THAIFEX - HOREC Asia 2025, one of the leading international exhibitions for the hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) sector in Southeast Asia, officially held in Bangkok (Thailand) on March 5

Co-organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse (Germany), the THAIFEX - HOREC Asia 2025 took place from March 5 to 7 at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Center in Bangkok (Thailand).

FOSTERING BUSINESS COOPERATION IN HORECA

With the theme “Shaping the Future of HoReCa”, THAIFEX - HOREC Asia 2025 was attended by 420 companies in the HoReCa sector not only from Thailand but also from across the globe, including 3 companies from Vietnam.

This year’s event boasts an expansive exhibition area of 27,000 sq m, offering an ideal platform for businesses in HoReCa sector to connect and explore new opportunities.

With strong recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors following the global pandemic and Thailand’s solid position as a leading global tourist destination, the HoReCa industry is experiencing significant growth. In this context, THAIFEX - HOREC Asia 2025 is seen as a vital platform for businesses to grasp emerging trends, expand collaborations, and enhance trade connections both regionally and globally.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan emphasized that in order to foster and facilitate global trade and investment with Thailand, the Thai Government is committed to expanding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to open new potential markets.

Especially, Mr. Naripthaphan noted that the success of this event and the growth of the HoReCa industry underscore Thailand’s potential as a regional HoReCa business hub. 

POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN VIETNAM AND THAILAND IN HORECA SECTOR

Both Vietnam and Thailand are considered top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting large numbers of international visitors every year. The robust development of the tourism industry has driven the demand for high-quality hotels, restaurants, coffee, and food services.

In this context, cooperation between the two countries in the HoReCa sector will not only help businesses expand their markets but also improve service quality, optimize supply chains, and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism and culinary industries.

In an interview with Vietnam Economic Times/ VnEconomy, Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, highlighted the many similarities between Vietnam and Thailand in the HoReCa sector, providing a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation.

Moreover, both countries are currently working on several joint projects. Examples of prominent cooperation activities include the development of Thai shopping mall systems in Vietnam (known as Central Vietnam), organizing food festivals and trade promotion events in the HoReCa sector, and facilitating business delegations. These initiatives not only help businesses access new markets but also provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

Furthermore, as regional integration deepens, strong cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand and other ASEAN countries is pivotal for driving regional economic development. Both countries not only benefit from their proximity but also share many cultural and culinary similarities, along with business models in the HoReCa sector.

“Therefore, I believe that Vietnam and Thailand can leverage their shared strengths to foster the HoReCa sector’s growth, expand trade cooperation, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries within this promising industry,” Ms. Kangvalkulkij affirmed.