Tag: hktdc

HKTDC Food Expo and concurrent fairs open today

  • Week-long global gourmet food parade and a whole lot more

The HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Special Edition), HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, HKTDC Home Delights Expo and HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The five public fairs have assembled 900 exhibitors from Hong Kong and beyond to showcase a global selection of delicacies and lifestyle products. About 85% of the exhibitors said they are making available at least one consumption voucher payment method to provide a smoother shopping experience for visitors.

Edward Yau, Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (front row, fourth from right), Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC (front row, fourth from left), Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director (front row, third from right), and other distinguished guests officiated at the opening ceremony.
The Food Expo is a summer shopping hotspot, attracting thousands of public visitors. The Public Hall presents a global selection of specialty food products.

In addition to the five public fairs, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association, runs at the HKCEC on 12 and 13 August.

Officiating at this morning’s opening ceremony for the fairs was Guest of Honour Edward Yau, Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said: “Given the current travel restrictions, we are grateful to see group and individual exhibitors from outside Hong Kong showcasing products through their local representatives, including those from Mainland China, Cambodia, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Thailand and Vietnam. Their presence underlines Hong Kong’s strength as the ideal trading platform through which food suppliers from around the world can expand their business networks. We are most delighted to welcome 900 exhibitors who are showing their support for these events.”

On-site hygiene measures to ensure safe shopping experience
The well-being and safety of exhibitors and visitors is the top priority at the exhibitions. Various measures have been put in place to protect people against the pandemic, including requiring everyone entering and staying in the fairground to wear a mask; not allowing eating, drinking and sample tasting in the fairground; setting up temperature-screening stations; providing hand sanitiser at multiple locations around the venue; and stepping up the cleaning and disinfection of exhibitors’ booths and the venue itself. Physical ticket sales for the August exhibitions are not available at the fairground to avoid the use of cash and minimise contact. Visitors can pay with their Octopus cards at the entrance toll booths to gain entry. To spread the flow of visitors and encourage the public to visit the exhibitions during non-peak hours, the HKTDC has introduced morning and night admission tickets at special prices.

Updates on the visitor flow and crowd control measures at the HKCEC will be provided on the event website for the consideration of those wishing to visit the fairs. For more details, please visit hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com/tc

Food Expo (12-16 Aug): wide selection of delicacies and culinary masterclasses
The 31st Food Expo comprises the Gourmet Zone and the Public Hall. The Public Hall, which opens throughout the five-day fair, showcases a global selection of food items including Japanese salted half boiled egg marinated in sea salt from Okinawa (booth: 1B-D02); Malaysian bak kut teh from Klang Back Street King Seng (booth: 1B-C21); radish pickles with three times more Chinese parsley, deep fried garlic, sakura shrimp and dried chillies (booth: 1C-B34) and low-calorie cauliflower rice (booth: 1E-E21). The Premium Food Zone in the Public Hall features food items offered by more than 20 renowned brands, including Tai Pan’s brand-new vegan snowy mooncakes, Maxims’ “Minions Collection” mooncakes, as well as other products from Nissin, Chui Lau Heung, WH Group, Chewy, Kee Wah, Wing Wah, Super Star Group, Tao Ti and more. New joiners in 2021 include Sau Tao and Chen Yun Pao Chuan.

The much-anticipated Gourmet Zone is open to the public for four consecutive days (12 to 15 August) and features five thematic zones, namely Asian Cuisine, Western Delicacy, Sweet Delight, Green Palate and Coffee Avenue. Speciality food items are featured in each zone, including tender aged sashimi with rich umami taste (booth: 3C-B17); lemon ginger kombucha that is both healthy and delicious (booth: 3C-E08); decaffeinated sparkling coffee tea brewed from Bolivian Cascara (booth: 3C-F24); Japanese Kohakuiro plum wine that uses 100% Japanese plums soaked in distilled brandy (booth: 3C-A02); and Daitouryou premium white peach from Yamanashi, Japan with 13.5 degrees of sweetness (booth: 3C-F07).

Activity highlights at the Food Expo include:
– Culinary masterclasses on “Less Salt and Sugar” recipes to encourage urbanites to develop healthy eating habits (13 August)
– Cooking demonstrations performed by eight celebrity chefs, including Ricky Cheung, Executive Chef of The Food Story; Kitty Siu, Executive Chef of Kitty’s Kitchen; Will Leung, Executive Chef of 1111; Sandy Keung, founder and Executive Chef of Good BBQ; and Ng Kong-kiu, founder and Chef of Ju Xing Home (12 to 15 August)
– Local Fresh 123 at which the Fish Marketing Organization and Vegetables Marketing Organization will introduce fresh ingredients from local fisheries and farms (13 August)
– A series of seminars covering topics such as Dark Magic in Microwave Cooking (13 August), Plant-based Meat Development in Hong Kong (13 August), EatSmart Restaurant Star+ (12 August), Diet Therapy (14 and 15 August) and Foodwise (13 August)
– The Beef-and-egg King Prize Presentation Ceremony, highlighting what goes into making one of the most popular choices served at Hong Kong-style cafes, the beef and egg sandwich (13 August)
– Hosted by Jacky Chan, Chef’s Dialogue invites three renowned Hong Kong chefs to share their tips on cooking, eating and ingredient selection (14 August)

Wine & Spirits Fair (Special Edition) (12-16 Aug): expert sharing, huge range of drinks
A new addition to the August fairs, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Special Edition) introduces a broad range of old and new world wines, such as Luna di Luna prosecco (booth: 3D-A01) and wine from the East Helan Mountain Area of Ningxia, Mainland China (booth: 3C-G14). Popular craft beers include Hokkaido Brewing Melon Ale (booth: 3D-A31); MiMi Beer Ruby Roselle Gose (booth: 3C-G13) and Lion Rock Signature, a beer with a silky foam and a refreshing complex fruity taste (booth: 3C-G12). Japanese sake and spirits lovers will enjoy Pure Rice Daiginjo Dairi Special Limited, a masterpiece sake by Fujinishiki brewed with Omachi rice and low-flow water from Mount Fuji, with a specially designed bottle in the shape of the sacred mountain (booth: 3C-G08), Japanese whisky with a unique yuzu and myrtle flavour (booth: 3C-G20) and other interesting brews.

Wine lovers should not miss the series of activities covering the outlook for natural wines (13 August); sake basics delivered by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits (13 August); a chit-chat on wine and food pairing with TV host Cecilia Wong (14 August); criteria for selecting high-quality wines from different production regions by Anty Fung, an MWM Wine School recognised instructor (14 August); spirit recommendations by the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Association (15 August), and more.

International Tea Fair (12-16 Aug): selected teas and teaware, inspirational events
The 12th Hong Kong International Tea Fair showcases a variety of high-quality specialty teas, including Rooibos Tea from South Africa (booth: 3D-A12), fully hand-processed Tieguanyin Coal Fired Tea (booth: 3D-A20), 2002 Yiwu Song Ping Hao Lao Shu Tea Block (booth: 3D-A16), premium blended Da Hong Pao and Aged Old Growth Shui Xian from Wuyi Mountain (booth: 3D-B13), Matcha Divine Cloud (booth: 3D-A08A) and other selected teas. Delicate teaware is also featured at the fair, such as NIKKO – FLOWER DANCE designed by Japanese artist Shinpei Naito (booth: 3D-A08), Nambu Iron Kettle from Japan (booth: 3D-A02) and a Famille-Rose tea bowl with an intricate image of a woman teaching her child in the garden (booth: 3D-A10). Activities include an introduction to Japanese tea leaves (13 August), Tea for the Soul (14 August), The Mystery of Tea Therapy (15 August) and a milk tea workshop hosted by KamCha (15 August).

