Saha freezes investment

Saha Group has suspended further investment and lowered its growth target to only 3-4 per cent this year, the slowest pace in 10 years, after it saw purchasing power wane in both domestic and overseas markets.

Chairman Boonsithi Chokw-atana said yesterday that the economy looks like it’s slowing down, while consumer demand has weakened this quarter and shows signs of slipping in the rest of the year.

“We have to monitor consumption at the 17th Saha Group Fair this weekend to see what will happen. If demand is over the estimate, that might show that the country’s economy will be better than we expected. If not, we believe that our business will slow down in both new investment and business expansion for this year,” he said.

Boonkiet Chokwatana, president and executive chairman of ICC International Plc and head of the fair’s organising committee, said the annual event will feature the most comprehensive range of products at over 1,000 booths. The showcase area will be expanded to outside the building for larger exhibition space as well as greater comfort for visitors. 

“We believe this year’s fair will attract more than one million people,” he said.

The Saha Group Fair has always been a recognised platform to unveil their groundbreaking products and newly launched items, aiming to provide consumers with more alternatives while manifesting Saha Group’s potential as an ever-developing producer of consumer products. 

“Innovative products this year include food, cosmetics, clothing and textiles, shoes and other commodities. This is the only trade show where quality consumer goods from Saha Group are offered at low prices, while their convenient free-delivery service with no strings attached makes this year’s Saha Group Fair an absolute must-attend,” he said. 

A host of interesting activities comprise compelling seminars, fabulous fashion shows, thrilling competitions and job applications will all be available free of charge.

At the event, the group will introduce the latest collaborations with entrepreneurs from Japan, such as J-Park, a Japanese-style shopping mall to open in Sri Racha district by the end of this year; Lawson 108, a joint venture of this minimart giant and Saha’s 108 Shop; and Shop Channel, which will be launched in August on PSI satellite television. 

“Last but not least are the educational institutes featured which we have always given importance to. A number of noted institutes grace the event including the Bunka Fashion Academy, Waseda Japanese Language and Culture School, Make Up Technique International School, International Fashion Business Institute of Technology, MB Club International & Bilingual Tutor School, and Sriracha Aviation,” he said.