Chinese forklift maker Anhui Heli is expanding into other South East Asian markets after performing well in Thailand.

The Bangkok Post reports that Heli signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday, authorising Siam Sun Autosales, the Thai-owned importer and distributor of Chinese machinery brands, to distribute Heli forklifts in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Heli entered the Thai market four years ago through Siam Sun. Company chairman Zhang Dejin told the paper: "We believe in our Thai partner's expertise and capability to tap growing demand for industrial vehicles in Thailand and its neighbours."

Akradech Wongpituchroj, Siam Sun's managing director, said dealers will be appointed to handle the sales and marketing of Heli forklifts in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, where a total of 50 forklifts are expected to be sold this year.

Zhang said Heli is interested in assembling forklifts in Thailand if sales in the Thai market and those of its neighbours hit 3,000 annually. Akradech forecasted new forklift sales in Thailand of 2,500 units for 2012.