Home Delights Expo (12-16 Aug): one-stop shop for home tech and household products
The Home Delights Expo returns for its seventh edition, running for five consecutive days. The Avenue of Delights gathers multiple lifestyle brands, such as Towngas, ZWILLING J.A. Henckels, Tiger and German Pool, offering various kinds of home appliances, kitchenware, tableware and household items. Featured products include sterilisation items such as a car air purifier that employs NASA-developed technology (booth: 3F-D20) and an intelligent disinfection diffuser using ultrasonic technology (booth: 3G-E07).

In addition, the fair features Hong Kong’s first-ever Smart (IoT) Anti-scorch Gas Built-in Hob (booth: 3F-E02), which can be linked to a mobile application that ensures hassle-free monitoring and supports remote emergency shut-off; and a foldable universal cooker that can be used as an electric oven, a hot pot, a stir-fryer, a grill pan or a barbeque grill (booth: 3F-A16), offering a creative solution for those who love cooking but have limited space at home. Other attractions include a showcase of home design solutions from the Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association, while Sharon Lam, Founder of Home Therapy, will deliver a talk on decluttering under the pandemic (12 August).

Beauty & Wellness Expo (12-16 Aug): discover the formula for improved wellbeing
The fifth Beauty & Wellness Expo welcomes the Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, International Beauty & Health General Union and The Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong to present a variety of health- and beauty-related products at their pavilions. Popular products include a bedding and mattress spray with an anti-dust mite function and blended Indian Neem and eucalyptus essential oils (booth: 3E-D06); an energy-balancing therapy machine that incorporates big data into body analysis and health advice (booth: 3E-A12); and a professional plasma skin purification treatment that employs thermal plasma condensation technology to purify skin, enhance absorption and accelerate skin regeneration (booth: 3D-C01).

Mask-induced skin problems have become of increasing concern since the pandemic began. Beauty & Health Columnist Yoko Tsang will share tips on treating mask-related skin problems (15 August). On the same day, the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness will stage an event to introduce the Hong Kong Bodybuilding & Fitness Invitation Championship.

ICMCM (12 to 13 August): convergence of healthcare insights
Jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) runs on 12 and 13 August. The conference this year is themed “Integrative Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 and Related Disorders: Clinical Studies and Product Development”, presenting invaluable Chinese medicine insights to industry practitioners. The speaker line-up features professors from Yale University in the United States and experts from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Mainland China and Hong Kong. Running in a hybrid format, physical and online sessions will be offered to facilitate the exchange of ideas among participants. Registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong are eligible for the CME application.

More opportunities to spend consumption vouchers plus daily lucky draw
The HKTDC has invited Octopus and WeChat Pay to provide exhibitors with exclusive discounts to encourage them to use the payment platforms, which in turn will give visitors more opportunities to spend their recently received consumption vouchers under the HKSAR Government’s Consumption Voucher Scheme. Besides, the “Buy-more-win-more Lucky Draw” will be held every day during the exhibition period with prizes including five-star hotel accommodation packages, restaurant vouchers, luxury food items, skincare kits and health products. Spending HK$200 or more with a single receipt gives visitors one entry into the lucky draw – the more you spend, the greater your chance of winning.

The HKTDC has launched the August Happy Buy website for the five exhibitions, allowing the public to keep up to date with the latest shopping news and various flash sales, including a HK$1 Super Star Seafood Feast, bottled Hong Kong-style milk tea and Musang King durian snowy mooncakes. E-coupons can be downloaded in advance to enjoy all the special offers at the exhibitions. For more details, please visit the August Happy Buy website at https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food

In addition, a vaccination incentive campaign is running during the fairs to give out 30,000 free admissions to citizens who have been vaccinated (that is, having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine). Members of the public can enter the venue for free on weekday mornings (12, 13 and 16 August before 12 noon) by presenting their COVID-19 vaccination record. Free admission will be given on a first-come-first-served basis while the quota lasts. Many exhibitors are also participating in providing discounts and gifts for people who have been vaccinated. For details, please visit the August Happy Buy website.

Websites:
– HKTDC Food Expo: https://hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Special Edition): https://hkwinefairaugust2021.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair: https://hkteafair.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Home Delights Expo: https://homedelights.hktdc.com
– HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo: https://hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
– The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM): https://icmcm.hktdc.com
– August Happy Buy website: https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food/
– Photo Download: https://bit.ly/2VGD0x5

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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communication & Public Affairs Department
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Angel Tang, Tel: +852 2584 4544, Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

HKTDC twin jewellery shows conclude today

  • Nearly 30% of public visitors spend more than HK$10,000 each
  • Jewellers see travel restrictions as key business challenge

The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded today. In addition to trade buyers, the twin shows were also open to jewellery-loving public visitors for the first time this year.

The five-day shows attracted more than 13,700 industry buyers and over 17,000 public visitors who came to explore and purchase a wide array of jewellery products. The twin shows also run online until 5 August to enable global jewellers and traders to engage in business talks via video conferencing, with more than 1,200 online meetings between exhibitors and buyers arranged. As of 29 July, the online edition of the shows recorded some 2,500 buyers exploring products and conducting business discussions online.

The physical editions of the 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the HKTDC International Sourcing Show all drew to a successful close today.
For the first time, this year’s jewellery shows were open to the jewellery-loving public who came to purchase quality jewellery products at competitive prices.
Jewellery parades displayed new and unique jewellery designs.

Recovering purchasing power creates new opportunities
With the pandemic changing the global economy and international travel restrictions disrupting regular business travel, enterprises are looking to conduct cross-border business through both online and physical channels. Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “An independent survey conducted on-site found that 44% of the interviewed exhibitors and buyers considered business travel restrictions during the pandemic as the biggest current challenge. On a more positive note, 31% and 19% of respondents respectively believed that the recovering purchasing power of customers and business leads driven by e-tailing would be the main source of new business opportunities this year.”

Mr Chau continued: “The HKTDC is adopting a strategy that clearly aligns with the survey results. Addressing both exhibitors’ needs and market trends, we made a swift decision to open the twin shows to public visitors for the first time. This has enabled exhibitors to reach out to more retail clients and broaden their customer base. Also, the fact that the two shows run in a unique physical and online format for the first time has helped to create more business opportunities for traders.”

During the shows, the HKTDC conducted an on-site survey in which more than 800 exhibitors and buyers were interviewed. The survey found that buyers and exhibitors remain cautious regarding the market outlook, with 54% of respondents expecting overall sales to decrease this year and only 29% expected sales to remain unchanged. In terms of sourcing prices and production costs, 45% of respondents said they were under more pressure. Despite this, more than half of them (54%) expected that retail prices will remain unchanged.

Diamond jewellery items were the most popular products purchased at the shows
Regarding the growth prospects for jewellery products in major countries and regions over the next two years, respondents considered that North America (41%), Western Europe (33%) and Hong Kong (31%) were the most promising traditional markets, while Mainland China was considered by 51% as the most promising emerging market. Hong Kong was recognised by interviewed buyers as an ideal sourcing hub, with quality (75%), use of material (73%) and services (71%) being the three most appreciated aspects.

In terms of popular product categories, the survey found that nearly half (49%) of the respondents favoured karat-white gold, followed by karat-rose gold (42%) and karat-yellow gold (38%). Diamonds remained the most popular (54%) among all gemstones.

Half of the respondents expected trendy fashion jewellery to have the greatest market potential. The survey also found that 28% of public visitors interviewed had spent more than HK$10,000 each on-site and that diamond jewellery items were the most popular products (51%) purchased at the shows.

Exhibitors value jewellery shows as effective business platforms
The twin shows were the first two physical trade fairs staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic began, creating business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers alike.

A Hong Kong exhibitor, Just Gold Company Limited, joined the Jewellery Show for the first time this year. Arthur Tang, the company’s Managing Director, Greater China, shared that the show was an effective business platform that helped their company enhance its branding and increase market exposure. “We promoted our new designs as well as special collections for our 30th anniversary. A number of buyers approached us to enquire more about our products. We’ve already concluded some business deals and the response has been encouraging,” said Mr Tang.

