Tag: hktdc

Spotlight on Healthcare Collaboration and Innovation at Asia Summit on Global Health and HK International Medical and Healthcare Fair

Global healthcare collaboration and innovation are key themes of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s inaugural International Healthcare Week, currently taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The week is comprised of two anchor events: the second Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), co-organised with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the 13th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair.

The second Asia Summit on Global Health, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKTDC, runs under the theme “Charting a New Course in Healthcare through Collaboration” today and tomorrow.
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization
Cao Xuetao, Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China

The two-day summit kicks off today in hybrid format under the theme of “Charting a New Course in Healthcare through Collaboration”, with the second day going online. The 13th International Medical and Healthcare Fair from 9 to 11 November features more than 300 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and developments and brings together industry professionals, institutions and the research and development community. The two concurrent events are catered towards both the upstream and downstream healthcare industries and together create synergies and opportunities for medical and healthcare industry professionals as well as businesses and investors.

As healthcare and the life sciences grow in importance globally, ASGH has brought together more than 80 speakers, including global business leaders and healthcare investors, science and medical experts, healthcare officials, financial specialists and professional service providers to discuss the latest trends and developments in the healthcare and medical fields. Topics covered include business opportunities and challenges for the global healthcare industry, Asia’s transformational landscape in healthcare, Hong Kong’s strengths in innovation and fundraising for global health as well as how the city facilitates global collaboration through partnerships to tap the opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond.

John Lee, Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Chief Executive, spoke at the summit’s opening ceremony this morning, along with Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO); and Cao Xuetao, Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. In her welcome remarks, Margaret Fong said: “The pandemic catalysed collaboration. We need to continue this momentum to pave the way to new prospects. These prospects can be found in Asia, the world’s fastest-growing healthcare market. Hong Kong as a global financial, business and investment hub and gateway to Mainland China and Asia markets is the ideal base for international companies to seize new opportunities. It is the place to do business and the perfect location for International Healthcare Week.”

Addressing ASGH participants at the opening session, John Lee said: “Since taking office in July, my team and I have made substantive progress in lifting restrictions, while containing the number of confirmed cases and protecting the healthcare system and our high-risk population. We are working on specific and dedicated plans to ensure major events and economic activities can be held smoothly, to open up Hong Kong – to bring a world of business back to Hong Kong – as quickly, and as safely, as we can. This Summit, as well as last week’s Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit and Fintech Week, are welcome examples.”

Zsuzsanna Jakab added: “As COVID-19 has made clear, health, people’s lives and the broader well-being of society are inextricably linked. Yet, COVID-19 has also exposed glaring global inequities. We have an opportunity, indeed an obligation, to learn from this pandemic and accelerate progress towards ensuring that more people benefit from universal health coverage, are protected from health emergencies and enjoy better health and well-being. The WHO will help countries connect and collaborate so that they can work as one team. We will make the greatest impact by working together.”

Cao Xuetao stated: “The National Health Commission will be actively supporting Hong Kong in three key areas: persevering in its control of the pandemic; strengthening Hong Kong’s medical exchange and integration with the rest of the country; and giving full play to Hong Kong’s healthcare talent and resources, which would allow it to participate in important national initiatives and make greater contributions to the work involved in connecting the country to the world and achieving the health goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Industry leaders share insights on latest healthcare and medical developments
To address the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and help prepare for future healthcare, economic and environmental challenges, this morning’s ASGH plenary session “Charting a New Course in Healthcare through Collaboration” invited heavyweight speakers, including Ulrich Betz, Senior Vice President Innovation at Merck; Ruilin Song, Executive President of the China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association; Luhan Yang, Co-Founder and CEO of Qihan Biotechnology; and Alex Zhavoronkov, Founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine. They examined the latest trends in the healthcare and medical sectors and the urgent need for global collaboration to strengthen healthcare cooperation for a sustainable future.

A panel discussion titled “The Next Development in China’s Healthcare Sector” was held on the first day, with Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, sharing his views on Hong Kong’s role as a strategic conduit connecting Mainland China and the world in the healthcare arena. Additionally, Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, delivered special remarks, sharing his valuable insights in a session titled “How Innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Reshapes Global Healthcare”. Peter Piot joined the summit and shared his expert perspective on how the world deals with healthcare challenges from Ebola to COVID-19. He is European Union (EU) Chief Scientific Adviser Epidemics and Special Adviser to the European Commission President and former Director and Handa Professor of Global Health of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. In addition, the HKTDC and Haitong International published a joint research report on the future of the healthcare industry in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

A plethora of online sessions will be staged tomorrow, covering important topics, such as preparedness for epidemic viruses, health equity, opportunities in the Asia market, the outlook for the biotech industry and medical robotic development. A number of industry leaders and experts have been invited to share their expertise at the summit.

Holistic platform for project owners and potential investors
Following the success of last year’s inaugural ASGH, a series of deal-sourcing and matchmaking sessions are taking place to meet the business matching needs of project owners and investors and generate new business opportunities. The exhibition area at ASGH included more than 180 exhibitors, including health innovation and technology companies, research and development institutions, incubation centres and more.

More than 110 start-ups and projects are on view at the InnoHealth Showcase on-site. Live pitching sessions were organised where start-ups presented their innovations in transforming global healthcare and connected with potential investors and business partners for new business opportunities. Private equity and venture capital investors, family offices and high-net-worth individuals joined one-on-one online-to-offline meetings with project owners from around the world through ASGH Deal Flow Matchmaking. The summit also featured the Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone that provides a full range of advisory services to start-ups.

Meanwhile, the 13th International Medical and Healthcare Fair featured the latest medical technologies and devices, healthcare and beauty products and related solutions and services.

Themed zones showcase latest medical products and solutions
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, co-organised with the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), attracted more than 300 exhibitors from Hong Kong and different countries and regions, including seven local universities and pavilions formed by the HKMHDIA, the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness and the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The fair is held in hybrid format under the HKTDC’s new EXHIBITION+ model. The physical show opened yesterday at the HKCEC and runs until 11 November, while exhibitors and buyers across the world can also connect through the smart business-matching platform Click2Match until 18 November.

Under the theme of “Decoding MedTech Trends”, the event features various zones, such as Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Product and World of Health and Wellness, alongside the Startup Zone. Exhibitors presented a wide array of products that highlight the latest medical trends and market demands, such as the ultrasonic Inofab Spiroclinic Pro – IoT Spirometer; the POD Telemedicine Health Checkup Station and a host of other products. Meanwhile, 24 start-up companies are displaying their accomplishments and solutions in the field of medical technology.

The HKMHDIA MedTech Forum 2022 was held yesterday under the theme “Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area”. Experts and representatives from the Department of Health of the HKSAR, the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, Johnson & Johnson, Konica Minolta and The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, among others, discussed topics, such as market opportunities for medical technologies in the GBA and innovative medical technologies. Industry professionals can watch videos of the events through the fair website ( https://bit.ly/3DNBBXy ). Also, seminars and workshops for industry players are being organised during the fair by the Hong Kong Doctors Union, the Golden Age Foundation and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks.

The HKTDC has implemented its new EXHIBITION+ model to run the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair. EXHIBITION+ comprises four key exhibition elements, including the physical fair, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform, extending face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online smart business-matching platform to help enterprises connect with business partners proactively.

Websites
– International Healthcare Week: https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en
– Asia Summit On Global Health: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en
– Programme: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/programme
– Speakers: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/speaker
– Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en
– Interesting Product List: https://bit.ly/3DOhppL
– Activity Schedule: https://bit.ly/3DehRvF
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3A20Ow6

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media Enquiries

For enquiries please contact:
Asia Summit on Global Health
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

HKTDC’s five autumn technology fairs conclude

  • More than 9,800 buyers visit fairs in person; market potential for smart lighting and robotics highlighted

The physical elements of the five autumn technology fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) drew to a successful conclusion today. The four-day exhibition attracted more than 9,800 buyers to attend the fairs in person at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to view products and discuss business opportunities.

