Category: Trade Show

India: Revolutionizing Video And Content For The Global Media And Entertainment Industy

The Future of Video India 2025 conference, held at the Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla, and part of the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), brought together over 120 industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the transformative trends shaping India’s media and entertainment landscape. The event, organized by the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), featured insightful sessions on regulatory frameworks, content creation, as well as distribution and monetisation strategies.

Setting the tone for the day, the inaugural conversation led by Abhay Shanker Verma, Principal Advisor (Broadcasting & Cable Services), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), focused on creating a regulatory framework to propel India’s media and entertainment sector onto the global stage. Verma emphasized the importance of a level playing field and light-touch regulations to foster growth and innovation. He also reiterated India’s ambitions to become a content hub, with the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), aimed at equipping the next generation of digital creators to excel in the global digital content industry.

Following this, Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), declared “. . . the days of mediocre content is coming to an end” while sharing his vision for the future of SPNI and how it is pivoting to become first and foremost a content studio. He stressed the importance of authentic, quality, and unique storytelling and how SPNI was shifting from a traditional pay TV business model to a more diversified content distribution strategy, leveraging both broadcast and digital platforms to maximize monetization and reach. Banerjee also highlighted the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for content creators given the country’s young population and rapid economic growth while AI was a transformative opportunity to enhance creativity and ensure safety for both creators and consumers.

Vivek Couto, Managing & Executive Director of Media Partners Asia, then provided an overview of the significant transformations in India’s premium video sector over the last year, foreseeing no further imminent consolidations. Couto shared that there was enough revenue in the pie for the top 7 to 8 players to grow, and while advertising had gone through tough times for premium video, the Connected TV (CTV) universe was going to be very important for the advertising industry. Couto also remarked that India was by far the most accessible growth opportunity in the world, and “we are just beginning to see the collaboration and cooperation needed to drive this industry forward.”

Kelly Day, Head of International & Vice President, Prime Video, shared their unique strategy of transforming Prime Video into a comprehensive entertainment hub, underscored by the evolving landscape of content consumption in India. Day emphasized the importance of offering a wide range of content to cater to diverse customer preferences. “We want to be the first place that people think of when they want to watch something. . . This idea of offering the best and biggest service is at the core of what Amazon offers around the world,” said Day.

Monika Shergill, Vice President – Content at Netflix India, also stressed the importance of creative excellence and innovation, with a commitment to fuelling emotional connections through bold and imaginative storytelling, shooting across thousands of states and cities to create a diverse slate. Winning the Indian market was certainly a priority, with the goal of taking the best Indian stories to the world. Innovation and consistency were not opposites, said Shergill, with Netflix maintaining consistency in quality while continuously innovating in both service and storytelling.

Sushant Sreeram, Chief Marketing Officer at JioStar, also highlighted their platform’s focus on emotional engagement, personalized content, and innovative monetization strategies to drive growth and retention. “An aspiration and ambition to get to 1 billion screens requires us to reimagine everything, from the way we market to our service and the content we offer,” said Sreesam.

The conference also focused on the future of premium video advertising in India, with panellists highlighting the transformative potential of CTV for advertisers. Vineet Rastogi, Director of Product – India & EMEA, INVIDI, said, “It is not a question of choosing between linear and streaming, it’s about how to combine them.” Saurabh Srivastava, COO – Digital, Shemaroo Entertainment, emphasized the need for a new mindset to fully leverage CTV’s targeted and engaging capabilities. Clem Birdsall, Senior Publisher and Platform Director – APAC, Publica by IAS, also shared that programmatic buying offered more opportunities for advertisers compared to direct buying, which often has a higher entry threshold. However, Ranjana Mangla, SVP and Head of Ad Revenue, Sony LIV, Sony Pictures Networks India, underscored the challenges in building brand engagement in the CTV landscape, highlighting the need for a unified measurement system to ensure transparency. Surmising, Luke Smith, Senior Director – CTV & Online Video, APAC, PubMatic, opined that while TV has traditionally been effective for top-of-the-funnel brand advertisers, there are now unprecedented opportunities for all types of advertisers to leverage this medium. 

Closing off the event, Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director, Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd & CEO, NXTDIGITAL unveiled his strategy for embracing digital transformation. Fernandes emphasized the importance of expanding broadband services and launching satellite initiatives to better serve remote areas, reflecting their commitment to adapting to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. These efforts underscore the pay TV industry’s proactive approach to maintaining relevance and enhancing accessibility in the digital age.

Future of Video India is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsor Publica by IAS, and Silver Sponsors INVIDI, MEASAT and PubMatic.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background information, please contact:

Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org | Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia |X: @AsiaVideoIA

Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology 2025 brings industry leaders together to shape a low-carbon, intelligent building future

The 22nd Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) will take place concurrently with the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) from 9 – 12 June 2025 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. GEBT is a major convening point for the electrical building and home automation technology industries in Asia. The 2025 edition will focus on “low-carbon intelligent building” and “smart power distribution”, where leading enterprises will introduce innovative technologies and solutions for energy conservation and carbon reduction in the building industry. The event will feature several professional conferences to discuss emerging trends in low-carbon smart development.

At the end of 2024, China announced plans to accelerate the adoption of zero-carbon park standards, focusing on integrating diverse energy sources and storage solutions. This strategy aims to optimise industrial structures, improve energy cleanliness, and support the green transformation of the building sector.  In this context, GEBT 2025 will serve as a platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, uniting experts from various fields to empower industry players to seize opportunities for green and low-carbon transformation. These efforts will drive sustainable development in the building industry and contribute to achieving the government’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Collaborate with industry leading brands in GEBT themed zones

GEBT 2025 will prominently feature innovative technological solutions focused on “low-carbon intelligent building” and “smart power distribution”. It also aims to raise industry standards, foster collaboration, and provide a premier platform for exploring new business opportunities, ultimately steering the building industry toward a greener, low-carbon future. The themed zones will include the KNX zone, the Matter zone, as well as the “Low-carbon intelligent building and energy management” zone. Each zone will cover key sectors in intelligent building technology, such as electrical systems, home automation, energy management, and IoT solutions. Noteworthy companies confirmed to participate include:

