Thailand’s government and national Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) have introduced a package of support for exhibition organisers and industry stakeholders affected by the impact of Covid-19.

More than US$3.03bn has been approved to help companies in Thailand combat the temporary suspension of business brought about by Covid-19.

The relief package of has been drafted by the Ministry of Finance under the heading, ‘Timely, Targeted and Temporary as Necessary’. The measures are designed to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises in particular and include low interest loans and a cut in tax rates. There are also reductions in rental costs for state-owned venues.

The government acknowledged that, as forums for trade and industrial development, exhibitions will play a key role in the economic recovery that follows the Covid-19

Complementing the wider government relief plan is TCEB’s own support package, ‘Thailand Extra Exhibition Plus’ which provides support for exhibition stakeholders in all dimensions to sustain core tradeshows in Thailand. Whether it’s waiving some of the criteria required for previous initiatives, or providing fixed financial support based on show size for domestic and international marketing and promotion, or simply increasing the space in square metres eligibility criteria for financial support under the Exhibit in Market campaign, TCEB says its hope is “to get the industry in Thailand moving again”.

The measures announced form part of a comprehensive set of measures to accompany the USD1m for immediate term relief for the exhibition sector and the US$14m first phase of Thailand’s industry recovery plan.

Commenting on the measures, Ms Nichapa Yoswee, SVP – Business at TCEB, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with those who are going through very tough times. TCEB has spoken with exhibition industry stakeholders and agreed to join hand-in-hand, stepping forward for the next chapter of the Thai exhibition industry, invigorating our readiness in preparation to ensure Thailand presents you with an optimal platform for your exhibitions when the markets return and keeping the world connected.”