The physical elements of the five autumn technology fairs organised by HKTDC, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew to a successful conclusion today.
The Symposium on Innovation & Technology invited industry experts to examine the latest tech development trends.
The So French So Innovative pavilion organised a series of seminars themed “French Eye-Fresh Eye – Towards a Sustainable Future”.

This year’s fairs adopted the HKTDC’s new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the Click2Match platform providing a smart business-matching function to help build connections between exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals worldwide. As of today, the HKTDC has arranged more than 3,000 business-meeting sessions through Click2Match while over 10,000 buyers have browsed products and made business connections via the five fairs’ online platforms. Click2Match will remain active until 23 October for the five fairs.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said, “The five autumn technology fairs featured more than 1,100 exhibitors, over 340 of which are online exhibitors from Mainland China and overseas, showcasing numerous creative ideas, smart products and innovative solutions that can benefit Hong Kong’s future development. The fairs were the first business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions held following the Hong Kong government’s implementation of the ‘0+3’ quarantine arrangement and we were delighted to see some of the international buyers gradually returning to our physical events. The HKTDC will continue to provide comprehensive support to Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), assisting them to connect with global buyers and capitalise on post-pandemic business opportunities.”

She added: “The HKTDC will launch an international innovation and technology (I&T) promotion campaign on a larger scale next April. The goal is to further promote Hong Kong’s technological development and the complementary advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area industrial chain, contributing to the city’s transformation into an international I&T hub.”

Industry more optimistic regarding medium-term outlook for I&T sector
The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs to understand exhibitors’ and buyers’ views on the outlook for the I&T sector and what they expect the major trends to be. The survey found that 35% of respondents expected product sales will increase in the next six to 12 months, while 47% anticipated that sales will remain unchanged. Respondents were more optimistic about market conditions in the medium term; 46% expected that sales of their products will increase in the next one to two years, while 42% believed sales will remain unchanged.

The rapid development of technologies presents enormous business opportunities. More than 70% of those surveyed expected that the smart lighting market will present ideal market potential in the coming two years, while 60% saw robotics offering the best growth prospects. As for the application of robots, most respondents believed their use in the medical field has the greatest potential, including for surgery and rehabilitation.

Demand for smart products continues to grow
Presented under the theme “Innovations for Better Living”, the five autumn technology fairs brought together exhibitors and industry professionals from across the globe, offering Hong Kong’s start-ups an important platform to showcase their I&T solutions and generate business opportunities. Stang Limited, a Hong Kong start-up joining the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) for the first time, featured its Qoolmate, an ice pack incorporated with a thermal thick film integrated circuit. Sidney Tang, the company’s project manager, said they had met more than 100 potential buyers from Hong Kong, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mainland China and the United States through the fair. He revealed that one Japanese buyer will order 500 sets of Qoolmate once Stang has obtained the necessary safety certifications from authorities in different regions.

Five fairs assemble top-notch technologies, attracting global buyers to source onsite
Following the implementation of the “0+3” quarantine arrangements, overseas visitors with an Amber Code are able to participate in B2B exhibitions in Hong Kong during their three days of medical surveillance. The five autumn fairs welcomed buyers from India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Poland and Thailand, among other countries and regions, to source at the fairground. Przemyslaw Kowalczyk, a buyer at Polish company LEDIN Sp. z o.o., said he was able to return to the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) thanks to the HKTDC’s support. “I am pleased to have a chance to visit the fair again this year. I have found two potential suppliers of tri-proof lights and garden lights. I plan to do business with one of the suppliers and place an order for US$1 million worth of tri-proof lights next year.”

Smart business-matching platform builds global opportunities
The five autumn technology fairs all adopted the new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model that combines four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub, and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. LED Lighting & Energy Storage Systems, an importer of commercial and industrial lighting from the US, was looking to develop partnerships with new suppliers through the fairs in order to offer quality lighting solutions to its customers.

Jorge E Cruz, the company’s representative, said he found six or seven potential business partners supplying smart lighting solutions, landscape lighting and smart downlights at the physical Autumn Lighting Fair and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo. He plans to place orders with three potential suppliers. “The online meetings arranged through the HKTDC’s Click2Match platform provided a good option for me to meet with suppliers that are not participating in the physical fairs. I will have online meetings with six suppliers after the physical fairs,” Mr Cruz said.

Nearly 50 content-rich events were held during the fairs, including the Symposium on Innovation & Technology, the Hong Kong Electronic Forum and seminars held by the So French So Innovative pavilion and the B4B Challenge pavilion respectively, with visitors keen to participate. Industry professionals can watch videos of the events through the fair websites.

Following on from the five autumn fairs, the HKTDC will coordinate the first edition of International Healthcare Week in November to promote medical technologies, with two flagship events: the HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair 2022 (9 to 11 November for the physical fair) and the Asia Summit on Global Health 2022 (10 and 11 November). The objectives are to spur industry exchange and generate business opportunities in this increasingly important sector.

*The five autumn technology fairs are the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia (organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd), HKTDC International ICT Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Websites
– Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hkelectronicsfairae.hktdc.com
– electronicAsia: www.electronicasia.com
– International ICT Expo: https://ictexpo.hktdc.com
– Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): https://hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
– Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: https://hkotlexpo.hktdc.com
– Highlight product lists: https://bit.ly/3rc6pLp
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3MDOVSo

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Game-changing solutions showcased at five HKTDC tech fairs

Diversified innovations improve safety and quality of life

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is hosting five autumn technology fairs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13 to 16 October. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and many other exhibitors are showing an array of cutting-edge solutions that enhance hiker safety, boost search and rescue efficiency, detect hill fires, kill viruses, eliminate odours, detect rodent activities and enable automated parking, among other benefits. The fairs are signature events that encourage exchange among industry professionals and promote the application of innovative technologies across different sectors, aiming to improve people’s quality of living.

The Hong Kong Police Force’s “3R” rescue solution combines (from L) R-Cam, R-Map and R-Watch to increase the efficiency of rescue operations.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s hill fire surveillance system can detect hill fires and send an alert to its Fire Control Centre.
Yee Fung Technology’s auto-parking system uses robotic pallets (in blue, under the vehicle) to send vehicles to parking spaces.

Positioning system improves safety of hikers and rescuers
Themed “Innovations for Better Living”, this year’s fairs have brought together more than 1,100 exhibitors. At the HKTDC International ICT Expo, the OGCIO has set up two pavilions – the Smart Government Pavilion (1E-A02) and the Hong Kong Innovation Pavilion (1E-A22) – under the theme “Smarter Hong Kong” to showcase a number of technological solutions.

Among them is the Government Wide-Internet of Things Network (GWIN) developed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) since 2019 and based on LoRa (Long Range) wireless technology. Last year, under the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0, the EMSD developed a trial system based on GWIN to provide location tracking and an SOS function for use in areas with weak or no mobile network coverage, aiming to enhance the safety of hikers. A “GWIN-on-drone” has also been developed to support the location-tracking application of the trial system. The department collaborated with the Civil Aid Service and the Fire Services Department, in 2021 and 2022 respectively, to try out the system and test the drone’s location tracking at Plover Cove Country Park in Hong Kong’s New Territories.

Alongside the EMSD, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) is presenting its own rescue technology. The HKPF’s Information Systems Wing has created a “3R” rescue solution with a digital platform that combines R-Map, R-Watch and R-Cam. The solution can provide accurate locations of rescue teams and transmit high-definition video footage of rescue scenes to the control centre using live mapping and GPS positioning. The overall aim of the system is to increase the efficiency of rescue operations and monitor the status of rescue team members to ensure their safety.

Another smart development on display is the hill fire surveillance system developed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Installed at the Tin Fu Tsai Fire Lookout in Tai Lam Country Park, the system uses infrared thermal detection technology, video analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies. It can detect hill fires and send an alert to the AFCD’s Fire Control Centre, along with real time fire data, to help in its deployment of firefighting operations.