  • Electrical engineering: AiDimming, Lonon, Futina, New Bulls, Homelan, Yunkong, Lianzhong Injection, Jing’an, BULO, Chuangfu, New Blue Sky, Zhongpu, Pengchuangxin, Longyang, Jasmart and Daming Raphael
  • Home automation and smart lighting control systems: HDL, Intreplus, Gamder, GVS, Baotai, Leaguer, inSona, UWIZE, GIKON, Hope, Jing Rui, JIWU, Jiameixin, Tianlang Zhitong, Gransibei, Lampow, X-focus, Coso, Shengxiang, Duomei, Binthen, Morelinks, Zhi Huang, Xiaoyuzhineng, Evolome, LESDN, VIPLOptoelectronic, Small Frog, Xingruyu, Dieran, Genius, Agilelight, Chengmao, Geya, Yilaijinlian, EBELONG, Evolt, YHOPE, Creatrol and Autorail
  • Smart power distribution: Geya, Yilaijinlian, Shunde Lighting and Electric Association, Wanduo, Kenwell, DEMI, Gacia and Matech
  • Smart hotel systems and products: Jirang, IOVOV, Orientronic, Bipu, TOX, Youhu, Heguang, MXCHIP, Haiji, Daming Raphael and Congxun
  • Smart audio and home entertainment systems: Partyhouse, Happy House, New Zeyu, Soundbox, Cinemaster, Eogo Sound, Wise, Yihe, POWRT, AMN, HAOYIN, Zhanyi, AISPEAKER, Roe, TKsound, Jianzhu, Juzheng, Tianlai, Golden Sound and Laveini Audio
  • Thematic exhibition zones: the KNX zone (Schneider Electric, Siemens, ABB, Legrand, Hager and more) , the Matter zone (Zemismart, THIRDREALITY, Wdmiot, Haojia, Ju Energy, Uascent and more), as well as the “Low-carbon Intelligent Building and Energy Management” zone (Techsel, Sicoo, Gzisea, MISLIN and more)

Experts explore industry’s future through cross-disciplinary discussions

GEBT 2025 will host a series of professional forums featuring global industry experts and business leaders. Key topics such as low-carbon intelligent buildings, smart offices, AI building technology, and energy storage will be explored in depth during these discussions. By analysing technological trends and sharing best practices, the forums aim to prepare enterprises to seize emerging opportunities. Core themes will include carbon neutrality, AIoT applications, international standards, and market practices tailored towards China, offering participants valuable insights for driving business growth. Highlighted events will include:

– New Opportunities for China’s Building Electrics and Home Automation Abroad (9 June, afternoon)

This forum aims to foster international exchange focused on certification, channel development, and brand localisation in building electrical and home automation technologies. It will also seek to establish an overseas expansion alliance to help Chinese enterprises access global markets and promote green technology.

– Create Intelligent Spaces, Share Smart Life (9 June, afternoon)

As the world’s leading open standard for home automation and building control systems, KNX is at the forefront of building a smart ecosystem that enables seamless interconnection. In this forum, KNX China will explore how intelligent system integration is reshaping modern living spaces in innovative ways. By leveraging effective energy management, KNX not only facilitates sustainability but also revitalises buildings with cutting-edge intelligent solutions.

– The China (Guangzhou) Integrators’ Conference 2025 (10 June, morning)

This forum, in collaboration with Qianjia Smartech, will bring together experts to discuss how intelligent system integration can optimise and upgrade industrial structures, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

– 2025 Low-Carbon Building Technology Applications and Zero-Carbon Hotel Forum (10 June, morning)

Led by the Greater China Hotel Engineers Alliance (GCHEA), this forum will explore the potential of zero-carbon hotels and how low-carbon building technologies can drive sustainable industry development.

– CSHIA Startup Camp – Seizing the Opportunities of Smart Commercial Spaces (10 June, afternoon)

The China Smart Home Industry Alliance (CSHIA) Startup Camp will focus on intelligent commercial lighting technology and its applications. Through case studies and tech demonstrations, it will discuss transitioning from product intelligence to spatial intelligence to help businesses seize market opportunities and foster industry growth.

– PLC Building Automation Convergence and Interconnection Forum (10 June, afternoon)

The PLC Group will host this forum to investigate innovative applications, standardisation, and commercialisation of PLC technologies, promoting its integration in low-carbon and intelligent building upgrades.

– Global Connectivity, Global Market Access (11 June, morning)

The forum will focus on leveraging Matter’s standards to enter markets in the USA and EU. It will feature technical breakdowns, case studies, and channel strategies to help businesses to thrive in the home automation revolution.

– OffiSmart Smart Office and Space Management Summit (11 June, morning)

Under the theme “Office innovation driven by new productivity”, the forum will gather industry leaders and innovators in intelligent technology, green building, and space design. Participants will discuss trends in intelligent, low-carbon, and human-centric office spaces, with a focus on AI-driven office systems, sustainable design, and healthy office environments. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation across industries, and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies.

– AI Leads the Future: Seminar on Innovative Practices in Smart Venues (11 June, afternoon)

In collaboration with the Shenzhen Building Electrical & Intelligent Association, this seminar will explore intelligent engineering design and share implementation experiences. It will also showcase innovative practices in intelligent convention centres, cultural venues, sports centres, and large-scale competition venues, contributing to the future of smart venues.

– DeepSeek Innovation Conference for Home Industry (11 June, afternoon)

This forum, organised by Zhinaer, will focus on the standardised applications of AI technologies such as DeepSeek AI in the home industry. Topics will cover leveraging technologies to empower the industry, promoting digital operations, and achieving cost reduction and efficiency gains.

– New Trends in the Integration of Building Lighting and Microgrids Powered by PEDF (11 June, afternoon)

PEDF (Photovoltaic, energy storage, direct current and flexibility) technologies integrate solar generation, energy storage, direct current distribution, and flexible load control, offering innovative solutions for the integration of building lighting and microgrid. This forum will invite experts, scholars, and industry representatives discussing cutting-edge applications, multi-energy coupling technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability, and their roles in microgrid mechanisms and intelligent control strategies to optimise energy distribution.

Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will be held from 8 – 13 March 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Türkiye, the UAE and the USA.

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit http://www.brand.light-building.com.

For more information regarding the building shows in China, please visit www.building.cn.messefrankfurt.com or email building@china.messefrankfurt.com.

About Messe Frankfurt

The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were around € 780* million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity. For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

*Preliminary figures 2024 

Media contact:

Alicia Ku
Phone: +852 2230 9261
Alicia.ku@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
35/F China Resources Building,
26 Harbour Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong

www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
www.building.messefrankfurt.com.cn 

Nestle and OMP Showcase Approach to Future-Ready Supply Chain at Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo in Barcelona

OMP, a leading provider of supply chain planning solutions, invites attendees of the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2025 to attend Nestlé’s solution provider session on May 19. The presentation will highlight how the company is transforming its supply chain across brands and regions using OMP’s Unison Planning™.

In this session, Shannon Novack, Supply Chain Excellence Expert at Nestlé, will share how the global food and beverage leader is reimagining its supply chain planning to meet increasing customer expectations in a fast-changing business environment. By leveraging advanced planning technology like Unison Planning, managing organizational change, and scalingfuture-fit capabilities, Nestlé is delivering real results.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how the company is driving adoption, overcoming transformation challenges, and aligning technology speed with organizational agility.

The Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2025, held May 19-21 in Barcelona, gathers supply chain leaders to explore strategies for navigating supply chain volatility and driving future readiness. This year’s focus is on managing risk and responding to disruptions to ensure business continuity and operational excellence despite ongoing uncertainty.

As a platinum sponsor, OMP invites attendees to visit booth 307 to learn more about Unison Planning.OMP’s industry experts and leadership will be available to discuss today’s complex supply chain challenges and how their solutions are helping leading companies deliver real results.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Nestlé and explore how smart supply chain planning solutions like Unison Planning can help future-proof your supply chain.

Session at a glance

  • Title: OMP: How Nestlé is turning AI and agility into real results across its end-to-end supply chain
  • Speaker: Shannon Novack, Supply Chain Excellence Expert at Nestlé
  • When: Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:45 AM CET
  • Where: Spain, Barcelona, International Barcelona Convention Centre (CCIB), Room 112

To see where you can meet OMP next, visit their events calendar here.

About OMP
OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges excel, grow, and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries – spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper, plastics and packaging – benefit from using OMP’s unique Unison Planning™ platform.

Contact Information
Philip Vervloesem
Chief Commercial & Markets Officer
pvervloesem@omp.com
+1-770-956-2723

SOURCE: OMP

The 33rd China Cycle 2025 Grandly Commence

“New Quality Productivity, for the Shared Future”, the global cycling grand ceremony opens in Shanghai

On May 5, the 33rd China Cycle Expo 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the China Cycle) grandly opens at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. This year’s exhibition, with the theme of New Quality Productivity, for the Shared Future, once again achieves a historic breakthrough in scale and content, demonstrating the vigorous vitality of the industry’s development. On the first day of the exhibition, the venue is bustled with people both inside and outside. Exhibitors, buyers and visitors from all over the world gather together, jointly kicking off an annual grand event dedicated to the cycling industry.

China Cycle: Global Industry Barometer Upgrades Again
China is the world’s largest manufacturer and market of bicycles and electric bicycles, with an annual trade volume accounting for more than 60% of the global total. In 2024, the overall development trend of China’s bicycle industry was continued to improve. Relying on a strong manufacturing base and a broad market, after more than 30 years of development, the China Cycle has become one of the largest and most influential bicycle exhibitions in the world.

This year the exhibition area is further expanded to 160,000 square meters, with a total of 13 professional exhibition halls (W1-W5, E1-E7, N1 Hall), attracting nearly 1,600 companies to participate. The newly opened N1 Hall made its debut, marking a major leap in the layout of the entire hall of the China Cycle in the Shanghai New International Expo Center, providing exhibitors and visitors with a more spacious and professional display platform.

Numerous Highlights: Brands Gather Together, Innovation Leads Future
At the scene, well-known domestic and foreign brands such as GIANT, MERIDA, PHOENIX, FOREVER, TRINX, XIDESHENG, BAFANG, SHIMANO, ABUS, BIANCHI, and FOCUS gather together to compete on the same stage with their latest products and technologies. The exhibition halls are carefully divided into different layouts. E1 focuses on displaying complete vehicle brands, E2-E3 are spare parts areas, E4 is the tire area, W1 focuses on international brands, W4 highlights outdoor cycling equipment, and W5 displays electric motorcycles and innovative products, fully covering the entire industry chain.

In the “2025 CHINA CYCLE Innovation Demonstration Exhibition” area, 70 exhibits representing the industry’s latest technologies and innovative achievements are unveiled, including carbon fiber power-assisted bicycles, electronic speed change systems, polymer fiber rope spokes and other black technology new products, allowing visitors to experience the transformative power of cycling technology at close range.

At the same time, the industry transformation and upgrading demonstration exhibition is officially unveiled. Many specialized and innovative companies such as JIEKE, MAGENE, GOLDEN WHEEL, PHOENIX, and JAVA bring the most cutting-edge green technology solutions to jointly draw a blueprint for the transformation of China’s bicycle industry.

Trade Matching Meeting Starts, International Cooperation Heats Up
During the exhibition, a two-day trade matchmaking meeting is launched simultaneously, attracting professional purchasing teams from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, focusing on high-end parts, electric bicycles and other hot fields. On the first day, hundreds of efficient negotiations were held, injecting strong momentum into the overseas expansion of Chinese brands and international trade cooperation.

The Events Are Full Of Excitement, The Cycling Craze Swept The Whole Venue
Inside and outside the exhibition hall, the cycling experience area, outdoor performance show, and technology interactive experience area are bustling. The stunts performed by professional riders triggers cheers, and the test ride area is crowded with people, who experience the convenience and fun of the latest electric-assisted bicycles. The e-sports competition also starts simultaneously, and the cross-border integration of cycling and e-sports ignited the passion of the audience.

The “market area” that was widely acclaimed last year has been fully upgraded this year. It brings together rich content such as star fashion shows, cycling + lifestyle experience areas, new product launches, and cultural experience areas to create a new landmark where cycling culture and fashionable life intersect.

New Cycling Era, Dreams Start Again
The grand opening of the 33rd China Cycle 2025 is showing the vitality of the booming Chinese bicycle industry with a new attitude, and it also builds a broad stage for global cycling enthusiasts and all parties in the industrial chain to share opportunities and create a better future.

The exhibition will last until May 8th, and we welcome more industry colleagues and cycling enthusiasts to join us!

(Source: China Cycle Organizing Committee)

Company: Shanghai OTOBTB Cultural Development Co.,Ltd
Contact Person: Kira Pan
Email: kira.pan@otobtb.com
Website: http://www.otobtb.com
Telephone: 021-32513000-859
City: Shanghai

Seven HKTDC mega events attract some 100,000 global buyers

– Lifestyle and licensing trade fairs foster cross-sector business opportunities
– strengthen resilience and expand market horizons

– The seven lifestyle and licensing events organised by the HKTDC concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending in total
– Non-local buyers came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, underscoring Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform
– On-site surveys conducted at the events indicated that nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two years

The seven large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending for on-site purchasing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers, Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”

Nearly half of respondents forecast sales growth
To gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. Key market overview and product trends include:

– Nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified were growing protectionist measures (45.7%), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3%) and the impact of inflation (32.0%).
– Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in Mainland China (77.3%), India (74.2%), Taiwan (67.6%), Republic of Korea (66.4%) and ASEAN countries (65.8%).
– The following are the markets that the respondents are actively exploring: Europe (30.5%), ASEAN countries (17.2%), Japan (13.1%), North America (12.3%) and Republic of Korea (9.5%).
– In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential.
– In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21.0%), designer furniture and houseware products (17.0%) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7%) were considered to have the most growth potential.
– Respondents identified womenswear (40.3%), urban clothing (39.1%), and fashion accessories (32.0%) as having the most growth potential in the fashion market.

