Middle East demand prompts 2nd Hong Kong fair

'Hong Kong in Style' brought more than 200 Hong Kong companies to Dubai, promoting high-end fashion, toys, electrical appliances, jewellery and watches.

"More than 21,000 trade visitors attended the fair and an overwhelming 92% of buyers expressed an interest in us hosting another fair this year," said Fred Lam, executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The decision to host a second 'Hong Kong in Style' trade fair, scheduled for November 2005 came on the back of strong demand from Middle East buyers and Hong Kong companies.

"Middle East companies understand the advantage of doing business with a Hong Kong company. You get an international standard of service, combined with China prices," said Mr Lam. "Hong Kong companies really do offer the best of both worlds."

Hong Kong, despite its small population and size, is currently among the top three exporters of electrical goods, garments, toys and houseware. The majority of Hong Kong's 100,000 trading companies manufacture in China, while retaining legal, financial and sales functions in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong fairs among Asia's best

In a related development, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council announced that buyer numbers from the Middle East to Hong Kong-based trade fairs has risen by 55 per cent in the last four years.

"In 2004, we welcomed more than 6,500 buyers from the Middle East," said Benjamin Chau, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Director of Business Units. "And while our fairs are already among the most popular in the world with European and Asian buyers, we'd like to attract more visitors from the Middle East."

Initiatives include preferential travel and hotel deals for first-time buyers, a dedicated prayer room within the fair venue and the fast-tracking of visa applications, for those who need them.

"For jewellery, watches, electronics, garments, houseware and toys, our fairs are unmissable opportunities to source products and meet new business partners," said Mr Chau.