The Italian Trade Agency (ICE/ITA) – Bangkok Office serves as the official government body for promoting trade and investment between Italy and Thailand. As part of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation network, ICE Bangkok facilitates bilateral economic relationships and supports Italian companies aiming to enter or expand in the Thai and ASEAN markets.
Mission and Core Services
ICE Bangkok’s primary mandate is to strengthen the presence of Italian goods and services in Thailand by offering a wide array of services for both Italian and local stakeholders:
- Market Research and Sector Analysis
- Trade Fairs and Exhibition Support
- B2B Matchmaking and Partner Identification
- Investment Attraction and Joint Venture Facilitation
- Legal and Regulatory Guidance
- Assistance to Thai Buyers of Italian Goods
The office also actively promotes Italian excellence in sectors such as food and beverage, fashion, machinery, automotive components, and green technologies.
Presence and Strategic Role
Italy and Thailand have maintained a robust commercial relationship, with Italy being one of Thailand’s leading European trade partners. The Bangkok office of ICE/ITA acts as a bridge in this partnership, facilitating direct trade, technological cooperation, and innovation transfer.
- Office Location: Sindhorn Building Tower 1, Wireless Road, Bangkok
- Team: Staffed by trade analysts and international business experts with sector-specific expertise
- Digital Tools: Integrated with the ICE global platform and digital promotional initiatives like Fiera Smart 365 and Export Flying Desk
Trade and Investment Impact
According to ICE 2023 Annual Trade Report:
- Italy-Thailand Bilateral Trade (2023): EUR 4.3 billion
- Italian exports to Thailand: EUR 2.1 billion
- Imports from Thailand: EUR 2.2 billion
- Top Italian Export Sectors to Thailand:
- Machinery and equipment: 34%
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: 21%
- Food and beverages: 16%
- Fashion and luxury goods: 12%
- Key Projects Supported: Participation of over 80 Italian companies in THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2023 and Propak Asia 2023
ICE Bangkok provides tailored support to over 250 Italian SMEs and large corporations annually, facilitating meetings, trade shows, and promotional events that drive contract signings and long-term cooperation.
Sectoral Specialization
The Bangkok office has developed strategic sectoral focus based on regional demand and Italy’s industrial strengths:
- Agri-food: Support for PDO and PGI certified Italian products
- Luxury Goods: Promotion of Made in Italy design and fashion in Thailand’s retail sector
- Industrial Machinery: Technical seminars and joint ventures with Thai manufacturing industries
- Green and Smart Tech: Renewable energy, smart cities, and waste management partnerships
- Healthcare: Expansion of Italian pharmaceuticals and medical device firms in Thai hospitals
Achievements and Recognition
- Hosted over 25 sector-specific events in the last three years across Thailand and ASEAN.
- Increased Italian SME participation by 40% in regional expos from 2021 to 2023.
- Strategic MoUs signed with Thai Chambers of Commerce and BOI (Board of Investment of Thailand).
- Promoted EUR 45 million in direct trade contracts through ICE-assisted matchmaking programs.
Certifications and Governance
As a government agency, ICE adheres to:
- EU Transparency Register guidelines
- Italian Public Administration Code of Ethics
- International Procurement Standards for governmental collaboration
- GDPR and PDPA (Thailand) data compliance in digital interactions
Strategic Collaborations
- Italian Embassy in Bangkok: Joint trade missions and diplomatic support
- Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC): Partner in community building and joint events
- UNIDO and ASEAN Chambers: Engagements in sustainable trade development
Testimonials
“ICE Bangkok has been instrumental in helping our business connect with authentic Italian suppliers. Their support is proactive and highly professional.”
– Thai Importer, Food Retail Chain, Bangkok
“Thanks to ICE’s business matchmaking at THAIFEX, we secured a new distribution agreement that opened a whole new market for us.”
– Italian SME, Olive Oil Exporter from Puglia
The Italian Trade Agency Bangkok remains a vital partner in advancing economic diplomacy and commercial collaboration between Italy and Thailand, ensuring that Italian innovation and craftsmanship continues to find dynamic growth opportunities across Southeast Asia.