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9th Belt and Road Summit draws to a successful close

– The event attracts 6,000+ business participants, facilitated record-high 25 MoUs

– The ninth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC successfully concluded today after a two-day run
– 90+ key government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions explored opportunities as the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) enters the next golden decade
– 280+ matched investment projects and 800+ one-to-one project matching meetings were arranged, positioning Hong Kong as a key dealmaker in the region

The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully concluded today, attracting over 90 key government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions.

Over 6,000 business participants from over 70 countries and regions explored opportunities, as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enters the next golden decade. A total of record-high 25 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, demonstrating Hong Kong’s role as super value-adder, successfully connecting people, information and capital.

Facilitating global business opportunities
The 25 MoUs signed, including 4 G2G and 21 B2B, involving government bodies and companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China, ASEAN – Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam – and the Middle East – Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates – Kazakhstan and more.

Following the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee’s mission to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with a business delegation and the mainland-Hong Kong visit to Hungary and Kazakhstan, these MoUs strengthened ties between Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries and regions.

Among the 4 G2G MoUs, one was signed between the HKTDC and the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, an extension of the fruitful visit by the Hong Kong delegation to Cambodia in July. The MoU aims to establish a framework to promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly within the BRI. The areas of cooperation include facilitating trade missions and business matching between Cambodian and Hong Kong companies as well as promoting Hong Kong’s advantages to Cambodian businesses.

Among B2B MoUs, Farmacy International Pty Ltd from Hong Kong and FutureBright Society Enterprise Pty Ltd from Australia announced a strategic joint venture, Farmacy ANZ, that aims to drive sustainability in agricultural innovation and develop scalable green food networks across Australia and New Zealand.

Raymond Mak, Co-Founder of Farmacy, stated: “Our technology is set to be a game-changer, contributing to a sustainable future for communities in Australia and New Zealand. The joint venture will also launch projects that are aligned with Belt and Road green initiatives, focusing on sustainable agriculture and conservation.”

Michael Chan, Director of FutureBright, said: “The Belt and Road Summit provides a crucial platform for forging international partnerships that promote sustainable growth and innovation. Through this joint venture, Farmacy and FutureBright can attract investment and support for green technologies, advancing our shared vision of sustainable urban development and contributing to the broader goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

State-Owned Enterprise of Indonesia – Perumda Varia Niaga Samarinda, LINKTA Technologies Holdings Limited from Indonesia and Rainmaker Ventures Holdings Limited from Hong Kong signed an MoU on strategic cooperation for technology investment to develop smart chicken farms and agriculture in Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital region.

Zoe Zhao, Founder and CEO of Rainmaker Ventures, said: “We as a venture capital firm from Hong Kong with exposure in Mainland China and Southeast Asia are keen to showcase our sustainable technologies portfolios and connect with other potential business partners, project owners and government connections as a process of venture-building. We expect to strengthen ties with our existing connections around the world with this global event in Hong Kong and explore new opportunities for emerging businesses and investments in Southeast Asia, demonstrating the impact brought by Brand Hong Kong sustainable technologies.”

Over 280 investment projects matched
The Summit’s offering of investment and business matching services received an overwhelming response with over 280 investment projects matched and more than 800 project matching meetings taking place, positioning Hong Kong as a key deal-maker in the region. These sessions focused on four main areas: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transport and logistics infrastructure. Following the physical Summit, business matching meetings will be conducted online on 16 and 17 September.

The Summit once again featured an exhibition area showcasing more than 110 exhibitors, including a dedicated zone jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the HKTDC. This dedicated zone for mainland trade and services was set up with more than 50 trade and service enterprises from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shanghai, Shandong, Hubei, Guangdong and Shaanxi, which highlighted innovative achievements in areas, such as greentech, culture and creativity, cross-border e-commerce, cloud services and big data.

Heavyweight speakers delivered keynote address
Yesterday’s Keynote Luncheon featured a welcome address by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, opening remarks by Chen Liang, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited, and a keynote speech by Dilma Rousseff, President of New Development Bank.

Dilma Rousseff said: “For developing countries, industrialisation is crucial and, to achieve it, they must undergo a process of catching up. In this context, innovation is the key to drive high productivity, which in turn creates better jobs and lays the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth. Without international cooperation, closing this gap is extremely difficult. The Belt and Road Initiative stands out as a most relevant long-term financing and investment platform for green development, for sharing technologies, building capacities, digitalisation and connectivity.”

Opportunities in the Middle East and emerging markets
A highlight of this year’s Summit was the Business Plenary today, themed Tapping the Markets of New Opportunities. The session was moderated by Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties Limited. H.E. Mohamed Abduljabbar Alkoheji, Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Peter Fekete, Group CEO of 4iG; Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings Limited; and Dato Paduka Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, discussed emerging opportunities in the Middle East and other markets along the Belt and Road.

Summit aligns with eight major steps
Following President Xi Jinping’s eight major steps announced last year in support of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Summit launched two thematic breakout sessions, titled Multi-dimensional Connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative and People-to-People Exchanges through Business and Cultural Collaboration.

The first session featured discussions among scholars and experts from the shipping, port, airport, logistics and trade sectors, focusing on the progress and potential for connectivity within transport networks. The second session explored how economic collaboration and cultural exchanges can enhance mutual understanding and foster friendly relations among countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

As part of Belt and Road Week, the Belt and Road Global Forum Annual Roundtable will take place tomorrow, during which Forum members exchange views on the latest BRI developments and seize collaboration opportunities.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4e1gbqB

Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Anson Wong	Tel: (852) 3428 3413	Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song	Tel: (852) 3428 5691	Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat	Tel: (852) 2584 4554	Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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

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 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.