Another exhibitor, Yvonne Pong, Director, Wing Hang South Sea Pearl Company Limited, considered the Jewellery Show as the perfect place to promote their pearl jewellery collections and drive new business. “Customers love our classic designs, and jewellery with gold-coloured pearls is particularly sought after. The response has been better than expected. We’ve met some quality buyers, including a number of new customers,” she said. “The HKTDC has done an excellent job making the show a success despite the pandemic. I am confident the show will get even better, with more overseas buyers coming to source products once travel restrictions are lifted.”

A local buyer, Edmond Chan, Head of Jewelry Asia, Luxeford Hong Kong Limited, was pleased to see the Jewellery Show being staged again. “We specialise in purchasing high-end jewellery and watches. I am here looking for partners and to find suitable products. I’ve already found an exhibitor to explore cooperation with whose jewellery collection boasts some outstanding designs,” he said.

A host of activities were held during the two shows, including seminars on changes that the pandemic and online marketing have brought to the jewellery industry supply chain, a series of expert talks tailor-made to guide the public on the appreciation of rare-colour diamonds and pearl evaluation methods, jewellery smart bidding session, workshop, lucky draws and jewellery parades. These events not only facilitated the exchange of market intelligence among industry players, but also enhanced public knowledge about gemstones and jewellery products.

Physical edition of International Sourcing Show ends concurrently
The physical edition of the HKTDC International Sourcing Show also ended today, the 4-day show attracted over 14,000 buyers to attend or explore products online. To help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grasp business opportunities, the HKTDC contacted quality buyers through its network of 50 offices worldwide and arranged close to 1,100 business matching meetings during the physical show.

This physical edition of the International Sourcing Show was complemented by an online element, which started in March, enabling traders to stay connected both online and offline and boosting business opportunities during the pandemic.

Fair Websites:
– Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com
– Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: https://hkdgp.hktdc.com
– International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3x6UrTR

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

Media Enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition winning pieces on display at Jewellery Show

Local talents show creative flair under “Light. Shadow” theme

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will run until 29 July.

Guest of honour at the opening ceremony today for the twin jewellery shows was Eliza Lee, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In advance of the twin jewellery shows, the results of the 22nd Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition were announced, throwing the spotlight on the creative flair of local jewellery designers.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) yesterday.
Open Group Best of Show Award and Craftsmanship and Technology Award – Designer: Yuen Ching-chi
Student Group Champion – Designer: Chan Wing-lam

Under the theme “Light. Shadow”, this year’s competition highlighted not only the level of talent locally but also the resilience of Hong Kong’s jewellery industry and its ability to move forward from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The winning pieces are now on display at the Jewellery Show (Hall 3E Concourse) to showcase the ingenuity of original Hong Kong designs to jewellery buyers and exhibitors.

Jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China, the Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition aims to enhance the design quality of the local jewellery industry, identify talent, and promote Hong Kong’s outstanding jewellery collections to local and international buyers. This year’s competition was divided into two categories, the Open Group and the Student Group, in which experienced and budding jewellery designers demonstrated their creative edge and excellent craftsmanship.

Open Group: Best of Show Award Winners demonstrate unique concepts
Three Best of Show awards were given in the Open Group. Yuen Ching-chi’s entry, “Follow the Wind” won a Best of Show award as well as the Craftsmanship and Technology Award. The winning piece can be worn in different ways. A fan with a pearl in the middle can be taken off and added to a ring, while two black jadeite fans can be combined to create a different style of necklace. Ms Yuen explained that the pearl on the fan represents the sun while the icy jadeite represents flowers. The sponsoring company for the piece, Sharon Yuen Jewelry Design, also received the Craftsmanship and Technology Award, recognising the production team’s excellence in jewellery craftsmanship.

Another Best of Show Award winner was Tang Yuk-ying, who selected a variety of materials and gemstones of different colours to create “Window of the Heart”, a ring with a hollowed-out design. There’s a saying that “when a door closes, another one opens”, and in her winning piece Ms Tang is encouraging people to open the door to their heart and take a leap forward to a brighter future.

The third Best of Show Award winner was Ng Ki-kai, whose design titled “Ming” incorporates the concept of light and shadow expressed through the sun and the moon. The golden pearl represents the sun and a black pearl represents the moon, while three-layered “golden lines” represent the hills and clouds from classical Chinese paintings. Diamonds on the edge of the ring symbolise the rays of the sun breaking through layers of cloud at dawn.

Student Group winners showcase next-generation creativity
Open to students of institutions registered in Hong Kong, the Student Group category aims to inspire more young design talents to join the jewellery design profession. Chan Wing-lam from the School of Continuing Education at Hong Kong Baptist University won the Student Group Champion with her brooch design, “Spring Bird”. The design was inspired by the reflections created by Chinese revolving horse lanterns, where light and shadow work together to produce stunning projections that are often seen as a metaphor for life.

The First Runner-up in the Student Group was Lo Lok-yi from CCC Mong Man Wai College. Her design, “Polaris Melody”, is a necklace composed of various interwoven metals, Swiss blue topaz and olive-green cubic zirconia. It was inspired by the rhythm and trails of light of the Polaris star, symbolising how there is always a ray of hope to guide us in the dark.

The Student Group’s Second Runner-up title was awarded to Lam Wai-yee from the School of Continuing Education at Hong Kong Baptist University. Her design, “Yanxia Ring”, is a piece of jewellery that can be worn separately as a pendant or a ring, or together as a combined piece. The work is inlaid with gemstones of different colours, representing the radiant glow between light and shadow and the beauty of a rainbow. The centre of the ring is inlaid with white jade to symbolise bringing light into the world.

Nearly 150 entries were submitted for this year’s competition. The six-strong judging panel evaluated the entries based on creativity and innovation, aesthetics, craftsmanship and wearability, topic relevance and marketability (the latter applicable only to the Open Group). The three Open Group winners will be sponsored to attend a three-day online jewellery design course at the Hiko Mizuno College of Jewellery in Japan.

Twin jewellery shows conducted in physical and online formats for first time
As the pandemic continues, this year’s twin jewellery shows are being conducted in a physical and online hybrid format for the first time, bringing together close to 440 exhibitors including overseas exhibitors who are joining the show online. Both shows are also open to jewellery-loving public visitors for the first time. Overseas buyers who cannot attend the physical events at the HKCEC can make business deals through online video conferences with exhibitors. The online show runs until 5 August.

Photo download:
– Opening Ceremony and fair ground: https://bit.ly/3i0faEF
– Open Group: https://bit.ly/3y83K7k
– Student Group: https://bit.ly/3kUXigl
– Press Conference: https://bit.ly/3BFo6XM

Fair websites:
– Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/

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

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC twin jewellery events open today

First trade shows following pandemic, open to public for first time

The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will run until 29 July.

The twin shows are the first two physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic began and are being held in a hybrid format for the first time, with both physical and online exhibitions. The online show will run until 5 August to help global jewellers capture business opportunities as the pandemic continues.

The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today and runs until 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), helping jewellers capture business opportunities as the pandemic continues. The twin shows are the first physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic began.
The highlight zone at the Jewellery Show, World of Glamour, showcases a selection of refined and precious pieces.
The Antique & Vintage Jewellery zone features a wide selection of antique pieces.

The physical fairs have attracted close to 440 exhibitors and are open to jewellery-loving public visitors for the first time. The majority of exhibitors are local companies as travel restrictions are still in effect between Hong Kong and the rest of the world. However, some overseas exhibitors have sent their local representatives to participate in the fairs, representing companies from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Italy and India. Some of the overseas exhibitors are also joining the online exhibition. In addition to local trade buyers, the HKTDC has mobilised its 50 global offices to invite overseas buyers to take part in the fairs and conduct business deals via video conferencing.