Environmental problems addressed by rodent detection and deodorisation tech
Other exhibitors at the fairs are showcasing a variety of solutions and products to address environmental problems and improve people’s living environments. Among them is the Care222 solution developed by Ecobay Technologies Limited (Booth: 1D-C02), an exhibitor at the B4B Challenge pavilion. The technology uses filtered Far-UVC light to disinfect both the air and surfaces and is effective against coronavirus. The solution also includes a special filter that blocks the UV-C band, which is harmful to human skin and eyes, to ensure it is safe. The Care222 solution has already been deployed at Hong Kong International Airport and in other public organisations.

Ecobay is also exhibiting its ozone deodoriser, Radica, which works by generating low-concentration ozone. The product is safe to use not only in unoccupied environments, such as garbage rooms, but also locations where people congregate such as hospital waiting rooms and welfare facility rooms, effectively eliminating odours in these spaces.

Datax Limited (Booth: 1D-E02), an exhibitor at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks pavilion that provides AI and data solutions to Hong Kong businesses, is showcasing a thermal rodent detection system that is battery-powered and equipped with 4G connectivity. The system requires no external power or internet connection and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It uses AI to estimate rodent infestation and generate heat maps and other reports to help in rodent eradication planning.

Meanwhile, Smart City Consortium pavilion exhibitor Yee Fung Technology (Booth: 1E-A22) is displaying an automatic parking system that is intended to alleviate Hong Kong’s shortage of parking spaces and congested car parks. The system uses robotic pallets and autonomous navigation technology to send the vehicles to parking spaces and accurately park them. At the same time, it analyses big data on parking times and car owner habits to reduce the time required to park and retrieve vehicles. The solution helps to increase the number of parking spaces while reducing energy consumption and exhaust emissions.

The five technology fairs have all adopted the HKTDC’s brand-new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. In addition to attending the physical fairs, exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals can participate in smart business matching through the Click2Match platform from now until 23 October.

*The five autumn technology fairs are the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia (organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd), the HKTDC International ICT Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Websites

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Five HKTDC autumn technology fairs open today

  • Top-notch I&T products and solutions enable different industries to seize business opportunities

Committed to promoting the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry and generating business opportunities across different sectors, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is organising five autumn technology fairs* under its brand-new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model.

The five HKTDC autumn tech fairs have gathered more than 1,100 exhibitors to showcase an array of cutting-edge technology products, solutions and information and to help industries capture cross-sector business opportunities.
Smart Government Pavilion and Hong Kong Innovation Pavilion feature an array of solutions designed to help drive smart city development and enhance the efficiency and efficacy of public services, in addition to several award-winning solutions.
Industry representatives and star speakers examine the latest tech development trends and share updated industry news at today’s Symposium on Innovation & Technology. Topics include ESG trends, the metaverse and high-speed data transmission.

The events bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing an array of cutting-edge information and communication technology products, electronic and lighting products, and exciting new smart city solutions. The physical fairs started their four-day run (13-16 October) today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). From now until 23 October, exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals from around the world can also build connections and participate in smart business matching through the Click2Match platform.

Presenting tech products and solutions for various industries
The five technology fairs* are all signature events for the I&T industry. Presented under the theme “Innovations for Better Living”, this year’s fairs aim to promote exchanges between local companies and exhibitors across various countries and regions. At the same time, the events seek to encourage the application of I&T in different areas; generate cross-sector business opportunities; and promote better living through I&T. Among the fairs, the HKTDC International ICT Expo spotlights an array of smart city solutions falling under four topics: Digital Business, Smart Living, Transportation and Mobility, and Governance and Infrastructure.

A highlight of the expo is the pair of pavilions – the Smart Government Pavilion (Booth: 1E-A02) and the Hong Kong Innovation Pavilion (Booth: 1E-A22) – organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the theme “Smarter Hong Kong”. The former features more than 40 solutions from over 20 government departments and public organisations designed to help drive smart city development and enhance the efficiency and efficacy of public services. The solutions encompass seven topics, including smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, smart government, smart airport, smart village, and combatting COVID-19 through I&T. Among the solutions are a traffic data analytics system jointly developed by OGCIO, the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Observatory; the smart water meter system from the Water Supplies Department; the HA Go one-stop mobile app developed by the Hospital Authority as a pilot trial of telemedicine services; and the hiker safety system from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

The expo also features the So French So Innovative pavilion (Booth: 1E-C12) that will showcase multinational I&T enterprises and start-ups from France, including Dragages, STMicroelectronics, Thales, Veolia and more.

Other renowned exhibitors include Autotoll, Hikvision, HKBN Enterprise Solutions, IVC Consulting Group (SAP reseller), NEC, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Yonyou. Among the organisations running pavilions at the expo are Big Data for Business (B4B) Challenge, Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Hong Kong, and the Smart City Consortium.

This year’s HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) presents three thematic zones: Hall of Fame, Startup Zone and Smart Tech. They are showcasing a huge array of electronic products and accessories, smart home products and innovative tech solutions in the fields of robotics, unmanned technologies, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) and artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). Highlight products include a smart radar (Booth: 1D-B20) and an automatic pill dispenser (Booth: 1E-A36) developed by local start-ups.

In addition to local exhibitors, the Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) has attracted a variety of exhibitors from Mainland China. Enterprises from Shenzhen, Shunde District in Guangdong, Zhejiang Province and the Zhongguancun technology hub in Beijing are presenting at their physical pavilions. Meanwhile, online pavilions are featuring exhibitors from Taiwan and Korea as well as Jiangsu Province, Shenzhen and Xiamen from the mainland.

At electronicAsia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, printed circuit boards, chips and solar and photovoltaic renewable energy solutions are featured.

Meanwhile, the HKTDC International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and HKTDC International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo are displaying a spectrum of smart and green lighting products. Among them are flexible track lighting systems (Booth: 1C-D17) and smart ceiling lamps (Booth: 1C-C05). A pavilion organised by Zhejiang exhibitors presents an array of lighting products at the physical fair, while Guangdong, Jiangsu, Xiamen and Taiwan exhibitors are showcasing their offerings in online pavilions.

The Outdoor and Tech Light Expo features the Innobuild Zone, highlighting building-related technologies and products. Among the highlights are solutions for driving sustainable development and enhancing living environments, such as a smart toilet system (Booth: 1C-A01) that uses Internet of Things technology to improve management effectiveness.

During the fairs, a series of forums, panel discussions and seminars have been arranged to keep industry participants updated and informed. Highlights include:

Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia

  • Symposium on Innovation & Technology (13 October)
  • Co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association, the symposium took place today and was accompanied by an online simulcast. Presented under the theme “Innovate for a Sustainable Future”, the event featured industry representatives and star speakers examining the latest tech development trends and sharing topical industry updates. Topics covered included environmental, social and governance (ESG) trends, the metaverse and high-speed data transmission.
  • Hong Kong Electronic Forum (15 October)
  • Jointly organised by the HKTDC, Messe Munchen and the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, the forum will explore the latest microelectronic and chiplet applications.
  • Startup Smart Launch (13 and 14 October)
  • Multiple Startup Smart Launch sessions enable start-ups to promote innovative ideas and explore commercialisation opportunities for their smart ideas and products.

International ICT Expo

  • B4B Challenge 2021-22 Award Ceremony cum 2022 Conference (14 October)
  • This event, co-organised by the HKTDC and the B4B Challenge, will examine how the real estate industry can boost energy efficiency and advance sustainable development.
  • So French So Innovative Conference 2022 (14 and 15 October)
  • The HKTDC and So French So Innovative will jointly present this conference to cover ways to combat climate change and drive sustainable development.
  • Smart City Development in Hong Kong – The Way Forward (14 October)
  • Jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Smart City Consortium to discuss the Smart City Blueprint 3.0.
  • Smart Mobility and the Digitalisation of Transportation Symposium (14 October)
  • The HKTDC and ITS Hong Kong have invited industry experts to discuss solutions for intelligent transportation systems and smart mobility.
  • Meet the Giants Panel Discussion – AI, The New Era of Connection (15 October)
  • Discussing and dissecting the applications of artificial intelligence to smart cities and their latest developments.

Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo

  • Beyond Illumination – Smart Solutions for Energy Efficiency Seminar (14 October)
  • Exploring smart lighting solutions for a sustainable future; looking into the latest trends in green construction technologies and energy-saving solutions.
  • Seminar on Testing and Certification Services for Lighting Products (14 October)
  • Examining the mounting pressure and expanding opportunities in lighting product sustainability, as well as the standards and testing involved in their import and export.

EXHIBITION+ helps SMEs expand business opportunities
This year’s five autumn technology fairs have adopted the new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. It combines four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub, and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. EXHIBITION+ extends the physical fairs’ face-to-face interactions to an online smart business matching platform to help global exhibitors, buyers, and industry professionals connect proactively with business partners in order to venture into new frontiers together.

* The five autumn technology fairs are the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia (organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd), HKTDC International ICT Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Websites

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

HKTDC launches GoGBA Day for the International Business Community

  • HKTDC’s Transformation Sandbox (T-box), Digital Academy and E-Tailing Academy help “go GBA” via Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office co-organised the inaugural GoGBA Day on Thursday (22 Sept). This support event aims to engage members of the international business community in Hong Kong that are currently underserved in terms of up-to-date business information on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The physical part of the hybrid on-site/online event was held at the HKTDC SME Centre at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event featured a series of seminars offering practical business tips and updates on the latest developments in the GBA to prepare international enterprises to “go GBA” via Hong Kong. The event received an overwhelming response with more than 160 participants attending the seminars at the venue while 260 participants joined the online webinar. At the same time, 65 business advisory sessions and one-on-one consultation meetings were arranged for 47 companies at the venue to facilitate business partnerships and opportunities.

The joint seminars welcomed officials from various authorities in the GBA, along with industry leaders and market experts from banking and other sectors, to share their insights and business know-how with international medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, helping them get equipped to set up business and succeed in the GBA via the Hong Kong platform. A wide range of topics was discussed, including the business landscape in the GBA and key incentives and subsidies for start-ups and businesses in the areas of tax, banking and investment.

Welcoming participants to the event, HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said: “The GBA plan attracts attention not only because the GBA has China’s highest GDP at US$1.96 trillion, but it offers basically everything a business needs to grow, from the international financial hub of Hong Kong and the world-class manufacturing centres across Guangdong to the advanced innovation and tech clusters across the region – not to mention a huge market of 86 million people and a stepping stone to the vast Mainland China market.”

Ms Fong continued: “We launched our GoGBA support programme last year to help businesses navigate the GBA through Hong Kong by offering information, advisory support and networking and marketing platforms. The GoGBA Day is a highlight of our programme, bringing together the Hong Kong family of organisations under one roof to introduce their GBA support programmes and services, enabling us to hold a GBA event specifically for the international business community for the first time. We hope to give them not only an overview of the latest GBA developments but also offer practical information to help them make decisions and take action.”

Background to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) promotes Hong Kong’s integration into Mainland China’s national development by accelerating the socio-economic integration of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Hong Kong has been designated as an international financial, shipping, trade and aviation hub, a global offshore renminbi business hub and an international centre for asset management and risk management. As a value-added financial, trading, logistics and professional services centre, supporting technology and innovation, Hong Kong is also a centre for international legal and dispute resolution in Asia-Pacific.

HKTDC’s array of services support enterprises entering the GBA
Over the years, the HKTDC has worked hard to facilitate cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong. To support companies in doing business in the GBA, the HKTDC shares useful official information on regulations, procedures and networks through its GoGBA website ( https://www.go-gba.com/en/ ) and WeChat mini-programme, the latter also offering tools such as public health updates, maps, transportation guides and a day counter for individual income tax purposes. As of mid-September 2022, more than 506,700 views of the HKTDC’s GoGBA digital platforms had been recorded.

GoGBA WeChat mini programme (QR Code).
GoGBA WeChat mini programme (QR Code).

On the ground, the HKTDC has established the HKTDC GBA Service Centre in Shenzhen to provide local and international enterprises from Hong Kong with consultation services, industry-related updates and business matching. The Service Centre has so far organised more than 70 activities, with about 3,000 Hong Kong enterprises using its services. Working together with mainland partners, the HKTDC has also set up GoGBA Business Support Centres in Qianhai (Shenzhen), Nansha (Guangzhou), Hengqin (Zhuhai), Dongguan and Zhongshan, with Foshan being added later this year, to provide Hong Kong enterprises with policy and market consultation services.

In addition, the HKTDC’s Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme will extend its services from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and other cities in the GBA. Together with its Digital Academy and E-Tailing Academy, the HKTDC will provide advisory workshops related to e-commerce and digital business as well as marketing solutions and other digital platforms.

Officials explain GBA business landscape, supporting initiatives and keys to success:

Tommy Yuen, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said: “The GBA is more than a key national development strategy under China’s reform and opening up. It is also marked a further step towards enriching One Country, Two Systems and promoting coordinated economic development that can turn the region into a world-class area for living, working and travelling. New measures are continually being implemented, including steps to encourage the development of private equity and venture capital funds in Qianhai and improving land boundary crossing facilities to enhance talent mobility between Hong Kong and GBA cities. In the coming decade, the GBA is set to become the world’s most vibrant and rapidly growing economic region.”

Jimmy Chiang, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion (Business Development) of Invest Hong Kong, said: “President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of leveraging and strengthening Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, as well as its convenient links to international markets. The 14th Five-Year Plan also highlighted the country’s support for Hong Kong in traditional industries as well as four emerging areas, including aviation, innovation and technology, intellectual property trading and international cultural exchange. These specific sectors will see more development opportunities in Hong Kong, and the GBA’s growth will create many attractive opportunities for international companies.”

Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise, Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “The Hong Kong Tourism Board has developed a tourism recovery framework to aid in the recovery, reopening and rebranding of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. We devised a number of publicity and promotion campaigns to maintain Hong Kong’s visibility during the pandemic and to facilitate tourism as well as MICE recovery. This includes bringing back large-scale international events and establishing a dedicated team to provide MICE organisers with one-stop support. Hong Kong can connect international visitors to the GBA’s tremendous business opportunities, generate attendance for organisers, facilitate professional visits and excursions to other GBA cities.”

Raymond Yip, Chief Liaison Officer of the Guangzhou Nansha Service Centre in Hong Kong, said: “The Central Government hopes that Nansha, with its strategic location at the heart of 10 GBA cities, will become a cooperation and collaboration hub for the GBA. Nansha has a broad and diverse industry base with advanced manufacturing, as well as a state-level science and technology forum. With no fewer than 20 policy measures for Hong Kong and Macao, including allowing people from Hong Kong, including foreigners, to pay Hong Kong taxes, Nansha is set to open up a larger hinterland for Hong Kong.”

Witman Hung, Principal Liaison Officer for the Hong Kong, Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, said: “Qianhai has always been a pilot zone to help China open up and deepen its reforms. Promoting and facilitating collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is high on our priority list. For example, we have incubated 335 Hong Kong start-ups and assisted the city’s professionals such as lawyers, engineers and architects in entering the mainland market. Recently, the Qianhai Authority and the Hong Kong government announced 18 new measures aimed at encouraging venture capital and private equity to enter China via Qianhai and Hong Kong. Hong Kong-based companies will be able to use Qianhai as a shopfront to provide professional services to the rest of the GBA and Mainland China.”

Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Hong Kong International Airport, said: “We have been expanding the capacity and functionality of Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for the resumption of international travel and business. The SKYCITY development is at the heart of this, featuring a new 3.8 million sq ft complex, with recreational facilities and three new office towers. New hotels will also be built and we are revamping services to provide better travel and transit experiences for passengers. Furthermore, we are transforming AsiaWorld-Expo into a 20,000-seat arena, adding new passenger and cargo handling facilities and constructing new infrastructure to make it easier for Hong Kong to connect with the GBA.”

HKTDC SME Centre
Tel: +852 1830 668
Fax: +852 3693 4938
E-mail: smecentre@hktdc.org

HKTDC GBA Centre
Tel: 0755-82280112
Fax: 0755-82280114
E-mail: shenzhen.office@hktdc.org

GoGBA Day website: https://go-gba.com/en/gogbaday.html
“Greater Bay Area, Great Future” promotional video: https://www.bayarea.gov.hk/en/stories/videos.html
(provided by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office).
More about the GBA: https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/guangdong-hongkong-macao-greater-bay-area
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3UyJSpU

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC launches GoGBA Day

  • Strengthening support to help the international business community in Hong Kong access Greater Bay Area opportunities

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office co-organised the inaugural GoGBA Day on Thursday (22 Sept). This business support event aims to engage members of the international business community in Hong Kong that are currently underserved in terms of up-to-date business information on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The physical part of the hybrid on-site/online event was held at the HKTDC SME Centre at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

GoGBA Day was launched yesterday (22 Sept) at the HKTDC SME Centre. The event began with welcome remarks from HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (fourth from left, front row), followed by speeches delivered by the honourable speakers.
GoGBA WeChat mini programme (QR Code).

The half-day event featured a series of seminars offering practical business tips and updates on the latest developments in the GBA to prepare international enterprises to “go GBA” via Hong Kong. The event received an overwhelming response with more than 160 participants attending the seminars at the venue while 260 participants joined the online webinar. At the same time, 65 business advisory sessions and one-on-one consultation meetings were arranged for 47 companies at the venue to facilitate business partnerships and opportunities.

The joint seminars welcomed officials from various authorities in the GBA, along with industry leaders and market experts from banking and other sectors, to share their insights and business know-how with international medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, helping them get equipped to set up business and succeed in the GBA via the Hong Kong platform. A wide range of topics was discussed, including the business landscape in the GBA and key incentives and subsidies for start-ups and businesses in the areas of tax, banking and investment.

Welcoming participants to the event, HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said: “The GBA plan attracts attention not only because the GBA has China’s highest GDP at US$1.96 trillion, but it offers basically everything a business needs to grow, from the international financial hub of Hong Kong and the world-class manufacturing centres across Guangdong, to the advanced innovation and tech clusters across the region – not to mention a huge market of 86 million people and a stepping stone to the vast Mainland China market.”

Ms Fong continued: “We launched our GoGBA support programme last year to help businesses navigate the GBA through Hong Kong by offering information, advisory support and networking and marketing platforms. The GoGBA Day is a highlight of our programme, bringing together the Hong Kong family of organisations under one roof to introduce their GBA support programmes and services, enabling us to hold a GBA event specifically for the international business community for the first time. We hope to give them not only an overview of the latest GBA developments, but also offer practical information to help them make decisions and take action.”

Officials explain GBA business landscape, supporting initiatives and keys to success:
Tommy Yuen, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said: “The GBA is more than a key national development strategy under China’s reform and opening up. It is also marked a further step towards enriching One Country, Two Systems and promoting coordinated economic development that can turn the region into a world-class area for living, working and travelling. New measures are continually being implemented, including steps to encourage the development of private equity and venture capital funds in Qianhai and improving land boundary crossing facilities to enhance talent mobility between Hong Kong and GBA cities. In the coming decade, the GBA is set to become the world’s most vibrant and rapidly growing economic region.”

Jimmy Chiang, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion (Business Development) of Invest Hong Kong, said: “President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of leveraging and strengthening Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, as well as its convenient links to international markets. The 14th Five-Year Plan also highlighted the country’s support for Hong Kong in traditional industries as well as four emerging areas, including aviation, innovation and technology, intellectual property trading and international cultural exchange. These specific sectors will see more development opportunities in Hong Kong, and the GBA’s growth will create many attractive opportunities for international companies.”

Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise, Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “The Hong Kong Tourism Board has developed a tourism recovery framework to aid in the recovery, reopening and rebranding of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. We devised a number of publicity and promotion campaigns to maintain Hong Kong’s visibility during the pandemic and to facilitate tourism as well as MICE recovery. This includes bringing back large-scale international events and establishing a dedicated team to provide MICE organisers with one-stop support. Hong Kong can connect international visitors to the GBA’s tremendous business opportunities, generate attendance for organisers, facilitate professional visits and excursions to other GBA cities.”

Raymond Yip, Chief Liaison Officer of the Guangzhou Nansha Service Centre in Hong Kong, said: “The Central Government hopes that Nansha, with its strategic location at the heart of 10 GBA cities, will become a cooperation and collaboration hub for the GBA. Nansha has a broad and diverse industry base with advanced manufacturing, as well as a state-level science and technology forum. With no fewer than 20 policy measures for Hong Kong and Macao, including allowing people from Hong Kong, including foreigners, to pay Hong Kong taxes, Nansha is set to open up a larger hinterland for Hong Kong.”

Witman Hung, Principal Liaison Officer for the Hong Kong, Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, said: “Qianhai has always been a pilot zone to help China open up and deepen its reforms. Promoting and facilitating collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is high on our priority list. For example, we have incubated 335 Hong Kong start-ups and assisted the city’s professionals such as lawyers, engineers and architects in entering the mainland market. Recently, the Qianhai Authority and the Hong Kong government announced 18 new measures aimed at encouraging venture capital and private equity to enter China via Qianhai and Hong Kong. Hong Kong-based companies will be able to use Qianhai as a shopfront to provide professional services to the rest of the GBA and Mainland China.”

Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Hong Kong International Airport, said: “We have been expanding the capacity and functionality of Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for the resumption of international travel and business. The SKYCITY development is at the heart of this, featuring a new 3.8 million sq ft complex, with recreational facilities and three new office towers. New hotels will also be built and we are revamping services to provide better travel and transit experiences for passengers. Furthermore, we are transforming AsiaWorld-Expo into a 20,000-seat arena, adding new passenger and cargo handling facilities and constructing new infrastructure to make it easier for Hong Kong to connect with the GBA.”

Background to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) promotes Hong Kong’s integration into Mainland China’s national development by accelerating the socio-economic integration of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Hong Kong has been designated as an international financial, shipping, trade and aviation hub, a global offshore renminbi business hub and an international centre for asset management and risk management. As a value-added financial, trading, logistics and professional services centre, supporting technology and innovation, Hong Kong is also a centre for international legal and dispute resolution in Asia-Pacific.

HKTDC’s array of services support enterprises entering the GBA
Over the years, the HKTDC has worked hard to facilitate cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong. To support companies in doing business in the GBA, the HKTDC shares useful official information on regulations, procedures and networks through its GoGBA website ( https://www.go-gba.com/en/ ) and WeChat mini-programme, the latter also offering tools such as public health updates, maps, transportation guides and a day counter for individual income tax purposes. As of mid-September 2022, more than 506,700 views of the HKTDC’s GoGBA digital platforms had been recorded.

On the ground, the HKTDC has established the HKTDC GBA Service Centre in Shenzhen to provide local and international enterprises from Hong Kong with consultation services, industry-related updates and business matching. The Service Centre has so far organised more than 70 activities, with about 3,000 Hong Kong enterprises using its services. Working together with mainland partners, the HKTDC has also set up GoGBA Business Support Centres in Qianhai (Shenzhen), Nansha (Guangzhou), Hengqin (Zhuhai), Dongguan and Zhongshan, with Foshan being added later this year, to provide Hong Kong enterprises with policy and market consultation services.

