Sri Lanka’s very first participation at the OTOP City-2022 in Thailand

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in consulation with the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Interior of Thailand, for the very first time made arrangemets to showcase and sell Sri Lankan products from National Crafts Council, Spices and Allied Products Marketing Board, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board and Handicrafts Board at the “OTOP City-2022” from 17-25 December 2022 in IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The “OTOP City-2022” was organised by the Community Development Department of The Ministry of Interior of Thailand under the concept of “Giving happiness from wisdom, passing on the value of Thai people’s craftsmanship” with the objective to promote, showcase and sell products manufactured under the One Tabon One Product (OTOP) concept in Thailand with the participation of more than 2,700 entrepenuers, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-O-Cha and attracted over 200,000 visitors.

Under the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, Thailand has introduced its One Tambon One Product (OTOP) concept to Sri Lanka as “One Village One Product (OVOP)” funded by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and both sides have entered into a Joint Action Programme during the visit by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to Sri Lanka in 2018.

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai visited the Sri Lanka pavilion and impressed with Sri Lankan products showcased. The Sri Lanka pavilion was also highly attracted by Thai general public, monks and many others.

In parallel to the event, the Mission also made arrangements for the Additional Secretary (Small and Medium Enterprise Development) of the Ministry of Industries of Sri Lanka, A. Lakkathas and the Chairman of the National Crafts Council, Sampath Erahapola, to meet online with ten OTOP traders from different parts of Thailand, with the participation of senior level officials from the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Interior of Thailand.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand & Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP, C. A. Chaminda I. Colonne thanked Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Somkid Chanthamaruk, and Director General of the Community Development Department, Unsit Sampuntharat, for the unique opportunity provided for Sri Lanka, at her request. First Secretary/Head of Chancery, A. W. S. Samanmali and First Secretary (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara of the Mission were associated with the Ambassador and Permanent Representative.

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กรุงเทพมหานคร
26th December 2022