Hong Kong exports of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds increase by 83.1%
As the global economy begins to recover, and taking into account the relatively low base in the same period in 2020, Hong Kong’s exports of fine jewellery registered a sharp increase in the first five months of 2021, climbing 82.3% year-on-year to a total of HK$28.65 billion. For raw materials, the gross export value of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds climbed 83.1% in the same period this year to HK$57.24 billion. The total export value of fine jewellery is already back to the pre-pandemic level with a positive export outlook for pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds.

There has also been a corresponding rise in confidence in the retail market. The provisional figure for retail sales in the first five months of 2021 is HK$146.31 billion, a rise of 8.9% year-on-year. There was also a sharp increase in the sale of jewellery products, watches and clocks and valuable gifts, climbing 34.2%. The jewellery industry is heavily reliant on the retail sector, which remains hampered by ongoing travel restrictions and compulsory quarantine measures. The full recovery of business and leisure travel is still dependent on the pandemic situation.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “The HKTDC twin jewellery shows provide a one-stop marketing and sourcing platform to showcase the latest and finest jewellery items as well as raw materials, helping Hong Kong to maintain its position as a trading and sourcing hub for this important sector. We are happy to see that the jewellery export and retail markets have been picking up, and we hope our fairs can assist industry players in navigating the current challenges.”

He added: “Following the availability of vaccines and the gradual rollout of the global vaccination programme, we have seen some easing in the local pandemic situation with a corresponding improvement in the consumer sentiment. The first payment under the Consumption Voucher Scheme will be made at the beginning of August, and we believe Hong Kong companies will grasp the opportunity presented by our shows to source jewellery of different types and price ranges in anticipation of this business opportunity. Meanwhile, consumers will soon have some extra money in their pockets and can join the shows to look for daily wearable or collectable jewellery items.”

World of Glamour showcases wide range of precious jewellery
Different product zones have been set up at the Jewellery Show this year, including the World of Glamour, the highlight zone that has attracted several well-known local jewellery companies to showcase a selection of refined and precious pieces including:

  •  A Blue Sapphire and Diamond Set from Valerie & Co Limited (Booth 3E-F11) with natural South African diamonds and rare Sri Lankan sapphire that highlight its extraordinary preciousness. This is an extravagant and timeless piece for the collector.
  •  The Monet collection designed by Sabina Lee of Green G. (Booth 3E-E12) pays due respect to the famous French impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Referencing Monet’s unique broken-colour painting technique, the designer has used precious and semi-precious stones of different colours and shades to create the Monet ring and earrings.

In addition, products zones such as Antique & Vintage Jewellery, Fine Jewellery, and Silver and Finished Jewellery highlight different kinds of accessories, such as jewellery made with gemstones, Fei Cui, antique pieces, trendy designs and more. Highlighted pieces include:

  • The Sparkling Ocean jewellery set from John Chan Jewellery Limited (Booth 3E-G29) in the Fine Jewellery zone features 14 baroque pearls, 94 emeralds and 735 diamonds. The set is one of a kind, showcasing a gorgeous and eye-catching glamour.
  • The Kingfisher Brooch presented by YUKINGFISHERART (Booth 3E-H11) in the Antique & Vintage Jewellery zone demonstrates traditional Chinese handicraft. This gorgeous and elegant piece has a bright shine and vibrant colours that will never fade.

Valuable jewellery raw materials on display
The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features different product zones arranged according to raw stone categories to make it easier for buyers to find what they need. The Hall of Fine Diamonds showcases prime quality diamonds of different shapes, cuts, grades and rare colours. The Treasures of Nature zone displays a wide array of dazzling coloured stones and semi-precious gems from various regions, while the Treasures of the Ocean zone houses some rare fine pearls. An impressively large number of special exhibits are on display, including:

  • A Paraiba Tourmaline from RMC Gems Limited (Booth 3G-C02) features a delicate briolette cut where the refraction highlights the quality of the gem. The stone is a copper-bearing tourmaline with an extraordinary neon blue colour.
  • The Mix Shape Light Yellow Diamond Ring presented by Dynamic International (Booth 3F-F04) uses 18K white and yellow gold together with a pear-shape rose-cut diamond to create an elegant yet unique style.
  • Bright Town Gems Jewellery Co (Booth 3G-F02) showcases a series of 925 Silver Pendants with different precious stones such as black agate, prehnite, smoky quartz and rose quartz.

Expert sharing sessions broaden horizons of industry players
A host of seminars are being held during the twin shows, helping to boost the knowledge and broaden the horizons of jewellery industry players. The seminar “What’s Next for Jewellery Industry Supply Chains” will be hosted by a representative from De Beers tomorrow (26 July); representatives from Chow Tai Fook will talk about digital marketing on Tuesday (27 July); and a speaker from the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) will talk about the internationalisation and testing standards for Fei Cui.

Since the twin fairs are open to the public for the first time, there are also expert talks aimed specifically at jewellery-loving visitors. They include a representative from internationally renowned jewellery college L’ECOLE sharing on the art and science of rubies; representatives from the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Jade Manufacturers Association discussing how to appreciate rare-colour diamonds; and a representative from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introducing its pearl evaluation methods. In addition, visitors can learn how to make rose twist rings at the “Rosy Twist – Handmade Rose Ring Tutorial”.

Daily lucky draws offer quality prizes
The Jewellery Smart Bidding session is being held today (25 July) with visitors invited to bid for their favourite jewellery items among 20 pieces starting at around 10% of the original prices. Various jewellery parades and lucky draws are also being held throughout the fairs. Lucky draw prizes include an 18K white gold pendant with a natural ruby and diamonds, an Italian 925 Sliver 18K rose gold vermeil simple-cuff bangle, Fei Cui ornaments, and more.

Physical edition of International Sourcing Show runs concurrently
The physical edition of the HKTDC International Sourcing Show begins tomorrow and runs for four consecutive days (26 to 29 July) in parallel with the twin jewellery shows at the HKCEC. The International Sourcing Show will take the form of a display showcase featuring thousands of the latest products. Themed “Your Source of Inspirations”, the event will highlight a broad range of quality lifestyle products and solutions under four themed categories:

  • Smart Home features household and textiles items for the bathroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, living room, home workspace and garden
  • Smart Play showcases kids’ products, including dolls and figurines, vehicle toys, interactive and educational games, as well as baby care and nursery products, accessories, strollers and gear
  • Smart Tech displays electronic products, medical and healthcare products, and lighting solutions
  • Smart Style highlights a range of garments, fashion accessories and gift ideas, as well as printing and packaging solutions

Moreover, the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, Guizhou Provincial Department of Commerce from Mainland China, Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency as well as the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Korea have organised group pavilions presenting a quality selection of offerings to buyers.

Websites
– Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://hkdgp.hktdc.com/
– International Sourcing Show: http://isshow.hktdc.com/
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3zwBc7V

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 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.

Media enquiries
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

30th HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opens today

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 30th edition of the HKTDC Education & Careers Expo opened today and runs until 18 July (Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The expo is held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks, all taking place at the HKCEC. Open to the public free of charge, the two major sections at the expo – Education and Careers – provide comprehensive information on education and job opportunities.

L-R: Benjamin Chau; Michele Anderson, Vice-Consul, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada in HK; Benoit Cormier, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of France in HK and Macau; Ingrid Yeung, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service of the HKSAR; Margaret Fong; Carrie Yau, Executive Director, Vocational Training Council; Stephen Mann, AD – Student & Curriculum Development, Hong Kong Institute of Construction; Lai Kam Fai, Chief Engineer, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

Ingrid Yeung, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), officiated at the opening ceremony this morning. In her welcoming remarks, Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said: “Entering its 30th edition, the Education & Careers Expo is a one-stop platform for students and jobseekers looking to review a broad range of education opportunities and career options. This year, we are delighted to welcome 800 exhibitors, including educational institutions, government departments, public organisations, professional associations and private enterprises representing 14 countries and regions.”