In addition, the HKTDC’s Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme will extend its services from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and other cities in the GBA. Together with its Digital Academy and E-Tailing Academy, the HKTDC will provide advisory workshops related to e-commerce and digital business as well as marketing solutions and other digital platforms.

The GBA presents enormous opportunities for businesses from Hong Kong and around the world and the HKTDC will continue to devote efforts to support local and international enterprises in the city, helping them seize business opportunities in the GBA and other mainland markets through its network of 13 offices in the mainland. It also plans to organise the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Week this year, including the annual SmartHK and Chic HK flagship events in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, along with a series of roadshows related to financial management, legal services, infrastructure development and real estate, as well as participating in key trade fairs in the mainland.

HKTDC SME Centre
Tel: +852 1830 668
Fax: +852 3693 4938
E-mail: smecentre@hktdc.org

HKTDC GBA Centre
Tel: 0755-82280112
Fax: 0755-82280114
E-mail: shenzhen.office@hktdc.org

GoGBA Day Website: https://go-gba.com/en/gogbaday.html
“Greater Bay Area, Great Future” promotional video
(provided by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office):
– https://www.bayarea.gov.hk/en/stories/videos.html
About Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area:
– https://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/guangdong-hongkong-macao-greater-bay-area
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3UyJSpU

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, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC Export Index 3Q22: Exporter confidence continues to improve

  • Traders more cautious on business strategies

The sentiment among Hong Kong exporters continues to improve. The HKTDC Export Index increased a further 1.9 points to 32.8 in the third quarter of 2022, indicating a sustained improvement in confidence in the short-term export performance. However, exporters are facing downward pressure on prices, with the Trade Value Index falling 11.5 points to 40.2.

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan and Corey To announced the HKTDC Export Index for the third quarter of 2022 at a press conference today (19 September).

HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan told a press conference today that a deteriorating external environment was keeping the recovery slower than hoped. “Weakening demand in major markets dampened by high inflation and aggressive monetary tightening, coupled with rising Sino-US trade tensions and other fallouts from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, also cloud the export outlook,” she said.

The HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing some 500 Hong Kong exporters from six major industries – machinery, electronics, jewellery, watches and clocks, toys and clothing – to gauge business confidence in near-term export prospects. The Index indicates an optimistic or pessimistic outlook, with 50 as the dividing line.

Shift in focus
Ms Fan said more than half of the respondents (52.0%) in the latest exporters’ survey view the shortened quarantine requirement in the Mainland China – a seven-day centralised stay plus three days of home confinement – as positive for business. She added that enabling more flexible business travel arrangements (53.8%), the gradual resumption of cross-border commerce and trade (33.0%), and a smoother production flow (31.8%) were cited as the top benefits.

While the impacts of the pandemic continue to decline, COVID-19-related issues remain among the top concerns for Hong Kong exporters over the next three months. Most respondents said COVID-19 persistence (40.2%) and border closure (22.6%) are the major impediments to export performance.

“To help them deal with this changing environment, Hong Kong businesses are tending to shift from being market-focused to more money-focused,” Ms Fan said. Developing other product categories (36.9%) and stabilising finances to ensure sufficient cash flow (35.6%) are the most popular business strategies adopted by the survey respondents. Additionally, more of them said they intend to increase unit prices (35.2%, up 18 percentage points).

Jewellery, Japan outperform
HKTDC Economist Corey To said jewellery was currently the most promising sector with the highest sub-index at 44.2, followed by toys at 37.0. The jewellery sector also showed the largest improvement, with a 9.9-point increase from the previous quarter, while the electronics sector gained 2.3 points to 32.7.

Mr To said Asia continues to provide a relatively promising outlook, adding that Japan remains the best performer at 48.4 (up 0.8 points), followed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc (46.9, up 3.6 points) and Mainland China (45.8, up 2.7 points).

Recovering supply chains
He said the pandemic impact on businesses tended to be less severe in the third quarter as compared with April-June. “Fewer respondents experienced negative impacts on their business resulting from the pandemic (77.9%, down 1.2 percentage points). Among them, those whose business had been very negatively affected fell 11.8 percentage points to 23.4%.”

Mr To said rising transportation costs (64.1%) and logistics disruptions (51.8%) remained the key challenges for Hong Kong exporters, though both fell significantly – by 8.5 and 13.4 percentage points respectively – from the previous quarter, reflecting the gradual easing of supply chain issues. “But it is worth noting that more respondents reported communications issues with overseas buyers/suppliers (48.2%, up 26.6 percentage points) and order cancellations (21.2%, up 4.5 percentage points).”

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 3Q22: Gradual Recovery Underway https://bit.ly/3BetyBI
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Lm8UUV

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE conclude

  • Public visitors generate retail opportunities for exhibitors

Jointly 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, the physical shows of the 41st HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 10th Salon de TE drew to a successful close yesterday. This year’s fairs adopted the new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, attracting more than 6,200 industry buyers to visit the physical fairs and browse products online, as well as more than 25,000 public visitors to shop for exquisite timepieces. The online fairs will continue to run until 6 October. As of today, the HKTDC has already arranged more than 1,200 business meetings, enabling more global watch and clock traders to explore business opportunities through the fairs’ online platform.

The physical part of the 41st HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 10th Salon de TE concluded successfully yesterday. The World Brand Piazza at Salon de TE presented 12 renowned international brands.
Industry experts examined the industry’s prospects, trends and marketing strategies at the Hong Kong International Watch Forum, Asian Watch Conference and a seminar on the theme “Cross-Border eCommerce: How to Win in Southeast Asia”.
A number of product launches were held during the fairs. Renowned Hong Kong athletes including track athlete So Wa-wai, six-time Paralympic Games gold medallist, made an appearance at the product launch.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Although numerous sectors around the world, including the watch and clock industry, have been hard hit by the pandemic, we are pleased to see that affordable luxury watches are a hot pick in the market, and that watches featuring innovative technologies and sustainable elements are part of the new fashion trend. This year, the two fairs showcased a wide range of trendy, high-quality products from notable brands. Exhibitors were also able to capitalise on retail opportunities driven by the recent disbursement of the government’s consumption vouchers.”

E-tailing presents new business opportunities, fairs give exhibitors a retail boost
The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey with exhibitors and buyers during the fairs to gauge the development trends in the watch and clock industry in 2023. The survey found that the majority of respondents considered e-tailing (37%) and the recovering purchasing power of customers (28%) to present the biggest business opportunities. Of the exhibitors surveyed, 39% of them are engaged in e-tailing businesses, while 33% indicated an intention to invest resources in developing an e-tailing business over the next two years to capture more orders. Regarding product trends, respondents expected smart watches (47%) to be the most popular watch category in 2023, followed by mechanical watches (15%) and digital analogue watches (14%).

In addition, some exhibitors said that sustainability themed watches will be another key trend. Speaking at the MINI green watch series product launch during the fairs, Esther Wong, Founder and CEO of Acestar Concept Limited, said: “As people become more environmentally conscious, this green watch collection has become the talk of the town. Sales of the watch at the fairground did well and we have already sold about 1,000 pieces. A new buyer expressed interest in bringing MINI green watches to the United States and South American markets, while another new buyer from Mainland China is keen to cooperate with us by investing in the development of a new eco-friendly product. Overall, the response from both public visitors and trade buyers has been overwhelming.”

The two fairs were open to the general public this year, with a lively buying atmosphere at the fairground. The on-site survey revealed that the per capita consumption of public visitors was HK$1,146. Mike Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Mira Watch International Ltd, said the traffic at the fair was very good. “The average per capita spending by customers at our booth is around HK$4,000-5,000. A mechanical sports watch priced at HK$10,000 has sold particularly well. We expect this year’s on-site sales turnover to reach HK$1 million.”

