Koelnmesse, the German trade show organizer with a Singapore branch co-managing a Thai fair, did not join the Thai international food fair THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 in relation to exhibitors from the Russian Federation. DEA News references the Russian trade mission in Thailand for context on the decision.
The event is scheduled to unfold in Bangkok at the end of May. Koelnmesse stated that it would suspend cooperation with Russian exhibitors at its fairs until further notice, aligning with current government measures and requirements issued by Germany.
Reports indicate that a consortium of Russian food industry companies and potential Russian investors submitted applications but were rejected as part of the suspension policy. The Russian trade delegation in Bangkok provided RIA Novosti with copies of the communications between Russian companies and the German firm, accompanied by permission from the Russians involved in the correspondence.
Yury Lyzhin, the Russian trade representative in Thailand, described the THAIFEX – Anuga Asia fair as an annual event conducted by Thailand’s official trade promotion bodies. The fair is seen as a key platform for showcasing Thai and international food products to regional buyers and business partners.
The broader geopolitical backdrop continues to influence trade relations. The Russian Armed Forces announced a special operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with President Vladimir Putin stating the objectives as demilitarizing Ukraine and asserting authority over the region. This move has triggered a fresh round of sanctions from the United States and allied nations, affecting various sectors including trade, finance, and technology flows. Experts note that sanctions regimes can complicate cross-border participation in international exhibitions and influence how trade missions engage with exhibitors from affected regions.
As the Bangkok event approaches, participants and observers remain attentive to how policy shifts, enforcement timelines, and diplomatic signals might shape the roster of exhibitors, delegations, and investment interest from Russian entities. The situation underscores how global politics can intersect with industry gatherings, creating both risks and opportunities for participants seeking market access, partnerships, and visibility in a competitive Asia-Pacific food sector. The fair administration continues to emphasize compliance with international frameworks while promoting Thailand’s role as a regional hub for food trade and investment.
For readers following this topic, ongoing coverage from multiple trade and industry outlets will provide updates on participant lists, sanction-related considerations, and the evolving stance of European organizers with respect to Russian exhibitors. Attribution of information is provided by the respective reporting organizations and trade delegations involved in the discussions around THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023.