Six education-themed zones highlight local and overseas opportunities

Six educational zones have been set up at this year’s expo, including the Tertiary Academy Zone, Vocational and Professional Education Zone, Continuing Education Zone, Creative and Educational Support Services Zone, International Exchange Village and the newly launched Self-Betterment Zone, featuring a wide range of courses and self-enhancement programmes offered by different educational institutes for students, especially Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) graduates looking to chart a pathway according to their interests and capabilities.

The expo’s education theme days highlight studying in the United States (16 July), France (17 July) and Canada (18 July), with representatives from consulate general offices on hand to introduce the prerequisites for admission, application procedures, information on campus life and more. Visitors can also meet with representatives from various officially recognised bodies to get first-hand information on studying abroad. Participating institutions include Advantage Austria Hong Kong and Jinan University and Huaqiao University from Mainland China.

Career theme days highlight employment trends

Catering to the recruitment demands of various industries, the expo will feature four career theme days that highlight employment trends. On the Construction Progression Pathway theme today (15 July), the supporting organisation – the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) – invites its lecturers and graduates to discuss the manpower situation and current prospects within the industry, and introduce course details in areas such as painting and decorating, joinery, site surveying and welding. Virtual reality training equipment and students’ work in electrical installation is also being showcased. The Electrical & Mechanical Engineering theme day tomorrow (16 July), co-organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Trade Promotion Working Group, will invite industry professionals to share on current and future prospects in the industry and introduce the popular Engineering Graduate Training Scheme and Technician Training Scheme.

On the third day of the expo (17 July), the brand-new Skills theme, organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), invites several winners from the WorldSkills Competition to share their experience. Various seminars are being organised to enrich participants’ knowledge on different skills, including interior design, wardrobe, jewellery and webpage development. On the last day of the expo (18 July), medical and healthcare professionals will share their work experience, the career pathway and job requirements during the Introduction to Healthcare and Medical Sector theme day.

On-the-spot recruitment provides opportunities from various industries

The Youth Zone gathers information on continuing education and career planning for young people. This year, representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will introduce a range of popular courses such as floral design, barista skills, art therapy, speech therapy and STEM learning. Building Inspection is one of the highlights this year, with representatives sharing insider knowledge and details of career development in the industry, as well as interview tips for young candidates. In addition, information on the Working Holiday Scheme provided by various consulates can also be found at the expo, allowing young people to explore opportunities overseas.

Meanwhile, this year’s Recruitment Square will cooperate with various recruitment platforms, public organisations and private companies to offer more than 2,600 job opportunities during the expo. WHub, a Hong Kong start-up community platform, will work with nine local start-ups for on-site recruitment and there will also be a range of summer jobs and temporary internships on offer for younger people. In addition, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will set up a booth to help young people explore opportunities for study, work and entrepreneurship arising from the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Celebrities share practical tips

More than 90 on-site events will be organised as part of the expo, including fire investigation dog performances, seminars on further education, career opportunities, immigration information, working holidays and management trainee programmes, and sharing sessions on working in the mainland. Various celebrities will also be offering their valuable experiences and insights.

Jayden Lam, renowned DSE Chinese tutor, spoke earlier today and shared his tips on entering the tutoring industry and the future prospects it presents. Dominic Tong, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and guest host of the TVB programme Sidewalk Scientist, will share intriguing ways to understand physics to spur people’s learning interest along with interesting thoughts on exploring potential on 16 July. The following day, Bonnie Wong, DJ from Commercial Radio Hong Kong, will talk about her career experience after graduation and how she made her dream come true by embracing the opportunity to become a TV and radio host. On the last day of the expo (18 July), Education expert Jeffrey Hui will advise participants on the strategies for studying in the UK and offer golden tips on how to put together a great CV.

Expo website: https://hkeducationexpo.hktdc.com/
Activity schedule: https://bit.ly/3wyG5vm
Photo download: https://qrgo.page.link/2ueys

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 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.

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks open to public today

Fair runs under ‘Inspirational and Motivational Reading’ theme

The 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), begins today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and closes on 20 July. Running in tandem with the Book Fair are the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and debut HKTDC World of Snacks.

Together they are welcoming more than 760 exhibitors to deliver a brand-new experience to visitors, with an array of books, leisure activities and tasty treats. Officiating at this morning’s opening ceremony for the long-awaited event were Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, together with Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.

Carrie Lam (second from left), Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), together with Dr Peter K N Lam (second from right), Chairman of the HKTDC, Edward Yau (left), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR, and Margaret Fong (right), Executive Director of the HKTDC, joined other guests at this morning’s opening ceremony for the long-awaited 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair.
After attending this morning’s opening ceremony, Dr Peter K N Lam (second from right), Chairman of the HKTDC, visited the Children’s Paradise, Art Gallery and other zones at the Book Fair together with Margaret Fong (right), Executive Director of the HKTDC, and Benjamin Chau (second from left), Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC.
Hong Kong literature lovers have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Book Fair in the hope of buying their favourite books and discovering new reading adventures.

This year’s fair has the theme “Inspirational and Motivational Reading” with the tagline “Reading the World – Inspiring the Mind and Refreshing the Soul”. Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “After being rescheduled twice amid the volatility of the pandemic, we are delighted that the Hong Kong Book Fair can finally begin today. The HKTDC, publishers and the general public are unanimous in their desire for large-scale physical exhibitions such as this to return. The Book Fair presents a wide array of cultural activities, including the Eight Seminar Series and thematic exhibitions at the Art Gallery, that Hong Kong’s booklovers have been yearning for. Along with the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the new World of Snacks, visitors can enjoy a wide range of literary events, sports and leisure products and activities, and indulge in popular snacks from across the globe.”

Thematic exhibitions aim at nourishing minds
Aligning with this year’s Book Fair theme, the HKTDC is showcasing a thematic exhibition, titled “Words to Warm the Heart”, at the Art Gallery. The exhibition introduces a number of inspirational authors and some of their selected works, including (in no particular order) A Nong, Cheng Kok-kong, Lee Chack-fan, Philemon Choi, Wu Yin-ching, Shirley Loo, Agnes Chan, Joseph Sung, Su Hei and Rap Chan. Precious memorabilia from the authors are on display, including manuscripts, artworks and souvenirs, giving readers a deeper appreciation of the writers’ creative journeys from different perspectives and encouraging them to seek out books that can motivate and inspire.

The Theme of the Year: “Inspiring the Mind and Refreshing the Soul” Seminar Series features leading inspirational authors to share their insights on creative writing with visitors. Lee Chack-fan examined “Seize the Day for Peace of Mind – Growth of Mankind amid Pandemic and Disaster” earlier today (14 July), sharing his thoughts on how to live a more valuable life. Agnes Chan will share on effective parenting methods in the seminar “Nurture Outstanding Children with Honesty, Courage and Kindness” tomorrow (15 July), while Joseph Sung will discuss his outlook on life by comparing it to football in the seminar “Football Life” via video conferencing (17 July).

Children’s Paradise, the classic Hong Kong children’s magazine, summed up the essence of childhood. It was first published in the 1950s and went on to become the city’s longest-lasting kids’ publication, growing together with generations of local children. The Cherished Memories of the Children’s Paradise exhibition displays various items, such as illustrations, authentic works by Lo Koon-chiu (former Chief Editor of the magazine) and the very first issue of the publication. Cheung Chun-wah, former director of Children’s Paradise, will talk about his relationship with the magazine at a seminar titled “Sentiments in Writing”.

Another exhibition, “The Dragon Never Dies – Bruce Lee @80”, organised with the support of the Bruce Lee Club, brings together Bruce Lee memorabilia from collectors, such as portraits, movie tickets, precious photographs and stamps, to pay tribute to the kung fu star. Wong Yiu-keung, Chairman of the Bruce Lee Club, movie director Alex Cheung and collector Ng Kwai-lung will speak at the seminar “Their Bruce Lee Stories” (17 July), giving participants the chance to revisit some of the legendary kung fu star’s most iconic moments.