Click2Match helps industry players seize business opportunities
This year’s fairs adopted EXHIBITION+, a brand-new exhibition model integrating online and offline trade show formats, extending face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online platform. To help overseas buyers maintain contact with exhibitors, the HKTDC mobilised its 50 global offices to invite international buyers to engage in business discussions with exhibitors via video conferencing. In addition, the HKTDC utilises its smart business-matching platform, Click2Match, to generate AI-recommended leads for exhibitors and buyers until 18 September. The platform also provides functions such as a meeting planner, instant messaging, video conferencing and file sharing to facilitate communication between buyers and exhibitors. The online fairs will run until 6 October on hktdc.com Sourcing where trade buyers can continue their sourcing journey at their own convenience.

The renowned Swiss brand Victorinox, famed for its army knives and sporty watches, was at the Watch & Clock Fair to source watch parts and components. Kelvin Lo, Head of Sourcing – Watches, Victorinox Dongguan Company Limited, said: “Through the HKTDC’s Click2Match platform and its business-matching team, we set up physical meetings with six parts and components suppliers before the opening of the fair. The platform proved to be effective in helping us identify suitable suppliers in advance. Following business negotiations at the physical fair, we have been successful in finding five potential suppliers, one of which has adopted a brand-new technology to produce leather straps.”

Chit Tat Clock and Watch Company Limited was another exhibitor that was able to connect with overseas buyers via the Click2Match platform. The company’s General Manager, Philip Lau, said the brand focused on selling its stock to consumers at the fair, helping to expand its retail business. In addition, the company arranged more than 20 online meetings with overseas buyers via the Click2Match platform to conduct business negotiations after the physical fairs, with Mr Lau saying he was satisfied with the results.

Following a successful series of fairs over the summer, the HKTDC will hold the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), International ICT Expo, electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo from 13 to 16 October, all of which will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. The model’s round-the-clock services will boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and offer benefits ranging from extended fair periods and expanded platforms to enhanced business opportunities.

Fair websites

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org

Asia’s fashion showcase CENTRESTAGE opens today

Latest collections from local and international fashion brands converge with metaverse experience

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier fashion event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by Create Hong Kong* of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A number of renowned and emerging fashion brands from Hong Kong and overseas are presenting their spring/summer 2023 collections during the three-day event, which is open to industry participants and the general public free of charge. Visitors have the opportunity to browse and shop for the latest designs from around the world, with some brands offering exclusive discounts.

CENTRESTAGE opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with local and international brands presenting their spring/summer 2023 collections during the three-day fashion event
Local brands participating in FASHIONALLY Collection #19 include ARTO., CAR|2IE, FromClothingof, KEVIN HO, Lapeewee, REDEMPTIVE (pictured) and WHY
This year’s exhibition venue has incorporated cyber and metaverse elements into its design, featuring a host of interactive experiences for visitors to try out for free

Three thematic areas support brands’ business expansion
Entering its seventh year, CENTRESTAGE has adopted “Inclusion and Diversity” as its theme in 2022, highlighting individuality and self-expression. The event is playing host to more than 240 brands from 15 countries and regions, including newly participating brands from Hong Kong such as 30menu, athenaeum(m.), Kowloon City Boy, Louise Castle, Natacha Van, PSY LAU, The Life Etc. and VO-YAGE. Exhibitors from other countries and regions include Koradior (Mainland China), C/W COLLECTIVE (Macao), HARIO Lampwork Factory (Japan), Stevie Crowne (UK), CEANNIS (Sweden), Dal Duca (Italy), Thierry Rabotin (Italy) and more. Three thematic zones feature a broad spectrum of designs and styles: METRO presents the leisure aspects of urban life; ICONIC represents modern, chic and avant-garde design; and ALLURE showcases the elegance and refinement of design excellence and craftsmanship. Visitors are free to explore and shop in this comprehensive one-stop fashion arcade.

The HKTDC has proactively engaged local and overseas fashion buyers to support CENTRESTAGE exhibitors in expanding their businesses. Local buyers such as Lane Crawford, Joyce, Next Sourcing, Palmers and online fashion store Farfetch have a physical presence at the event. In addition, online business meetings have been arranged to match exhibitors with fashion buyers from the mainland and overseas, including industry heavyweights Signe Du Temps from France, A PEBBLE by LABELHOOD from the mainland, Harry & Co from Korea, and NM International from Thailand.

Various fashion brands unveil their latest designs
A series of fashion shows are being held during the fair period, with the spotlight opening gala show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, taking place this evening. The opening ceremony will be officiated by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR. Immediately afterwards, DEMO, the Hong Kong label co-founded by Derek Chan and Mite Chan, will be joined by Children of the discordance, established by Japanese designer Hideaki Shikama, to present their spring/summer 2023 collections. The runway show marks the debut fashion presentation in Hong Kong for Mr Shikama, who is renowned for deconstructing and repurposing old fabrics into refined patchwork pieces. Louise Wong, winner of the Hong Kong Film Award for Best New Performer, will be guest model at the event, strutting down the runway in an outfit from DEMO’s latest collection.

Following CENTRESTAGE ELITES, the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show will run on the “Sustainable Fashion” theme, featuring six local designers that have participated in various international fashion weeks, including 112 mountainyam (by Mountain Yam), ANGUS TSUI (by Angus Tsui), Bettie Haute Couture (by Bettie Jiang), BLIND by JW (by Jessica Lau & Walter Kong), SUN=SEN (by Sun Lam), and V VISSI (by Vickie Au). These designers have collaborated with Hong Kong textile enterprise Novetex Textiles Limited to create environmentally-friendly Spring/Summer 2023 collections using upcycled fabrics made from The Billie System, a waterless textile recycling system developed locally. During the fair period, Fashion Hong Kong Studio (Booth number 1C-C07) will collect and upcycle unwanted white 100% cotton T-shirts or polo shirts from visitors. The first 100 donors will receive a limited-edition souvenir made from upcycled materials.

Serving as a platform to promote local design talents, FASHIONALLY Collection #19 features a number of Hong Kong brands, including ARTO., CAR|2IE, FromClothingof, KEVIN HO, Lapeewee, REDEMPTIVE and WHY. The other three FASHIONALLY presentations are being held on 9 and 10 September, giving the opportunity to three emerging local fashion brands – Wilsonkaki and first-time exhibitors Kowloon City Boy and VO-YAGE – to showcase their latest collections.

Another initiative to discover the fashion stars of the future is the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2022, the final will be held on the evening of 11 September. VIP judge Hideaki Shikama will join the judging panel to select the winners of four honours, namely Overall Champion, the Excellence Award, the Best Visual Presentation Award and the “My Favourite Collection Award”, out of 10 shortlisted entrants. Members of the public can vote for their favourite designs on the FASHIONALLY website before midnight tomorrow (10 September) to stand the chance of winning one of seven HK$2,000 Lee Gardens Area e-gift coupons sponsored by Hysan Development.

Experience the application of technology in the fashion industry
In addition to numerous fashion shows, this year’s CENTRESTAGE is staging various seminars and sharing sessions. Earlier today (9 September), representatives from AiDLab, an artificial intelligence design institute, and Code-Create Limited shared their insights into the application of artificial intelligence in the fashion industry. In another session, representatives from Virtual Touch, a 3D visual effects animation firm, and Mirum, one of the world’s largest digital service providers, will look into topics such as the metaverse and sustainability in the fashion industry.

This year’s CENTRESTAGE venue has integrated cyber and metaverse elements into its design and features a host of interactive virtual experiences. Visitors can create their own avatar and connect with others in the CENTREVERSE, as well as enjoying an augmented reality fashion try-on. To further enrich the visitor experience, workshops on making eco-friendly scented pouches and the co-creation of large-scale artworks are also on offer, while the CENTRESTAGE X Watch & Clock lucky draw will take place over the weekend (10 and 11 September).

