info at http://script-thai.eu/thaifex-booth/

Seminar on European Union criteria and requirement for Geographical Indications (GI) and best practices in Thailand

On the 26th of May the TICC organized, in the framework of the SCRIPT Project, a complementary workshop on “European Union criteria and requirement for Geographi-

cal Indications (GI)’ in IMPACT During the seminar, after an opening speech by Mr. Vincenzo Cali’, Italian Trade com-missioner in Thailand, a panel of experts from Italy introduced the latest information about European Organic Regulation and Geographical Indications. Representatives from Thai companies with Geographical Indication and Organic certification also offered an overview and feedback on their direct experience.

TICC at THAIFEX - World of Food Asia 2011

NaTrue: NaTrue is the Interna-tional Association of Producers of Natural and Organic Cosmetics, whose goal is to produce high quality natural cosmetics guaran-teeing the origin of ingredients and food safety. The use of the reliable and internationally rec-ognized Trademark Na True has become a priority for companies operating on a European scale.

Certifications Promoted by SCRIP Project

GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recog-nized as the leading processing standard for textiles made from or-ganic fibers worldwide. It defines high level environmental criteria along the entire supply chain of organic textiles and also requires compliance with social criteria.

Quick facts on SCRIPT project:

This project is funded by the European Union

18

BUSINESS FOCUS

Central Retail Corporation Ltd. (CRC), Thailand’s leading department store operator, expanded its presence in the European market on May 30, 2011 by buying for �260 million (THB10,000 million) all shares of la Rinascente s.r.l., Italy’s famous department store chain.

“We are now building up a great new history for Thai retail industry”, said Mr. Tos Chirathi-vat, CRC Chief Executive Office, during the press conference at Central Chidlom Tower. “With this acquisition of la Rinascente, it makes CRC truly entering to the world-class

business leader in department store operator by expanding our three department store brands under Central Retail chain to totally four brands as following: Central, ZEN, Robinson and la Rinascente”. La Rinascente, founded in Milan in 1865 by Luigi and Ferdinando Bocconi, started with a small shop in via Santa Radegonda. Later on, thanks to the success of the busi-ness, it moved to Piazza Duomo where Milan’s Cathedral is located; this is now the flagship store of the company. In addition to Milan, which is considered as the world fashion capital, la Rinascente now operates ten additional department stores in Italy: two in Rome and one each in Catania, Cagliari, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Padova, Palermo and Turin. It provides top world-class brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Valen-tino, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Zegna, Chloe, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and etc. Even if la Rinascente is already a well established brand, Central believes it has even brighter prospects and intends to ex-

Central goes shopping in ItalyAcquired la Rinascente, no.1 Italian luxury department store

La Rinascente as we know now, started with a small clothing shop, opened by Bocconi brothers in Via Santa Radegonda, named Aux Villes d'Italie, inspired by Le bon marché in Paris, probably the first department store in the world. The name La Rinascente was chosen by Gabriele d’Annunzio, the most influential Italian figure at that time, when the Bocconi brothers sold the company to the entrepreneur Senatore Borletti in 1917. The name La Rinascente derived from rinascita, which means rebirth in Ital-ian. Rebirth not only of the store but also, and more significantly, the rebirth of Italy at the end of a war, which was causing widespread poverty.

pand its operations. Mr. Tos clearly stated that this is a long-term strategic investment. “After the acquisition, we have a plan to pro-mote Rinascente as a “World Class Lifestyle Brand” and to locally expand more flagship stores in several tourist cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence including other important cities such as Napoli and Bologna”. But this is not all. The Chirathivat Family promised also to “create the opportunity for Made in Italy products to expand in profit-able and fast growing new markets”, taking advantage of CRC’s strategic investments in other European countries, China, and other ASEAN economies. This represents a very good opportunity for Italian products to expand in new markets, particularly in fast growing Asia.

Buona fortuna la Rinascente and Chock Dee Central !

Source: press releaseBy Narciso Podda

DID YOU KNOW...?

20

The award ceremony of “Ospitalità Itali-ana” with 14 Italian restaurants in Thai-

land, selected by the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC), took place in Bangkok the 30rd of March 2011 in the prestigious room “The Gallery” of the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel. This event was the natural conclusion of the “Ospitalità Italiana” initiative, arrived in Thailand one year ago and developed by the TICC with the cooperation of Unioncamere (Italian Chambers of Commerce in Italy) and ISNART (Italian Institute for the promotion of the Tourism). The outstanding location and the partici-pation of some of the best Italian restaurants in Thailand attracted journalists, Italian citi-zens living in Bangkok and, of course, many food lovers. Speeches by Mr. Marco Midolo (Coun-selor and head of the commercial office, Embassy of Italy), Mr. Vincenzo Calì (Italian Trade Commissioner) and Mr. Lino Geretto (President of TICC) welcomed over 200 guests attending the event. The delicate tonality of the hall chosen by the organizers well harmonized with the colors of the Italian flags, generously displayed around the room. The Tricolore, along with the aromas and the flavors of the Italian cuisine, offered a rare opportunity to all the guests of fully Italian experience in an Asian country. The 14 awarded restaurants arranged for this special night a fine selection of tra-ditional Italian dishes, strictly prepared with

genuine Italian ingredients of the highest quality. Thanks to the support of TICC and the passion of the Italian Chefs the menù was variegate and sophisticated, a great chance for the guests to enjoy not just well known Italian dishes, such as Ossobuco e Polenta but also to try modern combinations like Grana cheese foam with Aceto Balsamico di Modena. Italian red wine and Prosecco, kindly provided by TICC members sponsor-ing the event, were generously poured and few guests resisted in front of the Tartufo ice cream offered as dessert. The good coverage by the Thai press, the presence of Italian Embassy and Italian Trade Commissioner Representatives, the great con-tribution by the Italian Chefs and the smiles on guests’ faces remarked the success of this event. To confirm, once again, that genuine Italian food and natural spirit of aggregation can offer a great opportunity of cooperation between Italian citizens abroad and are still an important vehicle for the promotion of our Country in the world.

Award Ceremony the "Ospitalita TICC organized the Award Ceremony for the "Ospitalita Italiana" Project

Special thanks to:

• Del Casaro, • Sino Pacific Trading, • Gelathai, • Italasia, • Eurofood, • Great Earth, • G.DS, • Fooditalia• Swissotel Nai Lert Park

“Ospitalità Italiana” is an internat ional program i n v o l v i n g 4 5 I t a l i a n Chambers of Commerce in the world that evaluates I ta l ian Restaurants in the world and certify the ones which maintain and promote authentic Italian eno-gastronomic culture.

By Giovanni Quaratesi

"Spreading the values of Italian style through the protection of the quality of Italian products, the know-how linked to Italian Tradition and the places of origin Italian food make up the particular nature of this important project. It unites the Italian chamber system abroad and has an irreplaceable added value with the participation of Italian Chambers around the world. We have been contributing to the diffusion of culture and advantages of the Mediterranean Diet to consumers around the world for years, enhancing products and tourism."

Augusto Strianese, President of Assocamerestero

21

Italiana" ProjectFourteen Restaurants Certificates

The fourteen restaurants that have been chosen for the certification by the Ospitalita’ Italiana project, are:

La Grappa:Andreas Bonifacio

Enoteca Italiana:Nicola Bonazza

La Capannina:Mario Eleonori

Rossini:Stefano Merlo

La Bottegadi Luca:Luca Appino

Beccofino:Angelo Rottoli

Opus:Oreste Morabito

Gianni: Gianni Favro

Mamma Mia!: Claudio Ceriani

Giusto: Fabio Colautti

L’Opera: Marco Ravasio

Spasso: Loris Pistillo

Zanotti:Gianmaria Zanotti

La Scala:Maurizio Menconi

22

LEGAL CORNER

Absolute Power over a Limited Company

The Author

Ms. Chulaporn Sam-Arng Attorney – at – Law

Chulaporn has represented a diverse group of clients in matters relating to business law and liaising with foreign firms. She can be contacted at [email protected]

Jus Laws & Consult International Law Firm is an innovative, independent international law firm, dealing almost exclusively with international clients, who seek legal advice whether in business affairs, corporate matters, tax issues, risk management, structuring and restructuring of company entities suitable to different types of business, criminal and civil disputes, litigation or arbitration in the Kingdom of Thailand. Our offices are in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui.

The Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand 1 Section 10972 Section 11123 Section 11084 Section 1144 and 1150

5 Section 11446 Section 11827 Section 11948 Section 1178

Mayuree: Oh! Hi Antonio, what are you doing here? Long time no see!

Antonio: Hey, hi! My wife and I are here for a loan application, as you know we are setting a new business with some Thai colleagues.

Mayuree: Oh Boonmee and Somying?

Antonio: Yes, there wil l be four (4) shareholders1 namely Boonmee, Somying, my wife and me in our new business. We are about to register the new Company as soon as I get the loan.

Mayuree: Are you going to use the loan for running this business with your Thai shareholders?

Antonio: That's right! Is there anything I should concern about or any precaution that I should take?

Mayuree: Let me think...at this stage, the Company does not exist yet until the registration2. Therefore you cannot have the loan under the Company and that you have to put it under your name. This loan repayment obligation shall only bind upon you individually, not the company and that the company may refuse to repay the loan. So when you set up the Company, you need to ensure that in the Statutory Meeting to form the company, all shareholders must acknowledge and ratify the loan amount you have taken to be used in the operation of the company3.

Antonio: Excellent, I will do that. How about the Director of this Company, what is the maximum number of Board of Directors? Can it be all four (4) of us (me, my wife, Boonmee and Somying)?

Mayuree: You can have as many members of the Board as you wish. Four (4) Directors are possible4. However, please note that in order for the Company to act, it needs an active Director(s) to sign documents which will be binding upon the company. If this Company is going to have all four

(4) shareholders as Directors, you will need to think of how to make it practical for the operation of your business as it may not be convenience to have all four (4) authorised Directors, especially you who travel a lot. So you may allow each director to sign documents which will be binding upon the Company.

Antonio: Well, I found it a little unsecured to allow any one of us to act for the Company. Don't get me wrong, I have no oppose to my colleagues’ reliability but I feel that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Mayuree:That concern can be eliminated easily by specifying the scope of power of the authorised Director(s) on what activities they can carry out on behalf of the Company in the Articles of Association of the Company5 or allow the majority (3/4 of the votes) of the Board to sign the documents.

Antonio: And what about the majority vote in a Shareholder’s Meeting?

Mayuree: On a show of hands every shareholder present in person or represented by proxy will have one vote in order to pass an ordinary resolution6. However, in the case of a special resolution (e.g. Capital Increase and Company Dissolution), the majority of not less than three-fourths of the votes is required7. I will give you a tip; always negotiate to have the percentage of you and your wife’s shares at least 76% shares altogether. This way, you will have the absolute power over this Company8.

Antonio: Splendid! I will discuss this with Boonmee and Somying as per your advice. Thank you so much! I am so lucky bumping into you today.

Mayuree: My pleasure.

Antonio: Oh, I need to see the banker now! Thanks for your advice.

See you around!

Always remember, whatever the ratio of the shares will be, the Thai person that you can trust the most and you, should hold at least 76% shares altogether. This way, you will have the absolute power over this company.

23

The Author

Andrea [email protected]

Andrea Lovato was born in Vicenza, Italy in 1987. In 2009 he graduated in Finance and he is currently completing his Master’s Degree in Business Management at Bocconi University in Milan. In 2008 he attended a semester exchange program at University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic and in 2010 he attended one semester as exchange international MBA student at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan. His main interests are corporate finance and emerging financial markets.

The banking system in Thailand first began with the establishment of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank branch in 1888, and then, six years later in 1897 with the French bank; Banque de I’Indochine.

These banks set up branches In Thailand primarily to facilitate trading between

their home country and Thailand. The first local commercial bank was the Siam Com-mercial Bank in 1906, previous to this the only kind of financial operators were pawn shops. Islam is the second largest religion in Thailand and the majority of the 6 million Muslim people reside in the southern region, close to the Northern part of Malaysia. Is-lamic banking, whereby banking practices are in accordance with Islamic Law, was adopted in Thailand in 1998 and in 2003 the Islamic Bank of Thailand was established by the Thai Government. Central to Islamic finance is the fact that money itself has no intrinsic value. As a mat-ter of faith, a Muslim cannot lend money to, or receive money from someone and expect to benefit. To make money from money is forbidden: Sharia law prohibits the payment or acceptance of specific interest or fees for loans of money. It is also forbidden to invest

in businesses that provide goods or services considered contrary to Islamic principles, for example investments in companies involved with alcohol, tobacco and gambling are not allowed. How can an Islamic Bank make profits?

The process is simple and is called an “Is-lamic hire purchase transaction”. Instead of lending the buyer money to purchase the item, the bank buys the item from the seller and resells it to the buyer at a profit allowing the buyer to pay back the bank in a monthly fixed amount. The establishment of a coperative society; Pattani Islami Saving Cooperative, with the purpose of mobilising Muslims funds in their regions, marked the beginning of Islamic banking in Thailand. This system was failing until collaboration with the Thai Government in 1998 when the so-called “Islamic Win-dow” was introduced. This was followed by the Islamic Bank of Thailand Act (IBT) 2002 that allowed the establishment of the first original Islamic bank; The Islamic Bank of Thailand in 2003. The main challenge for Islamic Bank was that the majority of Muslims inhabit rural areas whose livelihoods are in agricultural activities and industries. Thai Muslims are the poorest community in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Muslim Bank in ThailandECONOMIC FOCUS

Source: www.ibank.co.th

Picture 1: important financial information 2008-2009

Source: www.ibank.co.th

Picture 2: growth of credit 2009

Islamic banks encountered difficulties attracting local deposits which meant they had to attract deposits from other localities to finance business in these provinces. Support from institutional and private Muslim organi-zations was necessary for the development of the Islamic Banking branch. Another challenge for Islamic Bank is the lack of Islamic bonds called Sukuks, as these bonds are needed to form the basis of the banking system. There is already a plan to introduce the first Islamic bonds and the test for Thailand could come early in 2011 when the Islamic bank is said to be ready to issue its first Sukuk. Today the bank promotes ethical culture, social responsibility, Islamic principle and good governance through the operational framework. Through this the Islamic Bank differentiates from the norm and creates a new alternative for everyone regardless of religion. Currently Islamic Bank is a state owned enterprise operating under the Ministry of Finance and has 57 branches throughout the country. In recent years the bank has shown impressive growth. In 2009 the total amount of credit rose by THB21.3bn, deposits were up by THB20.9bn and assets by 21.5bn – 127 per cent, 105 per cent and 90 per cent year-on-year growth respectively – with a net profit of THB356mn – up from 2.1mn the year before.

24

Paradiso di Navin Thai Representative at the 54th Venice Biennale

Thailand is attending La Biennale di Venezia 2011 with the Paradiso di Navin – A Mission to Establish Navinland para-pavillion, situated in the historic and entertaining locale of the Paradiso - along the Giardini’s splendid waterfront.

Thanks to the constant support of its Ministry of Culture, Thai contemporary

art has been hosted in Venice since 2003, consolidating the international visibility and appreciation it is gaining in the global artistic world thanks to the dynamism demonstrated in a variety of media such as installations, photographs, prints, video art and perfor-mance art. This year exhibition is by the internation-ally recognized Thai artist of Indian descent Navin Rawanchaikul. Born in 1971 in Chi-ang Mai, Navin has developed a unique and vast body of works based on team spirit and collaboration, putting art in touch with the lives of everyday people. Incorporating everyday culture relevant and current to the chosen environment, he has been exploring the relation between local circumstances and trends of globalization. His oeuvre encom-passes a broad array of media including installation, film, performance, mobile galler-ies, billboards, comics, games, merchandise and cocktails. He currently shows his works in the collection of international art centres in Italy, France, Japan, Singapore, Ukraine, Brazil and Sweden, awarding the national Silapathorn citation from the Thai Ministry of Culture in the respected field of Visual Arts in 2010. Having initiated in 1995 with his land-mark project Navin Gallery Bangkok - in which he equipped a working Bangkok taxicab with rotating exhibitions, he has after that presented several wide-ranging projects – among them, the Navin Party and Navins of Bollywood, conceived as a parody of the art world with a mock campaign to unite the world's countless individuals who share his forename. The Paradiso di Navin pavillion - styled with the collaboration of Jim Thompson, a leading Thai brand of fine fabrics and a dedi-cated promoter of art from Thailand through indigenous Pha Khao Mar textile motifs, is a multifaceted situational environment that aims at challenging one’s perceptions of identity and nationhood, absorbing him in a borderless community. Its goal is to provoke direct interventions, social commentary, in order to mix community or individual experi-ences together into eccentric fictional tales.

The Venice Biennale is one of the most pres-tigious cultural institutions in the world. Ever since its foundation in 1895, it has been in the avant-garde, promoting new artistic trends and organizing international events in contemporary arts. Thailand participa-tion is crucial not only in strengthening the image of Thailand beyond the popular and bidimensional aspect of tourism destination in the emerging world, but also as a pole of culture and arts, which it actually is, as dem-onstrated by recent national successes and acknowledgement in various artistic sectors.Its participation is relevant to the consolida-tion of the relationship between Thailand and Italy too, helping people of the respec-tive countries the possibility to discover and appreciate each other in their wholeness, constituting a unique instrument to forge more stable relations also from the political and economic point of view. Paradiso di Navin, to be inaugurated the 2nd of June, has been commissioned by Prisna Pongtadsirikul and cured by Pandit Chanrochanakit and Steven Pettifor, and

organised by Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry of Culture, Thailand, in collaboration with Concilio Europeo dell’Arte. The project was made possible through the support of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited; Tang Contemporary Art, Bangkok, Beijing and Hong Kong; Gallery Niklas Belenius, Stockholm; Double A (1991) Public Company Limited; and Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company Limited.

Edited by Alessandra Gerarda Lombardi

Exhibition Date: June 4 to November 27, 2011Closed on Mondays (except 6 June, 15 August and 21 November, 2011)Venue: Paradiso GalleryGiardini della Biennale, Castello 1260 (Vaporetto stop: Giardini)

More information about the artist and Navin Production available at www.navinproduction.com

The Paradiso di Navin; an imaginary world where people live together without national discrimination. Thailand’s representative artwork by Navin Rawanchaikul.

REVIEW

25

TICC EVENTS

(From L-R) Top Row - Mr. Mario Bracci, TICC’s Director, Mr. Alessandro Barberis, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Torino, Mr. Lino Geretto, TICC’s President (From L-R) Second Row - Mr. Sandro Zanello, TICC Secretary General and Freya Lemcke, Advisor-International Affairs, Eurochambres.

Mr. Lino Geretto, TICC’s President, Mr. Mario Bracci, TICC’s director, Mr. Sandro Zanello, TICC’s Secretary General and

Mr. Elia Righetti TICC’s Trade Analyst joined a meeting with Mr. Alessandro Barberis, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Torino and former top ranking manager at FIAT and Piaggio on the 9th May at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok. During the meeting, Mr. Barberis expressed to Mr. Geretto that the Chamber of Commerce in Torino wishes to enhance the cooperation with ASEAN countries in sectors of automotive and machinery, hoping to help and support Italian SME’s to open new business in the South East Asia. Mr. Barberis also delegate of Eurochambres exchanged some opinions and comments with TICC’s delegation regarding the new established European- Asian Business Center (EABC) in Bangkok aimed at facilitating market access for European business in Thai-land, to promote Thailand and the ASEAN region as a high potential trade and investment market for European businesses. The Centre is part of a wider strategy of the European Union to support the internationalization of European SMEs and to enhance market access, in particular in emerging and fast growing markets like South East Asia.

Joint Chambers Breakfast Seminar on Leadership and Diversity

TICC In cooperation with the Franco-Thai, Danish-Thai, Finnish-Thai, Thai-Swedish and Thai Nor-

wegian Chambers of Commerce organized “Joint Chambers Breakfast Seminar on Leadership and Diversity by Pamela Hongsakul" on the 11th May at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit. In globalizing political economy, we need to take advantage of diversity, not fall prey to its problems-but how do we do that, and what is the role of the leader? Pamela Hingsakul, the speaker, was well placed to lead talks on matters concerning leadership at the public sphere. Pamela gave her view on how expat leaders in Thailand can lever-age diversity for success. She believes that foreign business executives can be role models in Thailand, as well as globally. Thanks to the speaker, also to the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit for the greatest breakfast and services.

Photo by the Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce

TICC’s delegation meets Mr. Alessandro Barberis, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Torino

Business Trip at Foggia, ItalyProject to promote and enhance the stone industry of the Province of Foggia

Considering the economic relief of the entire Puglia stone production, concerns for productive districts of Apricena stone, and considered tecnnical implica-

tions for architectural purposes, the Foggia Chamber of Commerce has invited foreign commercial operators in the sector to see real stone productions of Puglia region during April 17th to 20th, 2011. This project aims to promote the province’s stone industry through internation-alization actions, thus raising its visibility on the global landscape. The project organized in a number of phases:* Market analysis and development of commercial potential, with special regard

to the countries of the Asian and Arab area.* Organizing an exhibition of the industry players’ stone productions* Holding business meeting with appropriately selected international importers

from foreign countries, in particular from the Asia and Arab area.* Organizing days to provide refresher and training courses for architects and

designers from foreign countries, in order to further promote the use of stone in street furniture and interior furnishing.

The foreign operators and buyers were professional interior designers from India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. For this purpose, TICC has invited two leading companies in the sector to join the event: Mr. Somkiat Jitsangboon, Managing Director of Empire Granite Co., Ltd. and Mr. Lee Meng-Che, representative of Fong Ting Stone Products Co., Ltd.

Business Trip at Foggia, organized by The Foggia Chamber of Commerce

On the lookout for CNH?The only Nordic Private Bank in Asia Pacific.

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investments.

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www.sebgroup.com/privatebanking

28

TICC FAIR & UPCOMING EVENT

The TICC's Business Directory 2011 has come out. This issue features different topics. The company profiles from TICC members, an economic outlook, list of fairs and exhibitions in Thailand and Italy, the Chamber’s activities, plus contact information of important private and public organizations in both countries.

Member: Free of Charge / Non Member: 800 bahtPlease contact the TICC office by e-mail ([email protected]), Tel: (+66 2 255 8695) or by fax (+66 2 253 9896) for further details or to purchase.

Business Directory of the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce

2011

Directory2 0 1 1TICC Business Directory 2011 now comes out

International Trade Fairs in Thailand ( June - July 2011 )Exhibitions In Thailand Detail Date Venue/Website

E5Indo-China showcase for energy effi ciency, Automation, eco-built technology and electrical engineering

15 – 18 June 2011

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)www.e5thailand.com

NEPCON THAILAND 2011 First show for electronic parts manufacturing in ASEAN

23 – 26 June 2011

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)www.nepconthailand.com

AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING 2011

ASEAN’s only machinery expo for automotive parts manufacturing

23 – 26 June 2011

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC)www.automanexpo.com

THAILANDINTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT AND BAR 2011

Premier International Exhibition and Conference dedicated to the hotel, bar, café, restaurant, and catering industry and service sectors

07 – 09 July 2011

IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centerwww.thairestaurantandbar.com

Upcoming Events June - August 2011

International Trade Fairs in Italy ( June - July 2011 )

Date Event Location

June

2 Thu. ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok

8 Wed. – 12 Sun. MOVIEMOV ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2011 SFX Cinema, Emporium

July

1 Fri. BANKS’ MID YEAR DAY

3 Sun. ITALIAN MOTOGP AT DUCATI CAFFE’ Ducati Caffe’

6 Wed. BOCCONI UNIVERSITY MEETS ECAP III AND DIP ECAP III Office

7 Thu.YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENT WITH FTCC AND BOCCONI UNIVERSITY

Bed Superclub

15 Fri. ASAHNA BUCHA DAY TICC office close

27 Mon. GET-TOGETHER NETWORKING EVENT WITH FTCC To be confi rmed

August

12 Fri. H.M. QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY (TICC OFFICE CLOSE) TICC offi ce close

Exhibitions In Italy Detail Date Venue/Website

SMAU BUSINESS Information & Communication Technology for enterprises

08 – 09 June 2011 Bolognawww.smau.it/bologna11

PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO Clothing and fashion for men. 14 – 17 June 2011 Fortezza da Basso, Florencewww.pittimmagine.com

Sì - SPOSA ITALIA COLLEZIONI

International Presentation of Bridal and Formal Wear 17 – 20 June 2011

Fieramilanocity, Milanwww.sposaitaliacollezioni.fi eramilano.it

PROTEC ITALIAExhibition dedicated to prediction and prevention of industrial and environmental risk

30 June – 2 July 2011 Lingotto Fiere, Turinwww.protec-italia.it

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Chanintr Living LimitedMr. Chanintr Sirisant (CEO)2/4 Nai Lert Tower, 10th Floor, Wireless Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330Tel: +66 2 655 5188 Fax: +66 2 655 5189E-mail: [email protected]: www.chanintrliving.comSector: Importer and retailer of Minotti Furniture

Welcome New MembersMEMBER AREA

To request free copies of the INFORMA for distribution in your hotels, restaurants, or companies, please send an e-mail request to Ms. Sukanya Kerngfak (TICC Marketing/PR Executive) at [email protected].

King Power International Co., Ltd.Mr. Saravuth Manuthasna (Inbound Market Division-Vice President)8 King Power Complex, Rangnam Rd., Thanon-Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400Tel: +66 2 677 8888 Fax: +66 2 642 7636E-mail: [email protected]: www.kingpower.comSector: Duty Free

MonzArt Bronze Benny Line Co., Ltd.Ms. Thanussorn Kornwattanakaran (General Manager)135/9 M.2 Tambol Bangchang, Amphur Bangchang, Rayong 21130Tel: +66 38 941 351-4, +66 38 880 438 Fax: +66 38 880 439E-mail: [email protected]: www.monzartbronze.comSector: Bronze Sculpture

Distribution Request for

INFORMA:

TICC Representative Office open in Phuket

TICC is pleased to inform all Members that a Representative Offi ce of the

Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce is op-erative in Phuket: it will provide services for the Southern part of Thailand.

Mr. Francesco Pensato has been ap-pointed as the TICC Representative. TICC Phuket offi ce will liaise with new Members and will expand TICC's busi-nesses and activities in the South Region.

The Phuket offi ce premises are located at:JK Co-Ordinate Co., Ltd.68/203-204, Moo 1, Tambon Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130 ThailandTel: +66 76 263 923 Fax: 66 76 367 153Email: [email protected]

The Chamber would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Francesco Pensato great success in his new mission.

Mr. Marco Midolo and Mr. Lino Geretto, TICC's President

Mr. Marco Midolo, Counselor to the Embassy of Italy to Thailand in Bangkok has moved to the Embassy of Italy

in Greece (Athens) to assume the position of head of the com-mercial - economic office.

TICC would like to express our sincere thanks for his dedicated support and his participation to our various projects and activi-ties.

In the framework of the SCRIPT project have been realized three market studies in Europe regarding the Thai Silk, Natural/Organic Cosmetics and Thai Spa.

These studies are free to download from the script website: www. Script-thai.eu/studies

Mr. Marco Midolo moved to Greece

Phangan Bayshore Resort and Spa Haad Rin Beach

Phangan Bayshore Resort and Spa is directly on Haad Rin Nok,

at the heart of the action most suitable for the Full Moon Party

and to enjoy the exotic nightlife available at Haad Rin.

INFORMA June issue

Documents

Transcript of INFORMA June issue