Eight Seminar Series promotes broad range of literature
The Eight Seminar Series returns to the Book Fair in 2021, continuing to promote the joy of reading by exposing readers to authors and works from a diverse range of literary genres. In addition to the “Inspiring the Mind and Refreshing the Soul” Seminar Series mentioned above, the Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Mingpao and Yazhou Zhoukan, features a selection of acclaimed writers who will speak at seminars in person or via video.

The speakers in this seminar series include Fan Jinshi, known as the “Daugter of Dunhuang”; Gu Chunfang, professor at the Peking University School of Arts and co-author of “Dunhuang is Where My Heart Belongs: Biography of Fan Jinshi”; Liang Hong, professor at the School of Liberal Arts, Renmin University of China; Shuang Xuetao, the first Mainland Chinese author awarded the Taipei Literature Award; Wei Hui, a contemporary author from Mainland China; acclaimed novelist Ping Lu from Taiwan; Cheng Pei-kai, founder of the Chinese Civilisation Centre at the City University of Hong Kong; Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Xu Zidong, author of Reading Eileen Chang; Ronald Soong, Eileen Chang’s estate executor; and Zhou Jieru, Chief Editor of Hong Kong Literary. The seminars will enable authors to communicate with booklovers in a more direct and meaningful way.

With the support of Book Depository, an international online bookstore, the English and International Reading Series invites renowned authors from around the globe to share their creative experiences. The line-up features Heather Morris, the New Zealand author who has sold more than 7 million copies of her novels worldwide; renowned British broadcaster and writer Jeremy Vine; New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels Brigid Kemmerer; fantasy and graphic novel maestro Neil Gaiman; sinologist and Professor of Modern Chinese History and Literature at the University of London Julia Lovell; Co-director of Proverse Hong Kong, a local independent publisher, Gillian Bickley; editor of the Asian Review of Books Peter Gordon; former president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Juan Jose Morales; and experienced Mainland China-focused journalist and writer Mark O’Neill. Members of the public can broaden their horizons by immersing themselves in the diverse range of topics covered in these seminars.

Other seminar series at the Book Fair include World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Spiritual Growth and Personal Development, Lifestyle and the Hong Kong Cultural and Historical Seminar Series, catering to the diverse tastes of readers from all age groups. Visit https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html for full details of the Eight Seminar Series.

Thematic zones cater to booklovers’ needs
As a cultural exchange platform, the Hong Kong Book Fair helps take booklovers on a global literary journey. The fair features numerous thematic zones, including Mainland China Publishers, General Books Pavilion, University Press Square, Spirituality Zone, Children’s Paradise, e-Books & e-Learning Resources and more, all of which offer quality publications from around the world that allow visitors to gain more exposure to the works of different genres from different regions. This year, two newly added zones, Back to School and Virtual Classroom, present various educational materials and instruction methods that add fun to the learning process.

Emerging sports featured at Sports and Leisure Expo
This year’s Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo delivers a full programme that offers numerous sporting and leisure experiences. In addition to existing thematic zones such as Sports Hub, Fun & Play, Outdoor Adventure and Handicraft Market, the expo features two new zones, namely Refresh & Relax and Travel. Excursion, which showcase exciting outdoors activities such as diving, rock climbing and stand-up paddleboarding. A range of free trials will be offered at the expo, including dodgebee and pickleball. There will also be demonstration sessions include dragon dancing, Brazilian jiu jitsu and capoeira, freestyle football and speed stacking. Visitors who prefer more sedentary pursuits can participate in activities such as photography workshops and table-top games. In addition, rugby sevens players Salom Yiu and Sham Wai-sum, freestyle football player Tony Ma and other Hong Kong sports stars will take part in a series of celebrity-sharing sessions and performances.

The Japan Pavilion returns this year on the fifth floor. Exhibitors from nine cities and prefectures, including Hyogo, Okinawa, Kagoshima, Shikoku and new exhibitors Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Kagawa and Oita, are teaming up with Kadokawa Hong Kong Limited from the KADOKAWA CORPORATION to showcase Japanese culture and entertainment hotspots.

Debut World of Snacks presents global selection of treats
In Hall 5, the new World of Snacks features six thematic zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – bringing together more than 1,000 popular treats from across the globe. International snacks on offer include Taiwanese pineapple cakes, Finnish organic bulletproof coffee, Bien Jamon Iberico ham, quality Cheesepop from Holland and more. Meanwhile, Oldie Snacks offers vegan fruit gummies, crispy peanuts with fresh shrimp roe in black truffle flavour, hand-crafted nougat and a host of other options. Exciting activities are open to all visitors including the lollipop bouquet, handmade rock candies and taro pastry workshops.

Two citywide campaigns – Cultural July and Cultural Journey Online
In addition to hosting the one-week Book Fair, the HKTDC is also collaborating with numerous cultural and educational institutions, libraries, museums, shopping malls and cafes to organise a broad range of cultural events running from late June to end of July as part of the Cultural July – Joyful Summer Reading citywide campaign. What’s more, the Cultural Journey Online webpage is now available on the Book Fair website, showcasing different e-reading resources, museum exhibitions and seminars offered by partners. Users can broaden their horizons and gain new knowledge at any time, whether its online or offline.

Incentive campaign and enhanced on-site hygiene measures
The HKTDC has engaged a number of exhibitors to offer various incentives to visitors who have been vaccinated, including discounts, giveaways and cash vouchers. Additionally, the HKTDC is offering 35,000 free admissions to people who have been vaccinated (having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine). Free admission is being offered in limited quotas before 12 noon on every day of the fair to encourage the public to visit at non-peak hours. Members of the public can present their COVID-19 vaccination records (including an electronic vaccination record saved in the iAM Smart, eHealth or LeaveHomeSafe apps or a paper vaccination record) at the designated lanes. Free admission is given on a first-come-first-served basis while quotas last. There will be 10,000 free admissions available each day for the first two days of the fair (14-15 July), and 3,000 each day for the rest of the fair period (16-20 July). More details can be found on the Book Fair website or mobile app: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Visitor/Vaccination-Incentive-Campaign.html.

The well-being and safety of exhibitors and visitors is the top priority at the Book Fair. Various measures will be put in place to protect people against the pandemic, including requiring everyone entering and staying in the fairground to wear a mask, setting up temperature-screening stations, providing hand sanitiser at multiple locations around the venue, and stepping up the cleaning and disinfection of exhibitors’ booths and the venue itself. To spread the flow of visitors and encourage the public to visit the fair during non-peak hours, in addition to offering morning admission tickets, the HKTDC has introduced night admission tickets as well as the special re-entry promotion. Physical ticket sales are not available at the fairground to avoid the use of cash and minimise contact. Visitors can pay with their Octopus cards at the entrance toll booths to gain entry.

The HKTDC Education & Careers Expo will be held at the HKCEC from 15 to 18 July, running in parallel with the Book Fair. Youngsters and jobseekers can access the latest useful information on education and career opportunities for their life planning at this one-stop event. Admission to the expo is free of charge.

The 31st HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Hong Kong Book Fair: www.hkbookfair.com/en
– Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo: www.hkbookfair.com/hksportsleisureexpo/en
– World of Snacks: https://worldofsnacks.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3xHsB1H

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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries:
HKTDC Communication & Public Affairs Department

Hong Kong Book Fair
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Education and Careers Expo
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

Bay to Bay: Synergies between San Francisco Bay Area and China’s Greater Bay Area

A research report identifying synergies and collaboration opportunities between the San Francisco Bay Area and China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was published and presented at a webinar today by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, based in San Francisco, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Entitled “Bay to Bay: China’s Greater Bay Area Plan and Its Synergies for US and San Francisco Bay Area Business,” the report analyses the trade, investment and policy landscape of the two-bay areas, and identifies sectors with potential including climate change, clean energy, healthcare, electric and autonomous vehicles, biomedicine, and fintech.

In addition to assessing the trade and investment landscape and detailing areas for potential collaboration, the report also looks at the GBA in detail and how US businesses can leverage Hong Kong as an international platform to link up with the GBA to capture business opportunities.