YDC 2024 winners revealed in grand style

– Young designers showcase diverse and original fashion statements

CENTRESTAGE, the Asian fashion extravaganza organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)*, concluded successfully on 7 September. The highlight of the closing evening was the grand finale of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2024 (YDC), where the creativity and design flair of 10 local fashion designers shone through. With their diverse and eye-catching collections, the young designers showed talent that moved beyond traditional boundaries, embodying this year’s YDC theme, “To Be Seen”, and highlighting the limitless potential of Hong Kong’s fashion scene. The event delivered a standout fashion show for the audience, with celebrities such as Panther Chan, Kaho Hung, Moon Tang, Zelos Wong, 903DJ Leung Man Lai, Madboii, Ah Gi and Dixon Wong giving their support to the finalists.

After careful deliberation, the panel of professional judges selected four winners from the 10 shortlisted entries, with Tiger Chung emerging as Champion, securing the top prize of a cash prize of HK$60,000; an overseas study trip sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.; and a HK$5,000 CASETiFY e-Gift Card and capsule collection for sale online and at CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores. Winner of the Excellence Award was K Ng, while Yoyo Chan took two honours including the “My Favourite Collection” Award that was decided by public voting.

The full list of winners for YDC 2024 is as follows:
Champion: Tiger Chung; Design: Rager
Excellence Award: K Ng; Design: Remnants of Light
Best Art Direction Award: Yoyo Chan; Design: Trouble X
My Favourite Collection Award: Yoyo Chan; Design: Trouble X

Receiving the Champion prize, Tiger Chung, designer of the winning collection titled “Rager”, said: “I felt calm upon learning about the award, but just now, witnessing the models wearing my award-winning designs for the first time, I felt excited beyond measure!” Tiger re-entered the competition as a proud advocate for subculture. He has been continuously exploring how to present the unique design ethos of young-generation designers and his collection exudes the energy and vitality experienced at a music festival.

Judges impressed by quality of entries, share insights and experiences
This year’s YDC featured a heavyweight judging panel comprising seasoned fashion industry and media representatives, including Chief Judge Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee; VIP Judge Masayuki Ino, founder and designer of the Japanese fashion brand doublet; and Overseas Judge Bohan Qiu, Founder and Director of fashion PR consulting firm BOH Project. Other esteemed judges included Jonathan Lee, Co-founder of The Molecule; iemi Chu, Associate Publisher of Vogue Hong Kong; Tracey Cheng, Vice President of Womenswear Merchandising at I.T; and Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder & Creative Director of Thirty30 Creative and Victoria Tang Studio and Director of Arts, Culture & Heritage for Shanghai Tang.

Reflecting on the quality of entries in this year’s YDC and the achievements of the winners, VIP Judge Masayuki Ino said: “All the works presented by the designers are fantastic. I had already seen all the entries before the final, but being able to witness them again on the runway gave me a different perspective. I am excited to see all 10 fashion designers from the next generation at YDC.”

Panther Chan lights up MINI x Johnson Chong/Kinyan Lam collaboration series
For the eighth consecutive year, MINI HK was the major sponsor of the YDC. This year, the brand collaborated with two YDC Alumni designers, Johnson Chong (YAMA GUEST) and Kinyan Lam (Kinyan Lam), to present a fashion collection inspired by its latest car models – the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman – with designs reflecting the spirit of urban outdoor travellers and adventurers, being both minimalistic and functional. Singer Panther Chan joined forces will the collaborators, performing as the collection was presented and helping to showcase MINI’s new-generation design aesthetics and sustainable concepts.

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

FASHIONALLY COLLECTIONS
FASHIONALLY.COM works to promote Hong Kong fashion and designers. This season it is featuring the latest collections from 11 local brands including: Charlotte Ng Studio, FromClothingOf, IP-Axis Studio, Lapeewee, WHY, YAMA GUEST, MURFI LAU, MARCCH, DEMO, SZMAN and Kinyan Lam. For more details, please visit https://www.fashionally.com/en/collection/page/23

Websites
CENTRESTAGE: https://centrestage.hktdc.com/home/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): https://www.fashionally.com/en/

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing:

Diana Tang	Tel: (852) 9199 6723	Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok	Tel: (852) 6291 4283	Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Snowy Chan

Tel: (852) 2584 4525

Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

About YDC
The YDC aims to promote a new generation of local design talent, while creating opportunities to showcase their collections in front of global and local industry professionals at CENTRESTAGE. Organised by the HKTDC, the contest is considered one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the region, with a successful track record of past contestants becoming leading designers for fashion enterprises or establishing their own labels. To further promote the international visibility of local Hong Kong designers, in 2012 the HKTDC launched FASHIONALLY.com, an online platform that showcases the work of local labels and talents and links them with global industry insiders and opportunities.

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 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. Follow us on X and LinkedIn.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (formerly known as Create Hong Kong or CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community.

*Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival ends successfully

– Enthusiastic response from local SMEs, HKTDC actively preparing for the next edition

– The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully in August with total impressions exceeding 90 million on e-commerce discussion forums and official website
– The festival helped local SMEs increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce. Hong Kong companies received numerous enquiries and orders from potential customers during the event
– The event collaborated with more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs on three major e-commerce platforms, with live-streaming e-commerce promotions for more than 60 Hong Kong brands, demonstrating mainland consumers’ strong confidence in the city’s goods
– The HKTDC is actively preparing for the next edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival to help more local SMEs enter the mainland e-commerce market

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and fully supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), concluded successfully in late August, helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce channels. The event received an enthusiastic response, with more than 90 million impressions on e-commerce discussion forums and official website.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said: “The global e-commerce market continues to grow rapidly. In particular, the mainland has been the leading online retail market for 11 consecutive years, becoming an engine of growth for Hong Kong SMEs to expand their businesses. The HKSAR Government put forward a number of initiatives in the 2023 Policy Address to encourage and assist local SMEs in developing e-commerce businesses and seizing market opportunities. We are delighted that the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival was well received and gained the robust support of local businesses, motivating more SMEs to participate in e-commerce businesses. The Government will continue to support SMEs through various measures, including the SME Export Marketing Fund and ‘E-commerce Easy’, so as to encourage SMEs to upgrade and restructure their operations and develop e-commerce businesses, thereby promoting the development of new quality productive forces.”