Concurrent mega events create synergies and promote new market opportunities
The seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers. Jimmy Lo, Business Strategy Manager of Homelover Products Limited, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said: “The number of new buyers visiting our booth has doubled over last year, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America. The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children’s product exhibitor’s interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware. It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.” 

A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: “I sourced products from India, Vietnam and Bangladesh as souvenirs and giveaways for the European football league. Additionally, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of approximately US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I am also highly interested in the licensed animated characters from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of up to US$600,000.”

In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors are prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products. The company’s Marketing & Ecommerce Manager, Charlotte Chui, said: “The new US tariff policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage. The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.”

Fairs drive the development of high-value cultural and creative industries
Cultural and creative products that combine design and functionality are attracting significant attention from buyers. Stanley Kwok, Director of KnitWarm Ltd, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said “We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion. Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.” Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, said: “I was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone. I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year. I’m particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.” 

Global new materials at Fashion InStyle drive cross-sector interest
This year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone’s ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL). Mr Tsen said: “I am very interested in the company’s mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process. This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.”

Mary Ma, owner-principal of Textile Library, a mainland exhibitor at Fashion InStyle, expressed keen interest in leveraging the exhibition to explore establishing a base in Hong Kong. She said: “Hong Kong is a vibrant crossroads where eastern and western cultures meet. It connects factories across Southeast Asia and attracts European and American buyers.” Chinamind Next Interculture Group, the parent company of renowned fashion industry publication WWD China, also recognised the strategic advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the mainland with the world, signing a memorandum of understanding with the HKTDC during the fair.

Diverse creativity unlocks new licensing opportunities

Chengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development Co Ltd, one of the exhibitors at the HKILS, signed a cooperation agreement with Sureka.Z Limited worth RMB2 million during the show. The former granted Sureka.Z Limited the performance rights for 10 shows of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ALC, meanwhile, leaders from the industry shared their insights on the trends and opportunities in the creative industry. Gabriel Kwong, Panda IP Creator, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Co-Founder of Air World Limited said: “Our edge is being able to see the world from a panda’s perspective, and as a park that raises pandas we can immediately gather real-life materials and transform them into IP content. The interplay between reality and virtual elements makes our IP increasingly entertaining.”

The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: “The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging. I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and am optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.” 

Seamless online-offline integration drives business engagement
The seven events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event.  

Photo download: https://bit.ly/44bMnph

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Websites

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/en
Home InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/en
Fashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/en
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/en
DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/en
Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Home InStyle
Fraser LiTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: fraser.li@hktdc.org
Fashion InStyle
Serena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong
Winnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org
HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

HKTDC’s April lifestyle fairs open today

– Showcasing cultural and creative design excellence for gifts and home products
– and sustainable trends in the fashion and packaging sectors

– Five HKTDC trade fairs kick off today, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, while two major licensing events, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference, will begin tomorrow
– Celebrating its 40th edition, the Gifts & Premium Fair showcases creative and functional products, with award-winning entries from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards highlighting local design talent
– Home InStyle introduces the Gerontech Living Pavilion and expands its upgraded Cultural and Creative Avenue, welcoming first-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic
– Fashion InStyle’s new highlighted zone, NEXT@Fashion InStyle, features advanced fashion materials from over 60 global suppliers, with renowned international fashion designer and Self-Portrait brand founder Han Chong joining as ambassador
– The two packaging fairs present printing and packaging solutions that balance sustainability and smart design, aligning with market trends

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) launches its diverse lineup of lifestyle exhibitions today, with the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle opening at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong beginning at AsiaWorld-Expo.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Hong Kong’s exports of gifts, home products, fashion items and packaging solutions are increasingly targeting the mid-to-high-end market, transitioning from original equipment manufacturing to original design. The HKTDC remains committed to supporting exhibitors’ needs to help them upgrade and transform their businesses, while enhancing the overall quality of our exhibitions to provide a premier platform for cultural and creative design that can reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading regional creative hub. This year’s lifestyle fairs are being held together in late April to offer buyers a one-stop, diverse sourcing experience, helping industry players explore cross-sector and cross-disciplinary business opportunities and creating synergies.”

The 2025 lifestyle fairs and conferences have attracted some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand from the Asia-Pacific region, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United States from the European and North American regions. Fashion InStyle will welcome first-time exhibitors from Austria and the UK, while the Printing & Packaging Fair will feature a new participant from Cambodia, reflecting the global business community’s confidence in Hong Kong’s exhibition platform.

Creative designs unlock business opportunities, Gifts Fair embraces blind box trend
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair marks its 40th edition in 2025 with the theme “Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder”, showcasing products that blend functionality with creative design. This year, some exhibitors are tapping into the popular blind box trend. The Jiangxi Province Jingdezhen Pavilion introduces ceramic works that use the blind box model to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans. Hong Kong exhibitor Soap Studio Company Limited showcases blind boxes featuring the popular Japanese character SHO-CHAN and Disney’s Toy Story character Aliens (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E03). Another Hong Kong exhibitor, Star Industrial Co Ltd, presents blind boxes from its Red A brand (Booth: HKCEC 1C-G03).

To showcase Hong Kong’s original design talent to the world, 65 award-winning works from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, are on display at the Gifts & Premium Fair (Booth: HKCEC 5C-C02). In addition, Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company with 85 years of heritage, is leveraging the fair to expand its flagship Camel-brand glass flasks into overseas markets (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E02).

The Cultural and Creative Avenue at Home InStyle has been upgraded and expanded this year, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from nine countries and regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and the UK. First-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic are showcasing Bohemian crystal glassware, home fragrances and incense (Booth: HKCEC 5E-M07, M09), while Hong Kong exhibitor Canalside Studio presents its innovative “Ball Bearing Bench” that combines a doughnut-inspired design with a roller structure, allowing users to rotate while seated and enjoy a more interactive experience.

New Gerontech Living Pavilion targets the silver economy
To support the growing silver economy in Hong Kong, Home InStyle, with funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission, is launching the Gerontech Living Pavilion (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08) at this year’s fair. The pavilion is divided into four areas – bedroom, living room, bathroom and games room – to showcase innovative gerontechnology products from over 10 local companies, including social robots, smart mobile toilets and smart walking sticks. The Hong Kong Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre is staging the Age-Friendly Home Living Lab and organising the Experiential Empathy Workshop that allows visitors to better understand the needs of the elderly (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A02). In addition, the Hong Kong Productivity Council introduces mixed-reality (MR) games that integrate hand-eye coordination with floral arrangements to stimulate muscular and brain functions (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08).

