HKTDC reveals incentives for Middle East participants of upcoming Hong Kong trade fair

The trade shows being organised by HKTDC are the HK Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), HK Houseware Fair and HK Gifts & Premium Fair, which are all recognised as the biggest shows of their kind in Asia, as well as the HK International Printing & Packaging Fair, International ICT Expo and the new HK International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition).

Hong Kong - known as the world's freest economy - offers many trading opportunities to vendors and buyers from all over the world. Among the emerging markets, the Middle East has become a significant trading partner of Hong Kong, with trade between the two sides steadily growing. From 2006 to 2008, Hong Kong recorded double-digit growth in exports to the Middle East.

In 2008, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones contributed the largest portion - 31% of total exports, valued at $1.77bn. Telecommunications equipment and parts (14%) and watches and clocks (5%) are the other main export sectors.

The United Arab Emirates ranks as Hong Kong's 21st trading partner. The total trade value between Hong Kong and the UAE in 2008 increased by 7.2% to $4.4bn. There was also significant trade between Hong Kong and countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia. A total of 2,664 buyers from the Middle East visited the 2008 edition of these fairs.

"HKTDC has six major international trade fairs in April 2009," said Cathy Yip, Manager of Visitor Promotion, Exhibitions, HKTDC. "Taking account of this upward trade movement and the potential of the Middle East, we will market them intensively to encourage more trade with this emerging market."

The HK $80m (Dhs38m) assistance package is a new initiative established by HKTDC that aims to sponsor buyers from emerging markets such as the Middle East to participate in various exhibitions in Hong Kong in 2009.

It also provides subsidies to Hong Kong exhibitors to assist them in strengthening their marketing efforts. HKTDC discussed during the conference the mechanics for interested parties to avail of the special packages, and also explained other strategic benefits and privileges being offered to participants of its trade exhibitions.

The Spring Edition of Hong Kong International Lighting Fair is a debut event. Driven by overwhelming demand as well as the continued success of its Autumn Edition, the new fair provides an additional opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and for buyers to source quality lighting products.

Concurrent with the Lighting Fair are Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and International ICT Expo. The Spring Edition is the largest electronics fair in Asia. In 2008, over 51,000 buyers from 162 countries and regions came to source for products offered by 2,400 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions.

International ICT Expo draws on Hong Kong's position as a technology leader and presents the latest products and solutions in the information and communications areas to trade buyers. This year, new zones have been added to cater to this fast-changing industry, including 'Computer & Peripherals', 'Digitainment & Multimedia', 'IT Security' and 'Storage Technologies'.

"With a large proportion of telecommunications equipment and parts imported by the Middle East coming from Hong Kong, Middle Eastern buyers should not miss Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and International ICT Expo," said Yip.

Following these three fairs, Asia's largest houseware event, Hong Kong Houseware Fair, will showcase a wide array of houseware items in categorised zones in its 24th edition, 20-23 April. In 2008, over 2,380 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions participated whilst over 29,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions visited the fair.

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will be held in tandem from 27-30 April. As the largest of its kind in the world, Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair highlights five new zones responding to up-and-coming trends, namely 'Figurines & Decorations Zone', 'Men's World', 'Party & Festive Items Zone', 'Tech Gifts Zone' and 'Wedding Items Zone'. Last but not least, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will return to Asia-World Expo to display the latest products and technologies in printing and packaging.

"Hong Kong, characterised by its free trade, world-class infrastructure and free flow of information, is an ideal trading platform," said Yip. "Our fairs are thus the best avenue for one-stop sourcing from parts to finished products, from traditional models to innovative designs."

With its intrinsic advantages, Hong Kong is an important trading hub for buyers and suppliers. All six trade fairs running through April in Hong Kong present opportunities for companies in the Middle East to source quality products under one roof and make alliances and business contacts for expansion.