The Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA), in collaboration with the N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd. (NEO) is advancing the Thai hemp industry forward to embrace new opportunities by organizing ‘Asia International Hemp Expo and Forum 2024″ (AIHE)’, an international platform connecting global investors and key industrialists in the hemp industry. The AIHE aims to encourage partnerships and the business ecosystem creation and also features knowledge exchange with experts from Japan that will help strengthen the Thai hemp industry’s potential enabling penetration to the medical and fiber sectors. The event will showcase Thailand’s strength in cultivation and the development of farming areas and new strains to meet the industrial supply chain.
Mr. Pornchai Padmindra, President of the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA), revealed that the hemp industry is currently being driven by the growth of the health and wellness sectors where hemp is being utilized for health benefits. In addition, the advancement of science and research has enabled hemp-based products to meet health trends. At the same time, natural materials with unique characteristics such as durability, strength, and eco-friendly materials like hemp fibers are considered alternative raw materials that answer the Circular Economy principle. Hemp fibers are increasingly used as alternative raw materials for various industries. As a result, many countries are now focusing on building strong hemp supply chains. Thailand is no exception. With strength in cultivation, thanks to its prime geography, Thailand strives to becoming a global production hub of quality hemp raw material. Hence, this event will provide an ample opportunity for Thailand to build a global-scale business ecosystem for the hemp industry that will plant a sustainable foundation for the Thai hemp industry in the future.
Exploring ‘Japan’, a market with boundless opportunities for the hemp industry.
The TiHTA participated in the 1st Tokyo International Hemp Conference in Tokyo, Japan, to exchange knowledge and discuss cooperation on hemp and cannabis between Thailand and Japan. The two countries are recognized for advanced technology and innovation, particularly in the medical sector. Japan has continuously researched and developed cannabis products for medical purposes, which has led to the growth of the health business segment, with a market value of 9.939 billion baht or 45 billion yen in 2024 and is expected to grow to 22.750 billion baht or 103 billion yen in 2027, reflecting the high demand for this particular sector.
Nevertheless, an expansion of the cannabis and hemp industry in Japan has become more visible as the Japanese government announced its main policy, amending the Cannabis Control Act, or unlocking ‘medical cannabis’, which was approved by the Japanese Cabinet on December 6, 2023. The new legislation allows the use of cannabis for medical purposes and the cultivation of cannabis as a raw material for pharmaceuticals. The support from the government has made Japan a pioneer in the appropriate control and usage of hemp. One year of the legalization of cannabis has benefited the massive growth of medicinal cannabis products in Japan.
Japan also has a long experience in hemp fiber for both cultural and industrial purposes. Due to its advanced fiber processing technology, hemp fiber from Japan is in demand by many countries. As for Thailand, the country has strength in plantation contributing to high-quality fiber produce. Learning hemp fiber processing technology from Japan will benefit greatly in creating value-added hemp products and new business opportunities for Thailand.
Fostering partnerships to develop strains and broaden marketing channels for hemp
The Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association, in conjunction with Suranaree University of Technology, has developed TIHTA 1 and TIHTA 2 hemp strains that suitable for Thailand’s climate and geography. The TiHTA also implemented parallel cooperation in joining an International Hemp Federation as well as sought cooperation with domestic and international partners to gain a better insight of the global hemp market overview.
Furthermore, the Association has also collaborated with the Cosmetics Association and the Pharmacy Association to enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs in the medical, health and aesthetic sectors to expand marketing and distribution channels that can lead to standardized delivery and safety of herbal products, cosmetics, and food products for consumers in the future.
Mr. Surapol Utintu, Managing Director of NCC Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd. (NEO), said, “Over the past 3 years, NEO has been working tightly with the Thai Hemp Industrial Trade Association. We are pleased to be a part of the force driving the hemp industry forward. Recognizing the potential of hemp plants that can grow sustainably, NEO is ready to provide a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs, and all parties involved in the industry. The Asia International Hemp Expo and Forum 2024 will provide a proper stage to amplify the potentials of the Thai hemp industry in terms of quality raw material sources for hemp extracts and fibers, outsourcing services for exporting products containing CBD and THC including food and drugs, health products, and cosmetics, as well as medical, health, and wellness services.”
Asia International Expo 2024 is designed for industrial players to connect and expand the opportunities the industry ecosystem has to offer through 3 main aspects:
- Exhibition: Showcasing advanced technologies and products ranging from the plantation, variety of seedlings strains, fertilizers, lighting for cultivation, greenhouse control systems, and related machinery such as harvesting, processing, extraction, products testing, packaging, and standardized finished products. Also on display are fiber and extracted raw materials. The event is one of the most comprehensive platforms showcasing technologies, materials, and equipment for the hemp industry being offered by more than 150 companies together with 40 trade associations and government agencies.
- Networking and Forum: Providing a platform for global buyers from all regions with confirmed participation of the hemp industry professionals from 40 countries worldwide covering various business sectors – from raw material sourcing, OEM, environmental business, and healthcare business, to investors looking to grow business opportunities in Thailand.
In addition, the establishment of the International Hemp Federation of Asia was announced, with more than 10 member countries, particularly the Business Delegation from Japan and the United States will attend the event and join the Japanese Investor Day on November 28, 2024.
- Building a strong foundation to grow future opportunities. To present the ‘Hemp Inspires’ concept, the TiHTA has joined forces with the Design & Object Association to organize the Hemp Inspired Showcase displaying value-added designed products made from hemp raw materials such as furniture, lifestyle products that cater for interior designers, hotel and property projects operating under the low carbon and sustainable business principles.
The event also provides space for local farmers who produce raw materials to connect with buyers from both domestically and internationally. The provided space is set to encourage local farmers to gain information on buyers’ demands and preferences such as standards, raw material quality, and volume. More importantly, it is a great opportunity to match demands and supplies where every part of hemp can be utilized and marketed, resulting in fair competition and sustainable pricing.
Due to regulations, visitors to the Asia International Hemp Expo and Forum 2024 must be at least 18 years of age. Unlimited-day tickets are priced at 500 baht and single-day tickets are priced at 300 baht. Those who pre-register before November 26, 2024, are exempted and can attend the event free of charge.
For the international seminars and in-depth workshops with guest speakers scheduled for November 27-28, 2024, tickets are priced at 8,000 baht. Pre-register your visit at www.aihexpo.com or www.asiahempexpo.com. For more information, please contact Line@AsiaHempExpo.