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival has concluded after a successful one-month run, providing local SMEs with a practical platform to master the art of e-commerce. The event has also significantly enhanced SMEs’ brand awareness, building a solid foundation for their future development in the mainland e-commerce market. Following the event, many SMEs have expressed interest in participating in future Hong Kong Shopping Festivals, demonstrating their strong interest in the e-commerce sector and willingness to tap into the enormous potential of the mainland market. This positive response has given us the impetus to organise the event again next year.”

Throughout August, the HKTDC, led by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, collaborated with celebrities and influencers to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival through various strategically planned digital marketing channels, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, boosting visits to the official website and, in turn, to the SMEs’ own online stores.

Understanding live-streaming and other techniques in mainland market
During the festival, several SMEs kickstarted live-streaming e-commerce in the mainland market, including Markwill Solutions Limited, the exclusive distributor of Gold Energy Snail Synergy, a Korean skincare and cosmetic brand, in Hong Kong. The company applied to run promotions on JD as the starting point. “The procedures were slightly complex, but luckily the HKTDC was on hand to help,” said Markwill Solutions Manager Man Leung.

As a beginner in the mainland e-commerce field, Mr Leung watched numerous live-streaming sessions to explore the broadcast style of KOLs, learn the industry jargon and understand the discount strategies in the mainland market. He found out that while the popular term in Hong Kong is “buy 2 get 1 free”, the mainland market uses terms such as “expected paid price”, which was completely new to him. He also became aware that a key factor in driving sales of skincare and cosmetic products is the location of consumers.

“The weather in the southern, middle and northern regions [of Mainland China] is different, as is the people’s need for cosmetics,” Mr Leung said. He also noticed that the KOLs who partnered with the brand were all from the northern regions, while customers were mainly from the northern and central regions. This made him realise the importance of the company conducting more research into how regional and seasonal factors could influence the shopping desires of customers.

Cross International Limited runs First Edible Nest, which sells dried seafood. The company had already begun exploring e-commerce, hiring KOLs to conduct live-streaming sessions in the mainland market since the pandemic in 2020. However, owing to its limited budget, the company found it hard to invite renowned KOLs to work with them. “This time, the HKTDC was able to connect us with top-tier KOLs,” said Manager Eddy Lo. During the festival period, six live-streaming sessions on Tmall and Douyin were conducted. “Two of the sessions on Tmall were excellent, generating RMB300,000 in revenue. I was pleased with the sales figures.”

Kiu Fung Hong Limited, which sells food products such as potato chips, also achieved encouraging sales figures during the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. CEO Ellis Wong said the company had been selling its products on JD. When it came to the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, “comparing our average monthly orders from January to July, the August orders soared by 135 times,” he said. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the promotions run during the festival and Mr Wong said he hoped the event could be held regularly to continue the momentum. He encouraged other SMEs to participate in the next Hong Kong Shopping Festival to gain experience in how to develop the mainland market via e-commerce channels.

Promotion boost online impressions, influencers showcase Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival promoted online-offline integration with 10 million impressions on the Xiaohongshu platform. The Hong Kong Shopping Festival partnered with a diverse group of celebrities and influencers for engaging promotional activities, with the likes of Moses Chan, Grace Chan, Kenneth Ma and Hu Ke adding vibrancy to the event. In addition, more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs, including Li Jiaqi and Chen Jie Kiki, conducted over 30 live-streaming e-commerce sessions on three major platforms, endorsing over 60 brands by planting seeds to boost brand awareness. Influencers also showcased Hong Kong’s cultural customs, distinctive foods and urban landscapes through offline city walks, drawing significant interest and generating discussions. Food and health supplement products garnered particular attention during the promotional campaign, reflecting the strong confidence of mainland consumers in the reputation and quality assurance of Hong Kong goods.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival aligns with a measure in the 2023 Policy Address to assist Hong Kong’s SMEs in expanding into the Mainland China market via e-commerce channels with the slogan “Unveiling a New Lifestyle, Curated by Hong Kong“. “Unveiling a New Lifestyle” refers to launching new products in the market and the aspiration to enrich people’s lives through these products. “Curated by Hong Kong”, meanwhile, reflects the meticulously selected quality products from Hong Kong that are being made available to mainland consumers.

The first Hong Kong Shopping Festival gathered more than 230 brands, showcasing 500 products and exclusive discounts in six major categories: apparel and accessories, personal care and cosmetics, home and living, classic food, smart gadgets and health supplements. The event not only helped Hong Kong’s SMEs leverage the customer base and traffic on mainland e-commerce platforms and increase brand awareness, but also helped them gain practical experience in how to expand into the huge mainland e-commerce market.

Hong Kong Shopping Festival Website: https://bit.ly/4fR29cl

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

Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng Tel: (852) 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

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

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME conclude successfully

The physical exhibitions of the 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 12th Salon de TIME, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, successfully concluded yesterday.

Despite the fairs closing temporarily due to typhoon Yagi, businesses were still able to capture more opportunities as the organisers extended the opening hours for three of the five fair days. Buyers and exhibitors were also proactively encouraged to use the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model for business exchange.

The physical exhibitions attracted some 17,000 buyers from 106 countries and regions. Global buyers from outside Hong Kong mainly came from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, highlighting Hong Kong’s importance as a watch trading centre. The EXHIBITION+ hybrid model will enable exhibitors and buyers to enjoy extended business discussions until 14 September.

