Bangkok: The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has launched a proactive campaign to promote Thai HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) products in Vietnam, aligning with the country's upcoming role as host of APEC 2027. This initiative was set into motion following a strategic meeting held on August 29th with the Vietnam Hotel Association.
According to Thai News Agency, the DITP is driving efforts to expand the presence of Thai HORECA products in Vietnam, guided by the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan. The meeting, which took place at the Lotte Hotel Saigon on August 26, 2026, involved discussions with Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, President of the Da Nang Hotel Association and the Vietnam Hotel Association, alongside key executives and importers. Ms. Supaporn Sukmak, Deputy Director-General of the DITP, highlighted that the talks centered around strategies to integrate Thai products into Vietnam's burgeoning hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors.
Ms. Supaporn elaborated that Thailand offers an extensive array of HORECA products capable of fulfilling the needs of the Vietnamese market. These products include hotel supplies, restaurant equipment, staff uniforms, and lifestyle products, which are noted for their quality and innovative designs. The ongoing growth in Vietnam's tourism and service sectors, coupled with the opportunity presented by APEC 2027, positions Thai products to become pivotal in Vietnam's service supply chain.
To facilitate market expansion, DITP is orchestrating connections between Vietnamese hotel associations and Thai manufacturers through business matching and trade missions. This initiative aims to forge business partnerships and trade opportunities between the two countries. Additionally, Vietnamese businesses are invited to participate in THAIFEX-HOREC Asia 2027, an event scheduled for March 2-5, 2027, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, to engage in trade negotiations and explore Thai products and services for the hospitality industry.
The Vietnam Hotel Association, along with the Da Nang Hotel Association, has shown enthusiasm for Thai HORECA offerings, acknowledging their superior quality and design. They have invited Thai industry representatives to partake in exchange activities at the Vietnam International Travel Mart in Phu Quoc, promoting Thai products and fostering networks within the Vietnamese tourism sector.
Furthermore, discussions addressed the trade prospects stemming from Vietnam's APEC 2027 preparations. The international event is expected to spur demand for hotel, conference, and tourism-related products and services, especially in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. Vietnam is currently enhancing its infrastructure to support APEC 2027, including airports, convention centers, and transportation systems.
Ms. Supaporn emphasized that DITP will leverage Vietnam's tourism expansion and APEC 2027 preparations to promote Thai HORECA products. The department plans to collaborate with Vietnamese business networks and connect Thai entrepreneurs with potential buyers and service businesses. The initiative aims to ensure Thai products meet market demands, thereby fostering trade opportunities and expanding the Thai market in Vietnam over the long term.
The preparations for APEC 2027, particularly the development of Phu Quoc as a conference venue, are anticipated to create demand across various sectors, including furniture, home decor, and tourism services. This scenario offers Thai entrepreneurs a chance to engage with Vietnamese businesses during the preparatory phase and maintain market growth post-APEC 2027.