The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has chosen Bangkok as the venue for its 74th International Congress in 2014, a clear indication of Thailand’s strong reputation as a regional hub amongst the international pharmaceutical community.
Bangkok: 29 June 2011 – Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in collaboration with Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage (PHAT) have won the bid to host “The 74th International Congress of FIP”, the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2014. The event, held for the first time in Thailand will take place at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). It is expected that the meeting will attract 2500 international delegates to Bangkok and generate more than 210 million baht for the Kingdom. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is a global federation of national associations representing 2 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world. Since its foundation in 1912, the membership has evolved to become the most extensive pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences network worldwide with 124 member organisations. This network is continuing to expand its presence and influence through partnerships with some of the world’s leading healthcare, educational and scientific institutions, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In keeping with its goal of firmly integrating the Federation in global healthcare decisions and action, the FIP was drawn to Thailand because of the country’s vibrant pharmaceutical sector which is driven by a culture of competition and innovation. Thailand has a reputation across the globe for the highest standards of healthcare and technical development. What’s more, Bangkok is a contemporary city with thriving educational and scientific institutions driving medical innovation and making it a benchmark for state of the art facilities and a renowned centre for specialist private healthcare.
FIP originally launched its pan-Asian events in response to strong demand from its Asian associate members for a regionally-based event which offered the Federation’s market-leading combination of top speakers, educational features, and opportunities for networking. This philosophy has recently been underlined by the development of FIP’s New Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan which outlines the goal of firmly integrating the Federation and its member organisations in global healthcare decisions and action. In its mission to improve global health, it will continue to strive for the advancement of pharmacy practice and science to facilitate discovery, development, access and safe use of appropriate, cost effective, quality medicines worldwide.
Ms Suprabha Moleeratanond, Director of Meetings Industries Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation), said “TCEB has collaborated with PHAT since 2008 to support the bid for “74th International Congress of FIP”. We assisted in the setting of a strategic plan, prepared the bidding document, acted as intermediary with the public sector and hosted the staff of the International Pharmaceutical Federation when they visited Thailand.
Support for this Event was one of the crucial targets in our “Believe in Thailand” project, which emphasizes Thailand’s 3 significant roles within the MICE industry:-1) Thailand’s expertise in the MICE business, including professional support services and venues of an internationally recognized standard. 2) Diversified locations. 3) Numerous business opportunities – which are the platform for further business, investment and revenue throughout the industrial sector.
TCEB recognizes the importance of “The 74th International Congress of FIP” and realizes the significant amount of knowledge and technological development that this congress can generate for the global pharmaceutical industry. We also consider it as a great opportunity to reassure a worldwide audience of Thailand’s potential within the international MICE industry, and to demonstrate that we are ready to host global events such as the World Expo in 2020” Ms Suprabha concluded.
FIP General Secretary and CEO, Mr Ton Hoek commented, “Previous Asian Congresses have given us an exciting taste of how FIP can deliver vital platforms for interaction between pharmaceutical professionals within Asia and across the world. There is little doubt that Asia is currently the world’s economic and technological success story. Performance in the region has been robust in the face of the recent global economic crisis, and future growth indicators are extremely positive.”
He added,” Healthcare providers, consumers and entrepreneurs in Asia have a reputation for being quick to identify and embrace opportunities, and adopt technological innovations, whilst the region’s urban centres embody a lively and entrepreneurial culture. I am confident, therefore, that our delegates can look forward to a dynamic and directional FIP event here in Thailand in 2014 where they will be able to learn, share and exchange views at lectures, plenary sessions, Council Meetings and the Leadership Conference. Additionally, our “Young Pharmacists Group” will benefit from several planned sessions and workshops focused on the current issues facing this unique segment of the profession.”
Mr. Teera Chakajnarodom, President of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage (PHAT) commented, “The PHAT is honoured and very pleased to host “The 74th International Congress of FIP”, which is being organized for the first time in Thailand at BITEC. We are certain that the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2014 can count on maximum support from members around the world and that the knowledge shared will help further development of Thailand’s pharmaceutical profession in hospitals, industry, education and the community.”
“We look forward to receiving excellent co-operation from other member countries and expect to attract visitors from both the public and private sectors, including entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers. We trust that the long term benefits to Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry will encompass the raising of standards in research and educational institutions as well as the country’s public health system”
“Bangkok is a global medical city, and the sizeable scientific and healthcare community in the region welcomes the opportunity to highlight the relevance of the FIP Congress to stakeholders throughout the medicare supply chain. We plan to work closely together to develop event content for the duration of the Congress that will give a focused appeal to our delegates and ultimately contribute to increased patient safety, care and health – which is a cornerstone of both the FIP and PHAT’s long-term vision.” Mr. Teera concluded.
The FIP Congress will be held at BITEC, Bangkok’s premier Trade Events centre. Opened in 1997, it is a world-renowned, international venue offering an optimal location for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Situated midway between Suvarnibhumi Airport and the city centre, it offers easy access to thousands of hotel rooms, restaurants and Bangkok’s famous shopping outlets and entertainment facilities.
Ms. Panittha Buri, Director of Marketing and Sales, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) commented, “BITEC has been chosen to support many world medical congresses since we opened our doors in 1997. Our facilities are ideally suited to this type of event, with 19 meeting rooms, offering flexible configurations and a spacious foyer that runs the length of the meeting floor. We also have column-free event halls with individual registration counters, a concourse area, audio visual facilities, extensive free parking and internationally-standard security systems. Moreover, we are able to offer a top-quality food and beverage service which provides menus to impress visitors from around the world.”
“Amongst the many top quality international health-related events previously staged at BITEC are “Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 2011”, “The 19th International Conference of Nutrition 2009”, “The 19th World Congress of Neurology” (WCN 2009) and “The 2nd Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations Congress 2009” (FASAVA). The experience gained through these events has helped us to better understand the unique requirements of medical sector clients and we have therefore tailored our professional backup services accordingly. The success of this philosophy is proved by the high numbers of re-confirmed events.