Salon de TIME and CENTRESTAGE, HKTDC’s concurrent fashion event, were also fully open to the public for the first time. The public count for the events exceeded 15,000 visits. Watch and fashion enthusiasts were able to appreciate the pinnacle in craftsmanship and design and purchase their favourite items.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME brought together over 700 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. In addition to welcoming international buyers, this year’s Salon de TIME was fully open to the public for the first time, providing a one-stop sourcing platform and creating new business opportunities. Exhibitors were able to learn about customer preferences immediately, which will help strengthen product design and research and development, enhancing competitiveness in the future.”

Ms Chong added: “An exciting line-up of mega events will captivate visitors this autumn. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the concurrent electronicAsia will be held on 13-16 October, followed by the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) on 27-30 October. The International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 29 October to 1 November. These fairs will be held under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, helping businesses capture new opportunities.”

Survey uncovers promise in ASEAN and the Middle East
To gauge watch and clock industry trends for next year, the HKTDC conducted an on-site survey, interviewing some 900 exhibitors and buyers on the market outlook and product trends.

The survey found that 42% of respondents expect overall sales to grow over the next 12-24 months, while 47% expect sales to remain unchanged. Japan, Taiwan, Australia & Pacific Islands, and South Korea were seen as offering the best growth prospects over next two years among traditional markets, while ASEAN, the Middle East and India were seen as offering the most promising growth prospects over the next two years among emerging markets.

In terms of product trends, 40% of respondents expected smartwatches to continue as the most popular watch category. Other respondents pointed to quartz analogue watches, cited as the most popular watch category by 17%, mechanical watches, cited by 15%, and digital watches, cited by 14%. When asked about watches with the highest growth potential, 46% of respondents cited smartwatches, 37% said fashion watches and 19% said leisure watches.

Green Solutions Suppliers label debuts this year
In recent years, more watch manufacturers have been using sustainable materials to make watches and watch straps. Amid the sustainability trend, the two fairs introduced Green Solutions Suppliers label this year to make sourcing easier for buyers. These labels were used by 30 exhibitors.

Amy Chow, Vice President of Hong Kong exhibitor Gordon C & Co Ltd, said: “The Green Solutions Suppliers label helped attract buyers to our booth. Buyers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia were very interested in our eco-friendly watches. The business atmosphere is good this year. We expect that new orders at this year’s exhibition will increase by 10-20% compared to last year. About 10-15% of new orders will be for environmentally friendly watches.”

Armoura Designs Ltd, an Irish jewellery and watch company, has been using the hktdc.com Sourcing platform to find suppliers. Mr Stuart McGrath, the company’s Managing Director is impressed with the platform and has connected with various quality suppliers through it. He said: “This is my first time visiting the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in person. I have found five watch suppliers for OEM projects and have also procured a green packaging solution from an exhibitor. The total value of these business deals is around US$110,000 (~HK$858,000). The EXHIBITION+ model enables me to source online and offline for more opportunities.”

Ethos Limited is a retail chain for deluxe watches in India. Mohammad Sajjad, the company’s Assistant Vice President, visited the fairs to look for new brands. He said, “I have ordered sapphire watches and sapphire watch cases, stainless steel watches and automatic health indicator watches from three Hong Kong exhibitors. The order amount was around US$1.2 million (~HK$9.4 million). This time, I also used the Scan2Match function. It is a useful and resourceful tool. It helps record details of exhibitors of interest in a digital, eco-friendly manner.ï¼‚

Ilona Remesova, Prime’s Purchasing Manager, a buyer from Czechia, said that she continued to contact exhibitors during the fairs’ temporary closure through HKTDC’s Click2Match smart business matching platform at her hotel and successfully arranged online meetings. She also returned to the venue when the exhibition reopened and continued the conversation with the exhibitors she contacted online before.

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

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

Johnny Tsui	Tel: (852) 2584 4395	Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org
Bubble Ma	Tel: (852) 2584 4369	Email: bubble.ma@hktdc.org

Websites
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: hkwatchfair.hktdc.com
Salon de TIME: hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/te

Annual fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE draws more than 8,500 buyers

– Exhibition survey shows industry players expect an increase in sales,
– rising demand in emerging markets presents biggest opportunity

– This year’s event attracted renowned international brands, with a stunning opening fashion show by acclaimed designer Robert Wun at the Hong Kong Palace Museum
– Opening hours were extended, with buyers encouraged to engage in business discussions through the Exhibition+ platform to mitigate the impact of the typhoon. The event drew more than 8,500 buyers from 82 countries and regions
– A survey indicated that 34.8% of respondents expect sales to increase in the next six to 12 months, while 56.3% anticipate that sales will remain unchanged
– 36% of respondents believe that rising demand in emerging markets is the biggest opportunity this year
– 39% and 29% of respondents respectively believe that fashion accessories and urban clothing hold the greatest growth potential for the industry

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), CENTRESTAGE, the region’s annual fashion showcase, drew to a successful close today. Due to the impact of the typhoon, the exhibition was temporarily suspended. The HKTDC extended the opening hours of the fair for three days and proactively encouraged buyers to use the Exhibition+ platform, making the most of both online and offline interactions to seize business opportunities.

This year’s CENTRESTAGE showcased more than 250 brands from 18 countries and regions, setting a record for brand participation at the event. The four-day physical fair attracted more than 8,500 buyers from 82 countries and regions, with a significant increase in buyers from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and other regions.

CENTRESTAGE and Salon de TIME, the HKTDC’s concurrent fashion event, were fully open to the public free of charge for the first time. The public count for the events exceeded 15,000 visits, successfully assisting exhibitors in expanding their customer base as well as promoting the development of the creative sector.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “As a pivotal event in Hong Kong’s fashion calendar, CENTRESTAGE this year brought together numerous esteemed international brands, including renowned labels such as ROBERT WUN and ROKSANDA. The event successfully drew a wide array of local, Mainland China and overseas buyers, with major multi-brand stores like CNTRBND from Canada, VOO Store from Germany, SUGAR s.r.l. from Italy, Carv Store from Japan, 10 CORSO COMO SEOUL from South Korea, and onefifthteen from Taiwan, as well as department stores such as Galeries Lafayette from France and Metro (Private) Limited from Singapore, sending representatives to source and engage in invaluable exchanges with exhibitors at the fair. This solidifies the event’s status as an essential platform for fashion trade and brand promotion in Asia.”

