Chennai, July 24 : The eighth edition of ''Made in Thailand - Destination Thailand 2009'' exhibition in Chennai is not only showcasing Thai products, but also providing an opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade between the two nations.

The Department of Export Promotion of the Thailand Ministry of Commerce has organized the five-day event that began on Wednesday.

A range of products from Thailand, including accessories, electrical appliances, household items and kitchenware, are on display at the fair.

“The main objective of this exhibition is to promote bilateral trade between Thailand and India. Currently our two-way trade is ... the foreign … is close to about 5 billion US dollars ... And we also in this exhibition we will like to make it as A meeting place between business people, between India and Thailand, so that people can get to know these are the traders,” said Paisan Maraprygsavan, Deputy Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate.

At least fifty Thai companies are participating in the exhibition displaying a wide range of products, including hardware and machinery, gift and decorative items, health and beauty products, leather products and footwear and stationery, among others.

The exhibition also aims to create awareness about Thai products in India and to increase business opportunities.

"It''s a nice exposure to us. Like you get to see a lot of things and if you are interested in business we can again contact them, get their cards. I feel it''s very nice. I always make it up to be at Thailand exhibition," said Mamta Jain, a customer.

Thai cookery classes, Thai classical dance performances and Thai boxing demonstrations are other main attractions of the fair.

Meanwhile, India and Thailand have sought to hasten negotiations on a free trade pact on Tuesday, with the Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont trying to allay concerns over political uncertainty in his country after last year''s military coup.

India and Thailand have a limited free trade pact agreed in 2003 and are negotiating a full treaty. Last year, trade touched 3.4 billion dollars, more than double the levels in
2001, and Indian industry groups expect it to reach 7 billion dollars by 2010. (ANI)