VIV ASIA - Show Opens to Help Animal/Aqua Industries Tackle Global Economic Crisis

VIV Asia 2009, Asia-Pacific's largest livestock products exhibition and seminars was opened at the BITEC exhibition in the Thai capital, Bangkok, today. It continues until 13 March.

The theme of the exhibition and associated seminars is to help the Asian livestock industries during the present world economic crisis. The event focuses on reinforcing the confidence to establish Thailand as the centre of the Asia-Pacific livestock industry.

To this end, Risksmai Sukhum, Vice Chairman of the N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co Ltd opened proceedings by emphasising the strength of the Thai livestock industry within the region. "We firmly believe in the future of the livestock industry in Asia and in the world, " he said.

The first VIV Asia was held 18 years ago, reflecting the growth of the event and the industry generally. This year's show is the ninth in the series, and the exhibition area of 12,450 square metres was sold out with 570 exhibitors from 39 nations, 10 different country pavilions and an anticipated 22,0000 visitors. A full conference programme features 70 presentations. According to forecasts, the amount of money raised form business negotiations during the show could be as high as two billion baht.

Mr Rirksmai emphasised that despite the recent wild fluctuations in world economics, this is a great time for VIV Asia: it gives those involved throughout the industry the opportunity to determine future strategies to tackle the problems. This will come through changing ideas and innovations in technology that reduce costs and enhance productivity across the continent.

The global economic crisis was also mentioned by Ton Otton, Managing Director of VNU Exhibitions Europe in his welcome speech. He emphasised how the very difficult conditions had hit the livestock industry. "The meat industry is very much alive – especially in this part of the world," he said.

But the crisis also presents a challenge to the industry to restore the economy to a stable condition again. This is a great opportunity for traders in the Asia-Pacific region to learn about new innovations and changing technologies to enhance their productivity and reduce costs, while maintaining product quality.

VIV Asia can respond and meet the needs of livestock for the Asia-Pacific region, including buyers and sellers throughout the world. This show will also be the key centre to determine future trends in the livestock industry, Mr Otton said.

A new highlight for VIV Asia this year is 'Eggs!' – a special theme to show how production has continuously expanded over recent years to meet the growing demand for eggs and egg products.

Reflecting the importance of aquaculture in the region, VIV Asia is also featuring for the first time Aqua VIV Asia with a special exhibition area and seminar programme for this industry so important to the Asia-Pacific area.

Mr Apirak, advisor to the Thai Prime Minister, explained that Thailand is driven by its strong agriculture, and it will help bring back the economy and stability to the country and elsewhere.

VIV is very important to develop the livestock industry, he said, as it offers opportunities to gain experience of technology and marketing for future high-quality production and trade.