Industry survey: optimistic outlook amid growth in online channels
The HKTDC conducted interviews with around 370 exhibitors and buyers during the event, gaining insights into their perspectives on the future of the fashion industry and their expectations regarding product trends. The survey findings revealed that 34.8% of respondents expect an increase in sales in the next six to 12 months, while 56.3% anticipate that sales will remain unchanged. In addition, half (50.3%) of the respondents expect an increase in the coming 12 to 24 months, while 44.3% anticipate that sales will remain unchanged, reflecting an optimistic stance towards the industry’s sales landscape.

According to the survey, 61% of respondents identified fluctuations in the global economy as the most significant challenge this year, while 29% pointed to fluctuating exchange rates. At the same time, 36% of respondents viewed rising demand from emerging markets as the major opportunity in 2024. As online procurement continues to gain momentum, 52% of respondents said they used both offline and online channels, while 23% indicated sole reliance on online sales and sourcing channels.

Fashion accessories take centre stage as industry sees market potential
Many international brands are incorporating accessories into their clothing, with designs that combine style and comfort becoming a trending feature. Survey insights reflected these trends, with 39% and 29% of respondents respectively seeing fashion accessories and urban clothing as holding the greatest growth potential in their primary sales markets.

Local exhibitor YGM Group showcased its international golf brand ASHWORTH’s athleisure apparel at CENTRESTAGE. The company’s Brand Manager Becky Kam noted that the new zones for athleisure and circular fashion at the fair aligned with important market trends and attracted relevant buyers, helping to generate business opportunities for the company. “About 20 buyers have approached us, exceeding our expectations,” Ms Kam said. “Most buyers are from Singapore and Thailand, with some from the Middle East and Russia. I believe we can reach agreements with eight buyers from Singapore and Thailand, and if we successfully sell the agency licence, it is likely to amount to tens of thousands of US dollars.”

Iris Ramos, founder of Duxton, a Singapore brand exhibiting with the Singapore Fashion Council, was pleased to see numerous buyers and visitors from Australia, Germany and Mainland China visit their booth on the first day of the event. “Many buyers are interested in our brand. Currently, five international stores have confirmed their intention to carry our products. The fair has significantly increased our exposure and helped us gain a better understanding of the market.”

International buyers journeyed to the fair. Japanese buyer Keisuke Fujita, CEO of THE FOUR-EYED Limited, said: “After attending 11 business matching meetings with exhibitors at the fair, we anticipate order amounts to be between US$8,000 and US$16,000. We also greatly appreciate the HKTDC extending the exhibition hours to mitigate the impact of the typhoon, and we are likely to return to the fair next year.” He added that the “Scan2Match” feature of the HKTDC’s Marketplace app, which allows buyers to scan exhibitors’ QR codes, save their favourite exhibitors and browse product information, is a very useful tool for buyers.

Korean buyer Jonghun Park from Samsung C&T Fashion Group sourced contemporary and avant-garde fashion brands at CENTRESTAGE and identified Italian brand LA HAINE INSIDE US (LH). “LH’s designs are very suitable for our discerning clients, and we may place our first order valued at approximately US$15,000. The fair has allowed us to connect with innovative designers from around the world, diversifying our brand portfolio and keeping us at the forefront of fashion trends.”

Local designers dazzle in vibrant fashion showcases
Forty fashion shows and events were held over the four days of the exhibition, with the opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, standing out as a highlight. This memorable event took place on 3 September and was the first time for a fashion show to be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. The event welcomed the participation of Robert Wun, the first Hong Kong designer featured at Paris Haute Couture Week, whose “Home Coming” show marked his much-anticipated return to the city.

The fashion show received widespread praise as it was live-streamed across multiple platforms, with the public still able to revisit the spectacle via the CENTRESTAGE official website and the HKTDC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. In addition, a dedicated exhibition space at CENTRESTAGE showcased Robert Wun’s latest collection. The designer also hosted a masterclass on the second day of the fair, where he elaborated on his fashion design philosophy and personal journey. The session attracted many industry professionals, members of the public and fashion design students, all of whom gained valuable insights from his presentation.

Continuing its practice of cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show this year featured a cinematic approach, with Weeds on Fire* director Steve Chan presenting the fashion narratives of four brands: ANGUS TSUI, röyksopp gakkai, selfFab., and Z I D I. The show was simultaneously broadcast on the CENTRESTAGE website and various online platforms, including the Fashion Hong Kong website and Instagram page, and the HKTDC’s Facebook and YouTube channels, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the experience and revisit the show online.

The Redress Design Award 2024 Grand Final Fashion Show, dedicated to promoting the development of circular fashion, was also successfully held at CENTRESTAGE. Several awards were presented, including the First Prize, Runner-up Prize, People’s Choice, and the Hong Kong Best Prize.

The Hong Kong fashion platform FASHIONALLY, meanwhile, showcased the latest collections of five local designer brands, including CHARLOTTE NG STUDIO, From Clothing Of, Lapeewee, IP Axis Studio, and WHY. Additionally, three local brands – YAMA GUEST, Murfi Lau and Marcch – received accolades for their latest collections during the three fashion presentations at FASHIONALLY.

Several local fashion brands presented their latest design collections during the fashion shows at CENTRESTAGE. Among them, the local brand DEMO, which participated in CENTRESTAGE ELITES in 2022, showcased garments with a Greek inspiration, while another local brand, HARRISON WONG, also showcased its Spring Summer 2025 collection. Other brands including Natacha Van unveiled their latest designs at CENTRESTAGE’s fashion show.

