Style Hong Kong in Dubai 2007 to facilitate an increase in Hong Kong - Middle East trade

The annual event was attended by trade visitors from across the Middle East. The visitors showed great interest in sourcing Hong Kong's affordable, international-quality lifestyle products and services. The exhibitors expressed satisfaction in the quality of business conducted during the exposition.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai is the largest show of Hong Kong products in the Middle East. More than 230 Hong Kong companies, showcasing top-quality fashion and gifts, household and electronics products, construction services and many other offerings, participated in this year's edition. The four-day exposition was held from Dec 9 to Dec 12, 2007 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai 2007 is expected to facilitate a further increase in trade between the Hong Kong and Middle East region. The UAE is Hong Kong's largest export market in the Middle East. Hong Kong's trade with UAE grew by 18.7% to $3.4bn during the first nine months of 2007 ending September 30, 2007 in comparison to the same period last year. While the total exports from Hong Kong to UAE went up by 29% to $2.1bn, the total imports by Hong Kong from UAE grew by 4% to $1.3bn during the same period.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai 2007 showcased seven major product and services categories: construction materials; electronics and IT products; fashion and fashion accessories; gifts; home furnishings and hotel supplies; household products; jewellery and watches.

The flagship event of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Style Hong Kong is a one-stop opportunity to source Hong Kong's affordable, international-quality lifestyle products and services.

Commenting on yet another successful edition of Style Hong Kong in Dubai, Jeff Ambjorn, Director - Middle East, HKTDC, said: "The increase in the number of visitors to the event is an indication of the interest levels of the region's buyers in sourcing products from Hong Kong. Style Hong in Dubai will continue to act as a catalyst in forging stronger economic ties between Hong Kong and the region."

Style Hong Kong in Dubai presented an ideal platform for businessmen from Hong Kong to interact directly with buyers from across the region.

Mr. Wilson Tai, Director, Leadstar Group, a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of home appliances, said: "We have been participating in Style Hong Kong in Dubai since its inception in 2004. The event has provided us with a good opportunity to understand the region's market and build business relationships. We have had a fruitful event this year too as we expect to formally close some deals soon. We are going to be back with the next year's Style Hong Kong in Dubai."

Inhesion Industrial Co. Limited, a first time participant in Style Hong Kong in Dubai, is the manufacturer of gift items aimed at high-end consumers. The company's General Manager, Mr. Kent Chau said: "We are here to understand the market better. Our maiden appearance at the event has provided us with a good understanding of this region. We closed on some orders for our products at the event."

Style Hong Kong in Dubai was held alongside the 22nd edition of the International Autumn Trade Fair, which featured consumer products from exhibitors worldwide. The concurrent events provided a rare opportunity to network with thousands of buyers and trade visitors from more than 50 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Style Hong Kong refers to the HKTDC's flagship events in emerging markets. Launched in 2003 in Dubai, Style Hong Kong shows have since been rolled out successfully in Budapest, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Moscow.