Home InStyle and the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will together host a seminar featuring a representative from Venture Global Limited, a developer of wireless elderly home care products, alongside a scholar from Lingnan University to discuss emerging trends in healthcare and the silver economy. The seminar will focus on the development of smart wearable technologies and innovative gerontechnology products, assessing strategies that can effectively meet the needs of the silver demographic.

NEXT@Fashion InStyle becomes the new focus
The 2025 edition of Fashion InStyle sees the launch of NEXT@ Fashion InStyle (NEXT), a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Thailand is the Strategic Partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and The National Soft Power Development Committee who have brought some 30 Thai exhibitors to showcase fashion materials that blend Thai culture with sustainability and innovative technologies. In addition to Thai exhibitors, the NEXT zone has brought together more than 60 exhibitors from Mainland China, Europe, the Americas, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, among others, presenting cutting-edge materials to create an international platform for shaping future fashion trends. Notably, the Hangzhou New Concept Fabric Creative Centre Textile Library has established an innovation hub within NEXT, featuring products that integrate traditional Chinese crafts such as Badu Linen Embroidery, beam printing and tie-dye techniques with advanced materials. (Booth: HKCEC 3F-G11)

The NEXT zone has facilitated collaborations between leading advanced material brands and five local designers, with Han Chong, founder of internationally acclaimed fashion brand Self-Portrait, joining as ambassador to share insights and mentor the designers. Participants include designer Jason Ying, a former intern at the Self-Portrait studio, who draws inspiration from vintage military uniforms to reimagine classics using innovative materials (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H16). Another designer, Kinyan Lam, employs Gambiered Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage textile from Guangdong that goes back more than 1,000 years, leveraging its lightweight and soft texture to create streamlined silhouettes and flowing hemlines, blending cultural heritage with contemporary design (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H12).

Two packaging fairs highlight sustainability and luxury design

Jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, the 20th edition of the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and the concurrent DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong bring together a diverse range of printing and packaging solutions. The Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone at the Printing & Packaging Fair features innovative offerings, including gift bags from Vietnam’s Intbox Intelligent Packaging Corporation made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable materials (Booth: AWE 3-G01), and Hong Kong’s Complacent Industrial (H.K.) Limited’s recycled yarn woven ribbons crafted from repurposed plastic bottles and other recycled plastics (Booth: AWE 3-E06). In the Packaging Services and Solutions Zone, Shanghai Forests Packaging Group Co., Ltd. exhibits eco-friendly paper bags and boxes made from recycled kraft paper and biodegradable coatings (Booth: AWE 6-C17).

DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, which focuses on premium packaging for fine wines, cosmetics and jewellery, also presents an array of sustainable packaging solutions. Hong Kong exhibitor Man Sang Envelope Manufacturing Factory Co Ltd features FSC-certified paper and meticulous craftsmanship in its advent calendar packaging boxes, seamlessly blending environmental sustainability with luxurious design (Booth: AWE 3-A06).

Industry seminars unlock new market opportunities
The April lifestyle events are featuring approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry developments, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability. At Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair, distinguished speakers will share insights on sustainable consumption trends in the gift and houseware markets and address issues such as how SMEs can navigate the European Union’s latest Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The speakers include Steven Baumgaertner, Chairman of the European Associations Cooperation, Steven Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Green Council, and representatives from the Gold Award winner of the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions (AEII), the Hong Kong Accreditation Service of the Innovation and Technology Commission, and TÜV Rheinland. Meanwhile, the Printing & Packaging Fair, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Digital Printing Association, will host a seminar featuring industry leaders such as William Ho, the Association’s Honorary Chairman, and representatives from Kanghong Digital Image (hk) Ltd. and eprint Group Limited, to explore how the printing industry can address the dual challenges of competitiveness and innovation.

Running concurrently with the five April trade fairs will be the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference, which start tomorrow and run for three days at the HKCEC.

EXHIBITION+ model extends business opportunities for participants
The HKTDC continues to employ its EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model for the fairs, allowing exhibitors to leverage the AI-powered Click2Match business matching platform, hktdc.com Sourcing platform and the Intelligence Hub to extend physical exhibition interactions onto online platforms. Buyers can use the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitor and product showcase QR codes, record favourite exhibitors, browse product information and make enquiries, allowing discussions to continue online during and after the exhibition. Starting this month, the online promotion period for exhibitors will be extended to one year. For convenience, buyers can register on the HKTDC Marketplace App and download free eBadges for direct venue entry.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4jJYmie

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Websites

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/en
Home InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/en
Fashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/en
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/en
DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/en
Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Home InStyle
Fraser LiTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: fraser.li@hktdc.org
Fashion InStyle
Serena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong
Winnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org
HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference Open Today

– Focusing on IP Opportunities, Driving Creative Innovation

– The Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
– Some 330 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) will be attending HKILS
– ALC features nearly 20 international licensing industry experts to discuss the latest global licensing trends, sustainable licensing models, immersive art and technology applications, and IP innovations
– The event features more than 30 panda-themed IPs, with the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and two Egyptian museums participating for the first time
-“Hong Kong Licensing Force” is a new exhibition zone showcasing design and IP projects from multiple Hong Kong universities.

The 22nd Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the 14th Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 330 exhibitors from around the world are showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) at HKILS. At the concurrent ALC, nearly 20 international licensing industry experts will explore key industry topics. Both these events foster cross-sector and cross-industry collaboration, enhance the commercial value of IP, and expand the IP trading ecosystem, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP and licensing trading hub.

Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said at the opening ceremony: “These two flagship events reflect the continued growth and vitality of the global licensing sector. Thanks to our world-class experience and talents, robust legal protections, proximity to growth markets and a new generation of consumers, Hong Kong is an established IP and licensing trading hub. HKILS provides a vibrant platform for the city’s emerging creative talents who are developing new IPs.”

ALC focuses on trending topics, including how classic character and cultural heritage IPs can preserve their original spirit while staying relevant. Ms Fong added that ALC will include the enduring stories of truly iconic and globally appealing characters such as the Peanuts gang and the Smurfs, and explore the potential of these IPs to further develop their reach and appeal in the ever-changing marketplace. The conference will also take a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of China and Egypt, two of the world’s most historic civilisations, and how such timeless IP create fresh connections and generate new experiences in today’s world.

HKILS and ALC welcomed Raistlin Lau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. Mr Lau remarked: “Brands and Intellectual Property has been proven as the cornerstone of the creative industry. The annual Hong Kong International Licensing Show is the flagship event in Asia that gathers global license sources and brand representatives in Hong Kong to explore infinite business opportunities with licensees, licensing agents and traders. In the three-day fair, among the 330 exhibitors are 43 Hong Kong emerging design companies which will showcase their licensable designs in Hong Kong Pavillion, which is one of the CreateSmart Initiative projects supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.”