*Weeds on Fire was the winner of the 1st First Feature Film Initiative organised by the CCIDA, formerly known as Create Hong Kong.

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

Websites
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en
CENTRESTAGE ELITES: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en/livestream

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing

Diana Tang	Tel: (852) 9199 6723	Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok	Tel: (852) 6291 4283	Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Snowy Chan

Tel: (852) 2584 4525

Email:snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About the 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 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 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.

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk.

Reopening of CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME

As the Hong Kong Observatory has announced that the tropical cyclone warning will be lowered to No 3 at 12:40pm, CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME will reopen at 2:40pm.

The fairs’ opening hours will be extended to 7:30pm today and 7pm tomorrow (7 September), respectively, to facilitate more business connections.

Both CENTRESTAGE and Salon de TIME are also open to the public.

In addition to the physical fairs, HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ hybrid platform will enable exhibitors and buyers for the Watch & Clock Fairâ€¯ and Salon de TIMEâ€¯to enjoy extended business discussions via its Click2Match business matching service until 14 September.

Websites:
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
CENTRESTAGE buyer online registration: https://bit.ly/3WYjnNI
Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en
Salon de TIME: https://www.hktdc.com/event/te/en

About HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 50 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With over 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing business insights and information via research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: http://www.hktdc.com/aboutus

Media enquiries:
CENTRESTAGE
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing:
Diana Tang
Tel: (852) 9199 6723
Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com

Reni Kwok
Tel: (852) 6291 4283
Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan
Tel: (852) 2584 4525
Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME
Johnny Tsui
Tel: (852) 2584 4395
Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org

Bubble Ma
Tel: (852) 2584 4369
Email: bubble.ma@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show elevates style aesthetics

Collaboration between film director and four local designers boosts interdisciplinary interplay in Hong Kong

The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show rounded off the first day of CENTRESTAGE, the annual Asian fashion extravaganza, last night (4 September). Building on the previous year’s fusion of fashion and ballet, this year’s event took interdisciplinary collaboration one step further, enlisting Weeds of Fire director Steve Chan to narrate the latest collections of four Hong Kong fashion brands – ANGUS TSUI, röyksopp gakkai, selfFab. and Z I D I – through cinematic storytelling, inviting the audience to explore the fashion realm from a new perspective.

The show received enthusiastic acclaim from a multitude of industry professionals, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Notable attendees included Jennifer Yu, Alfred Hui, Philip Ng and Karl Ting.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), CENTRESTAGE is now in full swing, running until 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s fashion showcase brings together participants from 18 countries and regions and features a record-breaking 250 local and international brands. For the first time, the event spans four days and offers free admission for fashion buyers and members of the public to explore and shop.

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

Websites
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
CENTRESTAGE buyer online registration: https://bit.ly/3QNzd7M
Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing
Diana Tang Tel: (852) 9199 6723 Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok Tel: (852) 6291 4283 Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About Fashion Hong Kong
Fashion Hong Kong is a series of international promotional events organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong fashion designers and labels in the global fashion arena.

Since 2015, Fashion Hong Kong has actively participated in international fashion weeks and renowned events to showcase Hong Kong’s unique and diversified designers, with footprints in New York, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai.

CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Hong Kong Services Sector Set for Mainland Sustainability Windfall

New HKTDC-ACCA research details China trends and local opportunities

A new report has found that 99% of mainland-based businesses have made a commitment towards sustainable investment over the next three years. Hong Kong has emerged as their first choice for sourcing the necessary range of related professional services.

The findings come as part of Seizing Opportunities in China’s Sustainable Investment, a joint research report published today by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Hong Kong: Key facilitator of sustainable development
The report was compiled after the two organisations surveyed 283 companies on their medium-term sustainability objectives. The research programme, which also included in-depth interviews with key industry representatives, aimed to evaluate the progress made by China-based businesses, as they align themselves with the Central Government’s environmental priorities and explore the possibilities offered by green financing.

Commenting on the significance of the survey, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: ‘As Asia’s leading green finance hub, Hong Kong has the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on Mainland China’s move to an ever more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.’

‘With the city’s own progress to establishing itself as an international green finance and technology centre gathering pace, it is gratifying to see that its success to date is being widely recognised across the mainland. This vote of confidence confirms we are on the right trajectory to work with businesses throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), within China as a whole and along the Belt and Road countries/economies.’

Christina So, Head of ACCA Hong Kong and GBA Lead, said: ‘This study has delivered invaluable insights into the evolution of sustainable business practices in China, making it an essential reference tool for anyone looking to explore business opportunities throughout the country. It also underscores the need for a high standard of competence and a clear understanding of the sustainability agenda among finance and accounting professionals, something that we at ACCA are committed to delivering.’

Healthy sustainable business practices
Another key research finding was that the vast majority of survey participants are prioritising meeting the government’s policy objectives in the environmental impact space, especially with regard to substantially reducing carbon emissions.

Many companies also highlighted other benefits of adopting greener business practices, including enhanced access to green finance and establishing positive brand values on an international basis.

Barriers to sustainable investment
Despite the overwhelmingly upbeat sentiment with regard to adopting and implementing green protocols, many research respondents also reported ongoing challenges. These challenges are often slowing the rate at which agreed measures can be fully actioned. Chief among these concerns are cost pressures – cited by 82% of respondents – with an expectation that any return on investment in enhanced sustainability practices may not be evident in the short term.

While many respondents were enthusiastic about exploring green financing, there was also uncertainty over how best to access these channels. Regardless of this, some 70% of respondents agreed that they were considering using a green financing channel to meet their future needs.

Responding to the challenges facing the mainland business community, Wing Chu, Principal Economist of the HKTDC, said: ‘Despite the cost pressures highlighted, a major proportion of corporations is committed to investing in sustainability practices as a way to generate long-term value.’

