BITEC finishes new stage of expansion

By Mark Armsden BANGKOK The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) has completed its interim expansion phase with the opening of a new 6,000sqm column-free multi-purpose hall. It increases BITEC's floor space to 26,000sqm. The new hall was first used during November 8-11 by Reed Tradex for its flagship Thai Metalex exhibition, which is the largest machine tool and metalworking trade exhibition in south-east Asia. "We have built this additional facility to accommodate the expanding needs of our customers such as Grand Prix International, the Department of Export Promotion, the Office of the Board of Investment and Reed Tradex," BITEC managing director Dr Prasarn Bhiraj Buri said. "We believe the focus of the Thai government on promoting the (conference, exhibition and incentive) industries in the country is timely and BITEC wishes to support these efforts by providing world-class convention and exhibition facilities." BITEC will also host the World Congress of Gastroenterology in February, an event which is expected to attract upward of 8,000 international medical delegates and spouses from around the world.