Sean Randolph, the report’s principal author and Senior Director at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, notes that “The GBA and the San Francisco Bay Area are both complex regions and global economic hubs. Hong Kong in particular, as an international crossroads with a dynamic services sector and innovative research, has similarities to San Francisco. With its relative openness and established legal system for business transactions, it’s also well-positioned as a bridge to the GBA. In the last few years doing business between the US and China has become more complicated but there are still many opportunities to explore, in fields from clean energy and climate change to health, biomedicine and fintech.”

Nicholas Kwan, Director of Research at HKTDC, which supported the study, comments that “As a global city Hong Kong plays a unique role in the Greater Bay Area plan based on its rule of law, respect for intellectual property, the scale and depth of its financial system, and its capacity for innovation. That opens the door for Bay Area and California companies to take advantage of opportunities in the GBA through partnerships in Hong Kong.”

References:
– Download the report here: https://tinyurl.com/5vfmh7ma
– HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en/featured/greater-bay-area
– Bay Area Council Economic Institute: http://www.bayareaeconomy.org/

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 inquiries:
HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department
Rudie Lynes, Tel: +852 2584 4517, Email: rudie.lynes@hktdc.com

HKTDC Export Index 2Q21: Export confidence rises for fifth consecutive quarter

HKTDC forecasts Hong Kong’s exports to grow 15% in 2021
HONG KONG, June 23, 2021 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today that its Export Index has risen for the fifth consecutive quarter, soaring from a record low of 16.0 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year to 48.7 in the second quarter of 2021, which is close to expansionary territory. The sustained upturn indicates that local exporters have gradually regained confidence in the city’s export outlook.
Presenting the HKTDC Export Index for the second quarter of 2021 and an analysis on opportunities in the “new normal” are researchers at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council: (from left) Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang, Director of Research Nicholas Kwan, Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan

HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan said Hong Kong’s exports have grown significantly in recent months, buoyed by the global revival in trade and the resumption of production activities. Total exports in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 33.2% year-on-year to HK$1,107.8 billion, with growth of 24.4% registered in April. “Led by Mainland China and the United States, the global economy has rebounded steadily, which will continue to bolster Hong Kong’s export performance,” Mr Kwan said.

Meanwhile, the HKTDC’s Export Index survey showed that local exporters continue to have concerns. These include the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic (41.5%), softening global demand (16.7%), prolonged trade tensions between the mainland and the United States (13.0%) and continuing pandemic-mandated border closures (11.6%).

“The global economic recovery is likely to be highly uneven. After taking into account a basket of factors, we decided to revise Hong Kong’s export forecast in 2021 upward from 5% to 15%, albeit from a low base. This represents the biggest rebound since the city’s recovery from the global financial crisis in 2010,” Mr Kwan added.

Smaller orders, higher costs

Mr Kwan pointed out that while concerns remain, the impact of the pandemic has been gradually easing over the past few months. The percentage of respondents reporting that they had been negatively affected by pandemic-related issues fell from 78.2% in the first quarter of 2021 to 56.9% in the second quarter.

A reduction in order size (66.4%), increased transportation costs (46.4%) and logistics or distribution disruptions (42.6%) were cited as the three most common problems, Mr Kwan said. In addition to getting accustomed to a new normal of smaller orders and higher transportation costs, Hong Kong businesses have adopted new strategies to weather these challenges such as developing other product categories (53.8%), developing the mainland domestic market (49.5%), developing online sales channels (45.5%) and targeting new overseas markets (28.4%), with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc and Europe the most popular choices for diversification.

New opportunities under 14th Five-Year Plan

Mr Kwan said that China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, coupled with the “dual circulation” development model, aims to stimulate domestic demand in the mainland, presenting enormous opportunities for Hong Kong businesses. About 40% of the exporters surveyed have developed or are intending to develop the mainland domestic market, yet are encountering various challenges such as intense competition (81.8%), difficulties in selecting suitable local sales partners and/or distributors (47.4%), and problems with mastering the required sales channels (44.0%).

“The HKTDC has formulated strategies to help Hong Kong companies capture domestic sales opportunities through both online and offline channels. We can help them understand business regulations, master market trends, establish contacts and expand their sales network through a series of promotional activities and new services,” Mr Kwan said.

Major markets and industries rebound

The HKTDC conducts the Export Index survey every quarter, interviewing 500 local exporters from six major industries including 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.

HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Greater China) Alice Tsang said: “The Export Index rose by 9.7 points to 48.7 in the second quarter. In line with this, exporter confidence continues to improve across almost all industry sectors and major markets.” Looking at specific industries, machinery (up 13.0 points to 55.9) and electronics (up 9.8 points to 48.8) both outperformed the overall average. In terms of export markets, confidence in Mainland China (50.3) returned to expansionary territory while a more optimistic sentiment was seen in Japan (49.8), the European Union (49.2), the ASEAN bloc (49.1) and the US (49.0).

Ms Tsang added that the improving export sentiment is further evident in an upward trend in subsidiary indexes, including the Trade Value Index (up 10.7 points to 57.0) and Procurement Index (up 11.9 points to 45.5). The employment sentiment, however, remained subdued (down 1.6 points to 41.6).

Tech and eco products take the lead

HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Global Research) Louis Chan interviewed a number of consuls general and trade commissioners in Hong Kong and shortlisted some of the new opportunities for Hong Kong companies on the road to recovery.

United Kingdom
Under the new tariff regime, 47% of imported goods are tariff-free while the average tariff is as low as 5.7%. In addition, the UK has announced 10 new freeports as national hubs for trade, innovation and commerce, creating jobs, attracting new businesses and encouraging investment to help drive the country’s post-Brexit growth. Collaboration opportunities exist in clean energy projects such as offshore wind power, smart energy systems, sustainable construction, precision agriculture, green finance and electric vehicle manufacture.

Italy
Italy was the first European country to be impacted by the pandemic. The Italian government launched its EUR 222 billion five-year National Recovery and Resilience Plan to revive the country’s economy. The plan covers six areas including digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness and culture; the green revolution and ecological transition; infrastructure for sustainable mobility; education and research; cohesion and inclusion; and health. It is expected to add an extra 3.6 percentage points to Italy’s gross domestic product growth by 2026.

Austria
40% of Austrian investments in Mainland China go via Hong Kong, while 70% of mainland investments in Austria are done via Hong Kong entities. Many Austrian brands have an eye on opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area arising from its expanding middle-class, and plan to access Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road markets via Hong Kong. Last year, an Austrian fibre producer, making eco-friendly renewable products, achieved a historic first, sending textiles that were 100% made in Austria directly to China by the China Railway Express.

Poland
Despite the uncertainties brought by the pandemic, Poland has the potential to become the digital heart of Europe. In May 2020, Microsoft announced a US$1 billion, seven-year digital transformation investment plan in Poland, featuring the opening of the company’s first data centre in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), in partnership with Poland’s leading cloud computing solutions provider, Chmura Krajowa. Around the same time, Google announced the launch of a new Google Cloud region in Warsaw, also a CEE first, with an investment of up to US$2 billion.

Mr Chan added that Hong Kong companies producing tech products and services have a better chance to succeed in the post-pandemic market, citing areas such as 5G-related smart devices, clothing made with anti-bacterial fabric, the cold supply chain and e-Health. He added that traditional products with a modern twist are also popular in niche markets, including proprietary IP toys, contemporary jade jewellery, at-home fitness gear, hiking equipment and more.

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/
– HKTDC Export Index 2Q21: Exporter Confidence Rises for Fifth Successive Quarter https://bit.ly/2SBCizE
– 2021 Mid-Year Export Review: Strong Recovery but Uneven Outlook https://bit.ly/3vvRpbf
– Podcast https://bit.ly/3xMMeF4
– Post-Covid Prospects series https://bit.ly/2SG5hSC
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3gPndnf

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:
HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

Tech, innovation, growth markets key to business recovery: HKTDC to focus on 14th Five-Year Plan opportunities

In the face of continuing challenges in the global economy resulting from the pandemic, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will focus on helping businesses capture opportunities in Mainland China and other markets, especially in sectors that can ride on opportunities arising from the mainland’s “dual circulation” strategy and 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as industry developments in technology, healthcare and sustainability.