‘Interestingly, only a smaller fraction currently perceives the lack of knowledge and talent as challenges. However, they are keen on tapping into green financing to address their future needs. This approach is especially noteworthy, as numerous corporations are set to expand their investment in China and are committed to executing this growth sustainably.’

Opportunities in green financing
The awareness of green financing options in China is still relatively low, with some 47%-56% of respondents indicating a lack of familiarity with many of the available options. Some 71% of respondents, however, maintained that they were willing to make wider use of green financing channels, including green loans and green bonds, while reducing their reliance on traditional financing options.

Detailing how the local professional services sector has evolved to meet these challenges, Sam Chen, Regional Lead, Policy & Insights for ACCA China, said: ‘As businesses increasingly prioritise sustainable practices, understanding the local context and utilising green funding and technology has become crucial. There is now a wider understanding that a comprehensive approach to sustainability is essential, if businesses are to progress towards a more sustainable future, while continuing to deliver in value terms.’

Respondents and interviewees for this research report were drawn from ACCA’s member community in China, which comprises finance professionals across a variety of key sectors, working at the forefront of an ever-changing business landscape.

To further capture the green opportunities along the region, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKTDC are organising the ninth edition of the Belt and Road Summit, which will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 11-12 September.

The event will gather green and ESG experts to facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation on green development and sustainable finance, while showcasing Hong Kong’s green industry capabilities globally. Under the theme of Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road, there will be thematic breakout sessions on green development, infrastructure and financing.

Seizing Opportunities in China’s Sustainable Investment (full report):
https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTc5MTE4NzAzOQ

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3z7laqv

Media enquiries

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Anson Wong	Tel: (852) 3428 3413	Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song	Tel: (852) 3428 5691	Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat	Tel: (852) 2584 4554	Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

ACCA

Jacqueline Lam

Tel: (852) 2973 1106

Email: jacqueline.lam@accaglobal.com

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

About ACCA
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries.

ACCA now has over 29,000 members and 125,000 future members in China, with representative offices and contact points in 11 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changsha, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.

ACCA’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable economies is at the heart of our global vision. Through our policy positions and insights, we strive to inform and influence decision-makers, promote ethical and responsible business practices, and support the transition to a better future.

Find out more at accaglobal.com/hk or follow ACCA Hong Kong on social media: www.facebook.com/ACCA.HongKong | www.instagram.com/acca_hk | www.linkedin.com/showcase/acca-hong-kong | WeChat ID: ACCA_China

Typhoon special arrangements for CENTRESTAGE Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair Salon de TIME

As the Hong Kong Observatory has announced that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 will be issued at 6:20pm, CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME will be closed by that time.

If the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled at or before 2:00 pm on 6 September, the fairs will re-open two hours after the signal is cancelled, and the fairs’ opening hours for the remaining period will be extended to 7:30pm (Friday) and 7:00pm (Saturday).

The fairs, however, will remain closed for the day if the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled after 2:00 pm on 6 September.

Media enquiries:
CENTRESTAGE
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing:

Diana Tang	Tel: (852) 9199 6723	Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok	Tel: (852) 6291 4283	Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Snowy Chan

Tel: (852) 2584 4525

Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME

Johnny Tsui	Tel: (852) 2584 4395	Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org
Bubble Ma	Tel: (852) 2584 4369	Email: bubble.ma@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 50 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With over 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing business insights and information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: http://www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Annual fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE begins today

– Record-breaking participation of more than 250 brands
– four-day event open to buyers and the public free of charge

– CENTRESTAGE is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4 to 7 September, with free entry to both industry buyers and the general public for the entire event for the first time
– The fair features five zones, including the new Athleisure and Circular Fashion zones, reflecting trends in sportswear and sustainability respectively
– Record-breaking participation of more than 250 brands from 18 countries and regions, including prestigious and internationally renowned labels, underscoring Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s creative hub
– Renowned fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic held a sharing session today and Robert Wun will host a masterclass session tomorrow. He will also showcase his design collection in an exclusive exhibition zone
– A series of fashion shows will take centre stage, including the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show, which features a crossover between film and fashion with Weeds on Fire director Steve Chan, showcasing design pieces from four local designers
– The exhibition culminates with the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest on 7 September, with Masayuki Ino, founder and designer of Japanese fashion brand doublet, serving as a guest judge

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), CENTRESTAGE began today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will put on a scintillating show for attendees until 7 September. This edition of CENTRESTAGE sees a significant milestone as, for the first time, the event welcomes both industry buyers and the public free of charge for the entire duration. Numerous fashion and accessory brands are helping to offer a unique shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts from far and wide. The fair allows brands to expand their business connections and supports the growth of Hong Kong’s creative industries.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This edition of CENTRESTAGE has shattered previous event records with more than 250 participating brands from 18 countries and regions. For the first time, this four-day exhibition welcomes the public free of charge for its entire duration, alongside the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME, with the goal of creating synergies and advancing our local creative industries. Yesterday’s CENTRESTAGE ELITES featured a stunning show from internationally renowned haute couture designer Robert Wun, attracting global fashion buyers, pivotal figures in the local industry and fashion enthusiasts, and helping to reaffirm Hong Kong’s status as a creative hub. Over the next four days the exhibition will help to forge new business opportunities in the fashion industry and energise our mega event economy at the same time.”

Entering its ninth edition, CENTRESTAGE has become a hallmark event for Asia-Pacific and international fashion, attracting renowned global brands. Notable among the labels joining this year’s event are the eponymous brand of Robert Wun, who became the first Hong Kong-born designer to grace the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; renowned British brand ROKSANDA; sustainable luxury fashion brand PATRICK McDOWELL; globally renowned French brand BLVCK PARIS, which now has millions of social media followers; and avant-garde Italian brand LH (LA HAINE INSIDE US).

The exhibition also presents a diverse array of brands from Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and India, as well as ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and European countries including Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Hong Kong also has a significant presence, showcasing several brands for the first time, including MORAL, KnitWarm, Z I D I, 35 Degrees, STELLAM, SWAZ Jewelry, LOVE BY THE MOON and others.