*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, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Websites

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Raconteur:
Molisa Lau, Tel: +852 6187 7786, Email: molisalau@raconteur.hk
Betsy Tse, Tel: +852 9742 7338, Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk

The HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TE open today

  • Exquisite and trendy timepieces and fun-filled events draw the interest of industry players and the general public

The 41st HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 10th Salon de TE, 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, opened today with more than 200 exhibitors taking part. Running under the HKTDC’s brand-new EXHIBITION+ model, which brings together online and offline editions, the physical fairs take place from 7 to 11 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while the online exhibition runs until 18 September. The new model offers an effective business platform that overcomes geographical boundaries and time restrictions for global watch and clock traders.

Richard Leung, Co-Chairman, Fair Organising Committee of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2022; Gary Lau, President, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited; Margaret Fong, Executive Director, HKTDC; Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government; Enders Lam, Chairman, HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee; and Daniel Tsai, Co-chairman, Fair Organising Committee of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2022 (front R, from L)
Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the 12th consecutive year, the World Brand Piazza at Salon de TE presents 12 top-tier international brands
A series of public events such as watch parades are being held during the fairs, with models showcasing a variety of eye-catching timepieces

Open to trade visitors as well as the general public, the five-day physical fairs offer visitors a chance to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of watchmaking and enable them to shop for quality timepieces with special offers. Asia’s fashion spotlight CENTRESTAGE will be held concurrently at the HKCEC from 9 to 11 September, bringing together collections from a huge range of fashion brands and designers from around the world, creating synergies and enabling cross-industry business opportunities.

Magnificent watch collections showcased at World Brand Piazza
Salon de TE features a series of world-renowned brands and high-end collections at various thematic zones including World Brand Piazza, Craft Treasure, Chic & Trendy and Renaissance Moment. Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch for the 12th consecutive year, World Brand Piazza will present 12 acclaimed international brands, including Blancpain, Breguet, Chopard, Corum, CVSTOS, Franck Muller, Glashutte Original, Hublot, Jacob & Co, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget and Sarcar Geneve.

Other top-tier timepieces being showcased at the twin watch fairs include:
The rare and the radiant

  • Presented by The Ballerina Watch Company Limited, Fouette Ballerina Watch is a wristwatch recognised by its iconic design that features a 360-degree-turning, three-dimensional handcrafted ballerina dancing on a shiny natural mother of pearl dial. Eighty-eight pieces of cubic zirconia surround the sterling silver ballerina, sparkling beneath a dome-shaped lens. The unique design stands out from the crowd. (Booth: 1D-A02)
  • Mira Watch International Limited introduces Swiss-made brand Coinwatch and its women’s watch, which features a Swiss quartz movement, coupled with a mother of pearl dial set with 12 diamonds, creating a precious and delicate timepiece. (Booth: 1D-A19)

Classic and timeless masterpieces

  • Temporis, as featured by Free Town Watch Products Limited, proudly presents the Nature Collection that has simplicity and a minimalistic design at its core. The slim and slightly curved round case with a Roman index inscription fits the wrist ergonomically and with a great sense of aesthetics. The dial features four Swarovski crystals that highlight the watch’s purity and charm. (Booth: 1D-A23)
  • Presented by Action Wise International Limited, POPOLO’s Retrovoga Aqua, a 40mm stainless steel watch with a Japanese MIYOTA automatic movement, features Super-LumiNova on the watch’s face, along with a ruby-hued transparent case back and genuine leather strap, demonstrating easy elegance and style. (Booth: 1E-A25)

Trendy and stylish must-haves

  • Introduced by Splendid Star Holdings Limited, the ZTAGE EH Worldtimer wristwatch has a northern hemisphere graphic in the centre as part of a double-layered structure featuring Super-LumiNova. The refined multi-dimensional layer of the northern hemisphere shines brightly at night, highlighting the dazzling creativity of the watchmaker. (Booth: 1E-A14)
  • Modern Concept Watch Limited presents the Zorbello T1 series that draws its inspiration from car racing and stands out through its “light up the darkness” theme. The series is an artistic expression of vitality. (Booth: 1D-A16)

When functionality and craftmanship combine

  • The Swiss-made Roamer Searock collection by Chung Nam Watch Co Ltd exhibits a minimalist design along with discreet elegance. The combination of steel and scratch-resistant Tungstein gives the Searock a shiny and durable look that is also water-resistant. (Booth: 1E-C28)
  • Trendy Power Group Limited presents the M.B.K M1009G-1 series that brings together sapphire crystals with a stainless-steel case and strap, featuring an eye-catching design with a modern twist. (Booth: 1E-C19)

The Watch & Clock Fair also exhibits a broad range of products including complete watches, clocks, parts and components, packaging goods and more, as well as trade services.

Fun events, lucky draws, shopping offers and more
A broad array of public activities is being organised during the fairs ranging from watch parades and the “Fashion X Watch” parade to product launches, with the participation of local celebrities such as So Wa-wai, the track-and-field athlete who won six Paralympic gold medals, Hong Kong fencing athlete Cheung Siu-lun, and celebrity artistes Adam Pak and William Hu. Lucky draws will be held during the fairs with prizes including a wristwatch valued at HK$24,000, fashionable accessories, dining coupons and more.

Visitors can also take part in Smart Bidding to bid for watches starting at 10% of the original price, including bidding for the Alhambra Yellow watch from HK$3,000 (original price: HK$27,200) and for the ANPASSA Duke Tourbillon from HK$2,000 (original price: HK$17,280). Visitors can download electronic coupons to enjoy special offers such as 70% discounts and a reduction of HK$1,000 when shopping for specified products. What’s more, in partnership with live shopping platform LoopLive, key opinion leaders (KOLs) are engaged to conduct livestreaming shows to introduce selected watches before and during the fairs, boosting the promotion of exhibitors through an online-to-offline (O2O) model. After placing orders online, visitors can pick up their purchases at the fairs and enjoy free admission.

In addition, a workshop will be co-hosted by Quinn Lai, a post-80s entrepreneur who created his own watch brand Eoniq and the DIY Watch Club, on 10 September, teaching participants how to make their own mechanical watches.

To identify watch design talents and promote creativity, the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd co-organised the 39th Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition. The creations of all the winners and finalists, both from the Open Group and the Student Group, are on display at the fairs. Visitors can vote for the “Most Popular Award” on the spot.

The two fairs also showcase works created by young designers under the theme of “Future Timepiece”, in a bid to promote collaborations between local young designers and watch manufacturers, and to further explore the youth market. This brand-new project has been launched by the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd, supported by the HKTDC, the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd and the Hong Kong Design Institute, and is funded by the “Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund” of the Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

Industry insiders reveal insights on market trends and prospects
Industry participants are also invited to join a number of seminars and forums that will bring them up to date on the latest market trends and prospects. The “Cross-Border eCommerce: How to Win in Southeast Asia” talk on 9 September will feature Chois Choi, Strategy Consultant, Source Network Media Group Limited, who will look at how cross-border e-commerce in Southeast Asia has created unprecedented business growth through short video platforms, and how this trend can help the watch industry increase brand popularity and boost sales.

The Hong Kong International Watch Forum was broadcast online on 5 September, featuring sharing by representatives of watch associations from across the globe on the most up-to-date trade data and market trends. Industry participants can watch a replay of the forum through the fair websites. The annual Asian Watch Conference will be held tomorrow (8 September) under the theme “Watches Beyond – Transformation and Reinvention”. Experts including Anna Dai, Research Analyst at Euromonitor International, and Ho Zi-yong, Co-head of Sales, International Specialist at Phillips, have been invited to discuss a range of issues, including the latest development trends and prospects in the watch market, and the business opportunities and challenges resulting from transactions of watches in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

EXHIBITION+ accelerates online business deals
EXHIBITION+ comprises four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub, and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform, to provide round-the-clock services that boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for SMEs and offer benefits such as extended fair periods, expanded platforms and enhanced opportunities. EXHIBITION+ extends face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online smart business-matching platform to help enterprises connect with business partners proactively. The HKTDC’s 50 global offices will actively recruit international buyers to meet with exhibitors through video conferences.

Websites

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 Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org