Somphol Chaisiriroj, the company's vice-president, said ICC would not only import raw materials and products from other countries in Southeast Asia and China, it would export its goods to be sold throughout the region as well.

The company has set up an international business unit to manage its exports to maximise the potential gains under Afta tariff reductions.

The unit plans to present its export plan for clothing for the ICC board's approval soon.

ICC will exhibit its branded clothing at trade fairs to explore export opportunities.

The ICC brands with the best export potential within the region are Maximus jeans and its St.Andrew children's range.

Mr Somphol said the company yesterday officially launched its new contemporary style clothing brand, Cool Metropolis, aimed at men aged from 28 to 35.

The company targets sales of about 20 million baht from Cool Metropolis this year, rising to 500 million baht over the next five years.

The company plans to export the brand to Southeast Asia next year, starting with Indonesia.

The company will open 10 Cool Metropolis sales outlets in local shopping malls this year. Fifteen outlets have already opened during the brand's soft launch.

ICC also plans to increase its marketing budget by 100% to 50 million baht to increase promotional activities and drive sales this year

Mr Somphol expects the 14-billion-baht fashion business for men including clothing, leather products and shoes to grow by 10% this year, compared with 5% last year. The increased growth will come from the introduction of new brands and marketing activities.

Sales of its Arrow brand of men's clothing reached 2 billion baht last year and will increase by 18% this year, he said.

ICC shares last traded on Wednesday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, closing unchanged at 40 baht.