THIT and Office of Knowledge Management and Development Unites for a Research

The Thailand Textile Institute (THTI), the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture and the Office of Knowledge Management and Development have united for a research and development project aimed at improving the value propositions of Thai silk design, and thereby to grow exports.
 
According to a Bangkok Post report, THTI Director Suttinee Poopaka said two Italian designers have been engaged to find ways to enhance visibility as well as appeal of Thai silk at home as well as abroad, as increased global access and value addition can help the Thai industry to earn better prices.
 
She said they aim to make some changes to Thai silk like increasing the thinness and density of the fabric and fusing it with other kinds of fabrics to change the texture, while still retaining its original identity.
 
Some five-six companies have joined the project aimed at developing three ranges of 15 pilot products including home textiles, men’s and women’s wear and accessories, this year.
 
By end of the current year, as the project concludes, the findings of these designers shall be compiled in a booklet, which shall be distributed to producers to update them regarding the latest trends and innovations in Thai silk.
 
In 2012, Thailand’s silk exports plummeted by 16.2 percent year-on-year to US$ 18.5 million. Over 50 percent of these exports consisted of garments, mainly destined to the US and Japan.
 
During the year, Thailand imported US$ 20.7 million worth of silk, mostly from China, registering a drop of 23.5 percent year-on-year.
 
Last year, Thailand’s overall textile and clothing exports fell by 12.2 percent to US$ 7.22 billion, while its imports grew by 0.68 percent to US$ 4.93 billion.
 
During first quarter of the current year, Thailand’s textile and garment exports grew by 1.1 percent over same period of last year to US$ 1.84 billion.