Thailand: Economic growth fuels rise in demand

Thailand's economy continued to grow with its GDP up by 4.2% during the year and inflation down to just 0.3%. The robust economy resulted in an increase in consumer spending and advertising budgets, which in turn fuelled a rise in domestic demand for pulp and paper. Despite the increase in consumption, pulp and paper supplies continued to outstrip demand. Thai pulp and paper companies then focused their sales efforts on overseas markets, exporting to more than 30 countries in 1999.