Panda-themed IPs and museums and cultural institutions from the mainland at both events
Hong Kong’s pandas have welcomed local and international visitors, giving the local economy a significant boost. HKILS features over 30 panda-themed IPs, including Ocean Park Hong Kong’s panda family IP, featuring “Ying Ying”, “Le Le”, “Elder Sister”, and “Little Brother”. For the first time, HKILS welcomes the Egyptian Museum Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

The Mainland China Pavilion features over 30 museums and cultural institutions including Prince Kung’s Palace Museum and 14 prominent museums led by Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, including the Capital Museum, China, Confucian Temple and the Imperial College Museum and Natural History Museum of China, showcasing Beijing’s rich historical and cultural resources and continuously enhancing the internationalisation of its cultural and creative museums.

“Hong Kong Licensing Force” supports young talent
This year’s HKILS introduces the “Hong Kong Licensing Force”, aimed at nurturing original brands and IPs. The zone features 15 IPs from students at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, covering areas such as environmental protection, cultural conservation and social development. Through diverse media applications, including AR and VR experiences, these projects present the innovative thoughts of the new generation.

Another initiative supporting local creative design is the Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, sponsored by the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and the Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) which returns to the Licensing Show with more than 40 local designers.

Classic IPs Reveal Strategies for Sustained Popularity
For ALC, Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships & Licensing of WildBrain and Tim Erickson, Executive Vice President, Peanuts Worldwide & WildBrain Brands, shared the sophisticated strategies that keep Peanuts popular and loved across generations during Snoopy’s 75th Anniversary: The Beagle that Captured Our Hearts. WildBrain is Peanuts IP owner.

Mr Weck said: “Brands are global, but executions need to be local. Consumers nowadays want to be surprised by diverse and different offerings, including brand collaborations. We need to think outside the box about which brands could benefit from working with you, and vice versa. That is something consumers really focus on.”

ALC hosted a China Opportunity sharing session, focusing on the potential and opportunities within the cultural industry on the mainland. In the China Opportunity (1) – Hong Kong’s Unique Position to Take Chinese Cultural IP Global session were Lichao Zhang, Chairman of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Relics Protection Technology and General Manager of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Service, Pan Wei, Deputy Director of Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (Xiannongtan) and Gabriel Kwong, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s Panda IP Creator and Co-Founder of Air World Limited. During the session, the speakers analysed how Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” in creating cultural symbols with both Chinese characteristics and international appeal, facilitating cultural exports. The conference also specially invited Wan Pin Chu, an erhuist and film composer for the Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha ” as speaker.

ALC continues over the next two days with more exciting content, including a series of activities to deepen the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the commercial opportunities behind its IPs. Metavision Global Entertainment CEO Ethan Tang will join attendees tomorrow in the Licensing Academy II – The Future of Storytelling: How Technology Transforms Narrative in Immersive Art to experience VR and AR that bring new entertainment experiences and explore the development process of the VR immersive journey, “Horizon of Khufu”.

Dr. Ali Abdelhalim Ali, General Director of the Egyptian Museum, and Dr. Nashwa Gaber Mohamed, Deputy Executive Director of Archaeological Affairs at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, will participate in tomorrow’s Tapping into the Timeless Allure of Ancient Egypt: Licensing Opportunities with Museums, focusing on artifacts with potential and successful commercialisation cases, sharing how museums can expand from traditional souvenir shop models into new licensing domains.

Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer of Peyo Company, and Marie Van Buggenhout, Senior Licensing Distribution Manager, will join tomorrow’s session, How to Mix Fun and Sustainability in a Smurfy Way. Representing the Smurfs, created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford), they will share how the core values of the Smurfs can be harnessed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices worldwide through the collaborations with the United Nations.

The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference are held concurrently with five other lifestyle exhibitions organised by the HKTDC, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, creating opportunities for cross-industry exchange and collaboration.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4lJ8Z6J

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Websites
Hong Kong International Licensing Show:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Asian Licensing Conference:  https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme category=all&date=all

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Raconteur:

Molisa LauTel: (852) 6187 7786Email: molisalau@raconteur.hk
Betsy TseTel: (852) 9742 7338Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk

The HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

Strengthening Hong Kong-Zhejiang Ties

– Over 600 government, business leaders attend Ningbo conference

  • Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang Ningbo Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum was successfully held in Ningbo, attracting over 600 government and business leaders
  • Promoted Hong Kong’s role as superconnector and super value-adder to Zhejiang’s business community, focusing on competitive advantages in finance, supply chain, innovation and technology and professional services
  • Three roundtable sessions facilitated comprehensive business networking between Zhejiang, Ningbo and Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang Ningbo Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum, co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government and Ningbo Municipal People’s Government, was held today at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo. The event attracted over 600 government and business leaders who discussed collaboration opportunities among Zhejiang, Ningbo and Hong Kong.

The event was held on the 20th anniversary of the Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum. Hong Kong’s business advantages were highlighted to Zhejiang government officials as well as business leaders from the finance, supply chain, innovation and technology and professional services sectors. In addition to fostering Zhejiang-Hong Kong and Ningbo-Hong Kong collaboration, Zhejiang enterprises were encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore opportunities.

The Forum’s opening ceremony was hosted by Mayor of Ningbo and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Government Tang Feifan this morning, with speeches delivered by the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, Executive Vice Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Zhou Ji, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Xie Shaofeng, Chief Risk Officer and Director General of the Department of Public Offering Supervision of the China Securities Regulatory Commission Yan Bojin, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Provincial Government Lu Shan, Standing Member of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee Peng Jiaxue and HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam.

In his speech, Mr Lee said: “The Hong Kong SAR Government and the HKTDC established a high value-added supply chain service mechanism at the end of last year to help mainland enterprises set up international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong to manage offshore trade and supply chains. Hong Kong has robust international trade networks and rich expertise, diverse talent and world-class professional services. We are well positioned to offer mainland enterprises new supply chain services and lead these businesses in exploring emerging markets, breaking through the US blockade.”

Mr Zhou stated that the historical ties between Zhejiang and Hong Kong are long-standing, with the two regions sharing close personal relations, cultural connections and commercial linkages. Hong Kong is Zhejiang’s largest source of foreign investment, the largest partner in trade in services and second-largest destination for Zhejiang’s overseas investments. By the end of 2024, Hong Kong has established over 30,000 enterprises in Zhejiang, while Zhejiang had invested in over 3,000 enterprises in Hong Kong. The mutually beneficial collaboration between Zhejiang and Hong Kong is an exemplary model of regional cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong.

Mr Xie stated that Zhejiang’s digital economy is vibrant, with outstanding advantages in industry agglomeration and strong momentum in developing industry and information technology. Ningbo and Hong Kong are both international port cities, sharing a close bond, human connection and commercial ties, with a long-standing history of interaction between the two places. Looking towards the future, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will continue to support Ningbo and Hong Kong in strengthening exchange and cooperation, promoting complementary advantages to make new and greater contributions to ensure the prosperity of Hong Kong’s economy and the nation’s modernisation.

Mr Yan said that the China Securities Regulatory Commission fully supports mainland enterprises listing in Hong Kong. In March 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission implemented new regulations for overseas listings and established a regulatory coordination mechanism with various ministries. Since implementing the new rules, 141 mainland enterprises have completed the filing process for listing in Hong Kong, including 19 enterprises from Zhejiang. Among these, 13 Zhejiang enterprises and one Ningbo enterprise have completed their listing. These companies are involved in key sectors, such as information technology, biomedicine and consumer goods, contributing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ranking fourth globally in IPOs  in 2024.

He pointed out that the next step for the China Securities Regulatory Commission is to continue improving the institutional mechanism to provide a more transparent, efficient and predictable regulatory environment for overseas listings by enterprises.

Mr Lu remarked that Hong Kong would become a “super navigator” for Zhejiang’s globalisation efforts, while Zhejiang would become Hong Kong’s best partner.

He said: “In terms of deepening economic cooperation, Zhejiang enterprises can leverage Hong Kong’s international platform to further expand into global markets and enhance their brand visibility. Hong Kong enterprises can also increase their investments in Zhejiang and Ningbo to share the benefits of Mainland China’s economic development. In the technology field, we see joint efforts by research institutions and enterprises from both sides, and we believe that more technological innovation and industrialisation will be achieved in both regions.”

Mr Peng stated that for many years, members of Hong Kong’s Ningbo community have been contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the nation, creating many inspiring stories of patriotism showing love for their hometown and showcasing entrepreneurial innovation.

He noted: “In recent years, cooperation between Ningbo and Hong Kong has been greatly advanced and continuously deepened, yielding fruitful results. For the people of Ningbo, Hong Kong is not only the world-renowned ‘Pearl of the Orient’, but also a vital force driving Ningbo’s reform, opening up, and modernisation. It is a place of deep emotional connections and an opportunity-rich city linking us to the wider world. Ningbo will strive to elevate Ningbo-Hong Kong cooperation to new heights.”

Dr Lam said: “This event showcased Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business hub and explored how Zhejiang enterprises, particularly those from Ningbo, can leverage our business platform and partner with our expert professional services to optimise their operations and accelerate their global expansion.”

Following the opening ceremony, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Michael Wong introduced Hong Kong’s advantages, encouraging Zhejiang enterprises to utilise Hong Kong’s platform to connect with international markets. He noted that since 2022, over 80 key enterprises have established themselves or expanded their operations in Hong Kong, with 80% coming from Mainland China, including many leading companies across fields, such as AI and robotics, data science, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life and health technology and fintech.

Mr Wong said: “In this era, in which the global economy and international trade face significant challenges, we need to unite and work together more than ever. In Hong Kong, we will leverage our strengths to meet the nation’s needs and actively integrate into the country’s overall development. We hope to join hands with mainland enterprises to create a better tomorrow.”

In her keynote speech, Casa Bauhinia Co-Founder Prof Anna Pao Sohmen shared insights on future Zhejiang (Ningbo) – Hong Kong collaboration. She stated that Hong Kong enjoys a long-standing legal system, an open free market and an excellent strategic location, and with the enterprising spirit of Ningbo enterprises, they can surely create golden opportunities.

She said: “The pragmatic and open approach of Ningbo, combined with Hong Kong’s ‘Lion Rock spirit’ and can-do approach, will certainly lead to breakthroughs.”

During the event, Invest Hong Kong signed MOUs with 12 Zhejiang (including Ningbo) enterprise representatives, advancing key Zhejiang-Hong Kong and Ningbo-Hong Kong collaboration projects.

Yesterday, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee Wang Hao attended the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference. The Zhejiang/Hong Kong co-operation mechanism was established during the conference, marking a new chapter for comprehensive exchange and collaboration between the two regions. At the meeting, the two governments signed MoUs on 13 key areas, covering 51 projects. One MoU signed between HKTDC and the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province outlined aims for the HKTDC to proactively encourage Hong Kong businesses to invest and expand in Zhejiang, and to also organise trade delegations from various sectors to visit Zhejiang. The two counterparts will continue to explore new areas of trade collaboration to promote high-quality development.

During the panel discussion today, distinguished guests – including Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Dr Sunny Chai, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Bonnie Chan; and Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong Vivian Cheung – exchanged thoughts on collaboration opportunities in finance, I&T and supply chain. Executive Director and Co-President of Tigermed Hao Wu also shared his company’s success in achieving international growth by leveraging Hong Kong’s platform.

The three thematic roundtable sessions held in the afternoon attracted numerous enterprises. Focusing on topics such as listing in Hong Kong, opportunities for innovation and technology companies, and cross-border supply chain management, the sessions brought together institutions and businesses from Hong Kong and Zhejiang for in-depth and targeted discussions on future collaborations.

During the event, HKTDC, Invest Hong Kong and the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government set up consultation booths to provide professional advisory services to attendees.

The forum has become an important platform for deepening Zhejiang-Hong Kong collaboration, enabling more mainland enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s business advantages and partner with its professional services sector to expand globally.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3GonfSl

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Media enquiries

City Express (PR agency):

Lou JinjingTel: (86) 15005897910Email: loujinjing@hbjt.com.cn
Liu YingTel: (86) 15706780806Email: 894353323@qq.com

HKTDC’s Shanghai Office:

Sun PingTel: (86) 21-63528488Email: p.sun@hktdc.org

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

Under the patronage of Maktoum bin Mohammed DIFC to host 3rd edition of Dubai FinTech Summit on 12-13 May 2025

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is set to host the third edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit on 12 and 13 May 2025, at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, under the theme ‘FinTech for All’. The Summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, will bring together global industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the latest trends and insights driving the FinTech sector.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said: “The Dubai FinTech Summit reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of establishing Dubai as a global financial powerhouse. The Summit is set to attract over 8,000 attendees and 300 speakers from more than 100 countries, as well as over 1,000 investors alongside top decision makers, thought leaders and experts. This reflects Dubai’s pivotal role in shaping the future of finance globally, while reinforcing its status as the destination of choice for businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. We are committed to supporting FinTech in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to position Dubai as a top four global financial centre by 2033.”

