Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum inaugurates 5th annual Style Hong Kong in Dubai exhibition

The event, organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is Hong Kong's largest electronic, gift and houseware trade show in the Middle East.

Also present at the opening ceremony were HKTDC Council Member Paul Yin and HKTDC Middle East and Africa Regional Director Jeff Ambjorn. Style Hong Kong runs until December 18, 2008.

The opening was followed by a VIP tour of the displays of consumer electronics and IT products, costume jewellery, clothing, environmental products, furniture and furnishings, handbags and leather products, toys and games, lighting products, houseware, watches and clocks, sporting and travel goods, stationery, hotel supplies and construction materials manufactured by the more than 200 Hong Kong companies participating in the event.

"Dubai is a vital platform for our event and Hong Kong trade in general, as it acts as a regional distribution centre and shopping destination in the same manner that Hong Kong serves the Asian corridor. Trade fairs in what is widely regarded as the fastest-growing city in the world provide valuable access to buyers and investors from across the Middle East, North Africa, India, Central Asia and as far as Eastern Europe. Last year we transacted with a total of 13,000 buyers; we expect 2008 to be another banner year as evidenced by the solid increase in our exhibitor lineup."

said Ambjorn.

The four-day exhibition will be held in conjunction with the 23rd International Autumn Trade Fair, a comprehensive exhibition and networking venue for the global consumer goods industry and one of the largest multiple trade fairs in the Middle East, thus further expanding the event's market reach.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai has been consistently generating numerous opportunities for Hong Kong businesses and delivers significant vale by promoting trade in goods and services, bridging China and Dubai via Hong Kong's business platform.

Recent statistics show that Hong Kong's trade with the UAE reached HKD31,920m in 2007, representing an 18.4% increase over 2006.

HKTDC has been leveraging this productive commercial partnership to further promote Hong Kong as a prime supplier of fashionable and highly functional lifestyle products.

The Council is targeting the patronage of more than 15,000 trade buyers for the current edition of Style Hong Kong in Dubai.