WCA November 2010

Industry news

Major contracts for Thai subsidiary

Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Ltd (APWC), a leading manufacturer of wire and cable products for the telecommunications and electric power industries in selected Asia-Pacific markets, has announced that one of its Thai subsidiaries, Siam Fiber Optics Co Ltd, has signed several major contracts with local companies and state-owned telecommunication companies for a total value of Baht 592 million (approximately $18.4 million). The contracts include: A contract with Marubeni Thailand Co Ltd to deliver 5,650km of fibre-optic • cable over a seven-month period A THB 121 million ($3.8 million) contract to deliver 2,794km of fibre-optic cable • to TOT Public Company Limited, a state-owned telecommunications company, which commenced in May 2010 Two contracts from Thai Transmission Industry Co Ltd to provide 4,130km • ADSS and 4,324km dropwires of fibre optic cables in an effort to link the telecommunication network for all the domestic universities in Thailand totalling THB 258 million (approximately $8 million) over approximately 14 months Siam Fiber Optics Co Ltd is 60% owned by Charoong Thai Wire and Cable Co, and the latter is 51% directly or indirectly owned by APWC. The other three non-controlling interest parties own the remaining 40% of Siam Fiber Optics Co Ltd. Asia Pacific Wire and Cable Corporation is pleased by the strong demand for the telecommunications products in Thailand, viewing the contracts as representative of stable growth in the telecommunications cable business. The company anticipates continued strong demand for wire and cable, together with the expansion of telecommunications and electrical infrastructure in the growing Asia-Pacific region. Return to Bangkok 2011 wire Southeast Asia will return to Thailand in 2011, at a time when strong economic growth of 5.8% is said to be forecast for the country. Neighbouring countries including Vietnam and Indonesia expect growth of over 6% and sustained growth in the ASEAN economies is anticipated, driven by both export and domestic consumption. The World Steel Association has indicated that ASEAN’s steel consumption, estimated at 42 million tonnes in 2009, is expected to reach 49 million tonnes in 2011. Countries in the ASEAN region require huge investment in infrastructure, demanding extensive inputs of wire and cable products. In Thailand, for example, automobile production is projected to grow from around 908,000 vehicles in 2009 to over 2.5 million in 2014, and Vietnam is investing heavily in oil and gas, with refining capacity set to almost double by 2014. In 2009, despite the challenging economic environment of the time, wire Southeast Asia concluded on an optimistic note and the trade fair was well supported by exhibitors, trade visitors, buyers and industry associations. Organisers of the 2011 show, to be held 13 th to 15 th September, have already secured over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries. Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Ltd – Taiwan Website : www.apwcc.com Siam Fiber Optics Co Ltd – Thailand Website : www.sfo.co.th

Messe Düsseldorf Asia Pte Ltd – Singapore Fax : +65 6332 9655 Email : wire@mda.com.sg Website : www.wire-southeastasia.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2010