Drivers of FinTech growth

The FinTech sector continues to grow and by 2030 global revenues are expected to reach $1.5 trillion, representing an estimated 7% of the total financial services market. This growth is driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital banking, creating new opportunities for financial institutions and technology companies worldwide.

Dubai FinTech Summit is at the heart of these developments. Its agenda will address the future of finance, financial innovation and regulatory compliance, while highlighting the challenges and opportunities the sector presents. It will also cover the latest in key areas such as blockchain technology, AI-driven services, and digital banking. Furthermore, the summit will explore investment trends, global economic shifts, and cross-border regulations. 

Attracting talent

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: “Through the Dubai FinTech Summit, DIFC continues to showcase the tremendous opportunities AI, FinTech and innovation companies can access when they establish in Dubai. As we relentlessly foster an environment of innovation and excellence, we are solidifying Dubai’s position as one of the world’s foremost destinations for FinTech talent and investment.”

Accompanying exhibition and Future Sustainability Forum

Providing a global platform for innovation, building partnerships and driving the next wave of FinTech advancements, the Summit will also feature an exhibition with 200 exhibitors.  

The Future Sustainability Forum will be incorporated into the Dubai FinTech Summit for the first time, and the alignment is reflected in the Summit’s theme of ‘FinTech for All’. Associated sessions will highlight accessibility, inclusivity and empowerment in the financial sector.  

Key speakers

Amongst the distinguished lineup of speakers are His Excellency Marko Primorac, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Croatia; His Excellency Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance, Luxembourg; Timothy Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of International Finance (IIF), USA; Tony O Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Nigeria; and Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Paytm, India. 

The Summit will feature start-up and country pavilions in the exhibition arena to showcase cutting-edge solutions from emerging and established players. Additionally, the FinTech World Cup will give promising FinTech start-ups a global platform to display their solutions to investors, venture capitalists, and strategic partners, and an opportunity for investors to find the next big idea. 

Reflecting the continued importance of FinTech to the finance industry, the event is being supported by Emirates NBD as Premium Banking Partner, Commercial Bank of Dubai as Strategic Banking Partner; Relm Insurance as Strategic Partner; Presight as AI Industry Leader; Pay10 and Alibaba Cloud as Platinum Sponsors; Seoul FinTech Lab as a Pavillion Partner; and Business Sweden as the Country Partner.

Registrations for Dubai FinTech Summit are now open at dubaifintechsummit.com.

About Dubai FinTech Summit

Dubai FinTech Summit is an annual mega event organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The 3rd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit will bring together over 8,000+ global industry leaders, 1,000+ investors and policy makers, signalling increased appetite for growth opportunities in the region. 

Dubai FinTech Summit signals new wave of financial innovation, opportunity, transformation, and growth for the international financial services sector.  As a rising FinTech hub, Dubai is also spearheading the evolution of the financial services industry, with investments in FinTech projected to grow by 17.2 per cent CAGR to USD949 bn from 2022 to 2030. The Summit aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s strategic goal of propelling Dubai into the ranks of the top four global financial hubs by 2033.

The expanded programme of Dubai FinTech Summit is set to exceed expectations by delving into key tracks, including the future of FinTech, global economic trends, blockchain and cryptocurrency, regulatory compliance, and investment outlook. The summit stands as a thought leadership-driven platform, addressing industry challenges head-on and championing innovation.

For more information, contact:
Shadi Dawi
Sr. Director – PR, Comms., & Media
M: +971 55 498 4989 | E: shadi@tresconglobal.com  

Saudi CFO Summit 2025: Navigating Digital Change & Business Growth

CFOs in the digital era do more than just run the financial operations of the organization: They now also sit atop the organization where they lead the charge toward financial digitization. CFOs have an eminent role to play here in driving process standardization and automation efforts and ensuring that their organizations on board with technologies such as RPA, AI, and machine learning. With the continuous advancement of these technologies, however, the CFO is left wrestling with the issue of assessing critically which of these instruments would add real value and which ones are simply trends. A CFO should confirm that he or she does not show any biases and will also use sound judgment in arriving at decisions with respect to new technologies rather than blindly following the latest fad. Achieving this balance while navigating a dynamic environment is the major challenge of today’s CFO: the technocrat should balance the adoption of technology with corporate foresight, with the understanding that innovation should facilitate long-term financial goals and operational efficiency.

In the Middle East, there’s a growing misunderstanding about the roles of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), which is creating challenges for effective financial leadership and overall business performance. While CPAs are focused on compliance, audits, and ensuring financial accuracy, CFOs are responsible for steering the company’s overall financial health.The 25th Edition CFO Leadership Summit, taking place on April 23rd, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Minhal in Saudi Arabia, will help address this by bringing together over 200 finance leaders to dive into the latest trends and disruptions in the industry. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, the event will offer valuable insights to help finance professionals sharpen their skills and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. The sessions will cover everything from making strategic decisions and managing investments to effectively communicating with stakeholders and navigating risks around cash flow, capital allocation, and regulatory compliance.

Who will Speak?

  • Heni Jallouli, Group Chief Financial Officer, Jahez International Company.
  • Ozgur Oncu, Group Chief Financial Officer, Petromin Corporation.
  • Mohamed Helal, Group Chief Financial Officer, Al Watania For Industries.
  • Amit Kauntia, Group Chief Financial Officer, Abdul Mohsen Al Tamimi Group. 
  • Sarfaraz Ahmed,Group Chief Financial Officer,Saudi Cable.
  • Arif Idrees,Group Chief Financial Officer,Tahweel Holding.
  • Hussam Abdullah,BukhariGroup Chief Financial Officer,Takamol Holding.
  • Rami Abuelsamen,Regional Chief Financial Officer,Almana Group of Hospitals. 

The event will cover topics like:

  • CFO’s Playbook: Navigating Strategic Communication.
  • Investing in Tomorrow: CFO Strategies for Sustainable Growth.
  • Future-Proofing Finance: Advanced Scenario Planning for Complex Business Environments.
  • From Numbers to Narratives: Debunking Common Misconceptions.
  • Driving Business Growth: Advancing with AI and Automation.
  • Adaptability in the Face of Change:The Evolving Role of the CFO.

For more information on the 25th Edition CFO Leadership Summit : Link

About Exito

Exito, which means success in Spanish, embodies our commitment to the success of our customers. Each year, we host over 240 virtual and in-person conferences globally, bringing together audiences with world-class thought leaders and C-level executives across industries. Our meticulously crafted agendas, based on extensive research and valuable industry insights, facilitate business, knowledge transfer, deal flow, and impactful messaging for brands.

For Media Enquiries, contact:
Kasturi Nayak (Sr.)
Marketing Executive
Kasturi.nayak@exito-e.com
Enquiry@exito-e.com