The CENTRESTAGE exhibition area features five zones, including the new Athleisure and Circular Fashion zones, reflecting trends in sportswear and sustainability respectively, alongside the Craftsmanship, Contemporary and Urban zones that each showcase distinctive fashion design elements.

The HKTDC continues to invite buyers from around the world to source at CENTRESTAGE, including major multi-brand stores such as H. Lorenzo from the United States, Elevastor from France, VOO Store from Germany, The Four-Eyed Limited from Japan, Beaker from South Korea, and CLUB DESIGNER from Taiwan, and department stores including Hankyu from Japan and Galeries Lafayette from France.

Embracing cross-disciplinary creativity and brand collaborations
CENTRESTAGE features a series of captivating fashion shows for industry professionals and the public. The show presented by Hong Kong fashion platform FASHIONALLY today unveiled the latest collections from five local designers, including CHARLOTTE NG STUDIO, From Clothing Of, Lapeewee, IP Axis Studio and WHY. Internationally acclaimed golf brand ASHWORTH has collaborated with renowned Hong Kong designer Mountain Yam, debuting a collaborative line of athleisure wear that rides the wave of sporting enthusiasm ignited by the Paris Olympics.

Tonight’s Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show presents a distinctive blend of fashion and film, unveiling the latest collections from four fashion brands: ANGUS TSUI, röyksopp gakkai, selfFab., and Z I D I. A fashion short film helmed by Steve Chan, director of Weeds on Fire (winner of the 1st First Feature Film Initiative organised by the CCIDA, formerly known as Create Hong Kong), will premiere during the show, blending elements of cinema and the catwalk for an extraordinary viewing experience. The fashion show will be live-streamed on the CENTRESTAGE and Fashion Hong Kong websites, Fashion Hong Kong’s Instagram page, as well as the HKTDC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, allowing audiences to enjoy the experience live online or revisit after the show.

As a pivotal event in the Asia-Pacific fashion industry, CENTRESTAGE will host iconic fashion shows from various regions, including the “Greater Bay Area Fashion Fusion Show” organised by Fashion Farm Foundation with the CCIDA as the Lead Sponsor; the “Macao Fashion Parade” by the Macao Productivity and Technology Transfer Center; the “Thai Designers’ Showcase” by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion; and the “Young Knitwear Designers’ Contest” from the Knitwear Innovation and Design Society.

Fashion supremo Robert Wun hosts masterclass session
The grand opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, featured a premiere fashion show themed “Home Coming” from internationally acclaimed fashion designer Robert Wun. The event was held last night at the Hong Kong Palace Museum – the first fashion show to be held at this iconic venue. The show offered a colourful spectacle that left a deep impression on the audience. The entire show was live-streamed across various online platforms and can be revisited on the CENTRESTAGE website, as well as the HKTDC’s YouTube channel and Facebook, Instagram and Weibo pages. Tomorrow (5 September) from 3:30pm to 4pm, Mr Wun will host a masterclass sharing session, offering insights into his remarkable journey in the realm of fashion design. Members of the public can register in advance on the exhibition’s website to secure a spot, as seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the exhibition features a zone dedicated to Mr Wun’s work, showcasing his latest design collections.

Spectacular fashion shows and top designers sharing success stories
In addition to presenting a series of captivating fashion shows, CENTRESTAGE serves as a platform for industry exchange and discussions on the future development directions within the fashion sector. Seminars and sharing sessions exploring fashion trends and industry advancements are scheduled throughout the exhibition period. Earlier today, British master designer Roksanda Ilincic held a sharing session and engaged with attendees on topics ranging from her creative inspirations to exploring the path to brand success. Her brand, ROKSANDA, has garnered international acclaim and been worn by prominent figures such as American pop icon Lady Gaga, former United States First Lady Michelle Obama and British royal Kate Middleton. Tomorrow, the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) will delve into the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in fashion design, while on 7 September representatives from Redress and Advance Denim will share insights on sustainable fashion industry practices.

CENTRESTAGE concludes with the highlight event, the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), on 7 September. The competition welcomes Masayuki Ino, founder and designer of Japanese fashion brand doublet, as VIP judge alongside a panel of industry experts who will select the winners in four categories: Champion, the Excellence Award, Best Art Direction and My Favourite Collection. Members of the public are invited to participate by casting their vote online (https://bit.ly/YDC2024_Vote_Now) for the latter category, with a chance to win one of five HK$2,000 Lee Gardens Area e-gift coupons sponsored by Hysan Development.

AI virtual try-on experience, limited-edition fragrance and figures for redemption
Hong Kong fencers have sparked a fencing craze in the city having shone at the Paris Olympics. CENTRESTAGE has set up a fencing game in the Athleisure zone, allowing participants to wield prop swords and face off against AI fencers on screen, experiencing the thrill of the sport. After visitors take photos, the system automatically generates images of them wearing selected virtual outfits that are available for downloading as mementos. What’s more, fashion enthusiasts can redeem limited-edition goodies onsite, such as a fragrance specially blended for CENTRESTAGE by Taiwanese perfume brand NAZO, and figures crafted in collaboration with Hong Kong’s trendy toy brand LeeeeeeToy.

CENTRESTAGE runs concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME to offer attendees a diverse fashion journey as they explore a wide range of branded clothing and renowned timepieces. Visitors also have a chance to enter the CENTRESTAGE X Watch & Clock lucky draw that takes place throughout the event.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/47dwEp0

Websites
CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk
CENTRESTAGE buyer online registration: https://bit.ly/3WYjnNI
Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com.hk/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/en

Media enquiries
Best Crew Public Relations & Marketing
Diana Tang Tel: (852) 9199 6723 Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.com
Reni Kwok Tel: (852) 6291 4283 Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.com

HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email:snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About the 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 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 SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk.