Events Economy & Market

Thailand Week 2026 concludes with strengthened trade ties

Thailand Week 2026, a three-day business opportunity fair, concluded yesterday at Havelock City Mall following a successful exhibition that focused on strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between Sri Lanka and Thailand. The event, which ran from 6 to 8 March, was organised by the Thai Trade Centre Chennai and the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), in partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy, the Commerce Ministry of Thailand, and the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry of Sri Lanka. The venue served as a primary hub for economic exchange, attracting a large number of local entrepreneurs and members of the public interested in high-quality Thai goods.

“Thailand and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close and friendly relations for over 70 years across all areas of cooperation,” said Royal Thai Embassy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn.

During the opening ceremony, he highlighted the significance of hosting the sixth edition of Thailand Week by sharing that the trade value between the two countries reached $ 649 m last year. This figure represents a 48% increase when compared to the $ 438 m recorded in 2024, ensuring that bilateral trade grows steadily.

The Ambassador also addressed the status of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA), which was signed on 3 February 2024. While the agreement has been formalised, it is not yet fully implemented as it awaits necessary domestic legislative actions. Pointing toward the future, he implies that the full implementation of the agreement would unlock new investments. Once the SLTFTA is fully effective, it will expand market access and open new business opportunities that will be highly beneficial to both countries.

The exhibition floor featured 30 selected companies from Thailand presenting products to the Sri Lankan market. Attendees explored a wide range of categories, including food and beverages, cosmetics, SPA and wellness and household items.

Thai Trade Centre Chennai Director Chek Jeenaphan stated that Thailand prioritises quality and sustainability in trade. He observed that local consumers showed high interest in Thai products, noting that this interest has been a consistent trend in past editions of the fair.

In addition to the business networking, Sri Lankans had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” which remains as Thailand’s national identity showcasing significant moves and stances, complemented by classical Thai dances and specialised cooking segments. These displays offered the general public a comprehensive experience of the visiting nation’s rich heritage.

Beyond the business networking and trade activity, the exhibition served as a cultural bridge, offering a unique look into Thai heritage and innovation. The “Art of Eight Limbs” took centre stage as a symbol of Thailand’s national identity, with Muay Thai performers demonstrating specific stances and striking techniques. These displays were complemented by classical Thai dances and a live cooking segment, which introduced the authentic flavours of Thai cuisine to the attendees.

A key highlight of the event, Siam House was honoured with the Thai SELECT logo as the first Thai restaurant in Sri Lanka to carry the title for preserving the authentic taste of Thai cuisine as an overseas restaurant.

The exhibition was attended by several high-ranking officials from both the government and private sectors including representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Sri Lanka – Economic Affairs and the Trade and Commerce Ministry, Sri Lanka – Trade and Research, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and CP Aqua Culture Ltd., also engaged with local partners to explore diverse avenues of investment, reinforcing the impact of the fair on the broader business environment.

The trade fair served as a hub for internal cooperation, allowing local business leaders to negotiate directly with Thai entrepreneurs. By offering free entry, the organisers broadened the event’s impact, inviting the general public to experience Thai culture first-hand. As the fair concludes, it leaves a strong foundation for the coming year pointing toward a prosperous economic future.

Source: Daily FT