In addition to promoting the city’s overall advantages, services and products, the HKTDC will offer online and offline services for Hong Kong companies to speed up business expansion in the mainland market, using the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a bridgehead. It will also explore tripartite partnerships with mainland enterprises in overseas markets, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter Lam said that the past few years have been full of challenges, but the HKTDC will continue to work hard in helping businesses diversify and enhance their capabilities with sustainability and the adoption of technology and innovation as a core theme. He added that as parts of the world continue to tackle the pandemic while others are gradually recovering, Mainland China and its early recovery has been driving economic growth both internally and externally.

“We will create opportunities for businesses in both markets and industries. Apart from large-scale events, we will also strengthen our support and training services to help Hong Kong businesses capture opportunities arising from the mainland’s 14th Five-Year Plan and ‘dual circulation’ strategy, taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an entry point. As such, we just launched a GoGBA one-stop platform to support Hong Kong companies, and we will help them partner with mainland enterprises to tap international markets through the city’s two-way platform,” Dr Lam said.

Market opportunities: the GBA and “Dual Circulation” strategy
Following the launch of the GoGBA one-stop platform yesterday (10 June), the HKTDC is planning to organise SmartHK in Guangzhou on 8 December, highlighting the city’s international networks and innovative professional services which are complementary to the Greater Bay Area development. Business matching meetings will be held to promote cooperation between mainland enterprises and Hong Kong services providers in the areas of finance, IT, infrastructure, design and more. A high-level mission led by senior government officials and commercial delegations will explore opportunities with their counterparts in the GBA.

Chic HK will be held in Shenzhen from 10-12 December to promote quality Hong Kong brands, stylish designs and technology and innovation products. It will be held in an online-to-offline format, allowing consumers to make purchases on the spot or online. A business mission will be held concurrently to connect Hong Kong traders with potential mainland buyers and partners, helping them to expand their nationwide retail networks.

The HKTDC will also introduce a new Star CEOs seminar series in which the top management of major mainland and overseas enterprises will share how the city’s international business platform and professional services helps mainland companies tap opportunities in global markets, hoping this will attract more mainland companies to set up offices in Hong Kong. The HKTDC will set up a Hong Kong Pavilion in selected mainland trade fairs such as the China International Import Expo where Hong Kong’s role in facilitating merchandise and service trade between the mainland and the rest of the world will be highlighted.

High-potential sectors: technology, healthcare and intellectual property
The 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its competitive advantages. In addition to the traditional sectors such as finance, maritime and trading, it also supports the city to develop into an international innovation and technology hub and a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre.

As such, the HKTDC will also launch a new Innotech Starter Programme in partnership with government agencies, incubators, R&D centres and universities to provide support and create opportunities for start-ups that are interested in expanding business in the Greater Bay Area. The HKTDC is also planning to organise seminars in Guangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing to promote Hong Kong’s IP solutions in technology and innovation, as well as IP trade-related services. It will also further enrich the content of Asia IP Exchange and encourage different industries to step up adoption of homegrown innovative technology, especially patented technologies in environmental protection, sustainability, healthcare and well-being, building and construction and more.

Besides, demand for healthcare services is growing in Asia. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is now the world’s second-largest bio-tech fund-raising centre through initial public offerings. Together with a sound IP protection regime and a wealth of experts in commercialising innovations, the city is ready to become a healthcare innovation and investment hub. The HKSAR Government and the HKTDC will jointly organise the inaugural Asia Summit on Global Health on 24 November to attract investment, publicise the city’s technology-related achievements and promote collaboration among industry players from Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas.

Focusing on biotechnology, medical devices and drugs, digital health, community health and wellness, the Summit will help participants connect with investors and leading bio-tech companies in the Greater Bay Area.

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 Contact
HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department
Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org
Susanna Sin, Tel: +852 2584 4294, Email: susanna.kc.sin@hktdc.org

HKTDC launches GoGBA one-stop platform

Multi-faceted support for companies to access the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has announced the launch of the GoGBA one-stop platform, a new business support programme that helps companies access the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Consisting of digital information and business tools, advisory services and training as well as promotional and networking activities, the GoGBA one-stop platform offers multi-faceted business support online and offline.

The GoGBA one-stop platform was launched at this morning’s online ceremony in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The officiating guests in Hong Kong included (from L) Erick Tsang, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR; Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC; Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Edward Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR; and Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.
GoGBA WeChat mini programme (QR Code)

At today’s launch event, which took place via a virtual link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Qin Weizhong, Deputy Secretary of Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, officially launched the GoGBA WeChat mini programme – a digital information and business tool – and the HKTDC GBA Centre located at the HKTDC’s Shenzhen office. Several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were also signed with the Leading Group Office of Guangdong on Construction of Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Municipal Committee, the People’s Government of Shenzhen Futian District and five cities and districts in the GBA (Qianhai in Shenzhen, Nansha in Guangzhou, Hengqin in Zhuhai, Dongguan and Zhongshan), to expand the network of support for Hong Kong companies. After the ceremony, two webinars were held where companies that are already operating successfully in the GBA shared their business insights on how to succeed in the region.

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “The GBA offers huge opportunities for businesses from Hong Kong and around the world. Our GoGBA WeChat mini programme is a useful digital tool to complement our physical support centres in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and other parts of the GBA through our partners. As more and more businesses look for prospects in the GBA, the HKTDC is here to help.”

One-stop platform covers three major service areas
In line with the HKSAR Chief Executive’s 2020 policy address, the GoGBA one-stop platform aims to help Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into the GBA with three major support components:

1. Digital tool for cross-border business
The GoGBA digital platform, which consists of the GoGBA WeChat mini programme digital messaging platform, comes into service effective today. The GoGBA digital platform is run in collaboration with the government offices of Guangdong province and municipal governments in the GBA, providing important information on the region including updates on policies and subsidies, listings of related business and trade organisations, regional guides, and information on GBA government services and applications. It also offers practical tools such as weather forecasts, cross-border transportation information, interactive maps, details of public services, and income tax reminders. Media friends can scan the WeChat QR code included in this press release to download the GoGBA digital platform.

2. Advisory services and training
The HKTDC’s Shenzhen office has set up the HKTDC GBA Centre to strengthen its support to SMEs interested in exploring the GBA market. Together with the HKTDC SME Centre in Hong Kong, the centres will organise a series of seminars and workshops, sharing sessions and advisory activities in group or individual formats, equipping companies with the practical knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed in the GBA.

The MoUs signed today will see the introduction of GoGBA Business Support Centres in Shenzhen (Qianhai), Guangzhou (Nansha), Zhuhai (Hengqin), Dongguan and Zhongshan. The HKTDC targets to introduce the centres in all nine mainland cities in the GBA, establishing a comprehensive support network that can connect companies with partners and consultants from across the GBA.

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 the 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.

3. HKTDC online and offline activities
The HKTDC has utilised various digital technologies to organise exhibitions and conferences, and will continue to plan and organise business missions and networking events by adopting a new “digital and physical” format for its major events and activities. It will also continue to enhance the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. The “Guangdong-Hong Kong Co-operation Week” will be held with the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in December to promote Hong Kong products and services through flagship promotional events – SmartHK in Guangzhou and ChicHK in Shenzhen.

The HKTDC will continue its outreach efforts to help Hong Kong and overseas companies, and enterprises from other GBA cities, to establish connections, providing business matching sessions and advice on seeking business opportunities. The Council is currently planning to organise a wide range of activities in the mainland, including exhibitions and conferences, to help Hong Kong enterprises promote their products and services, explore business opportunities in GBA cities and gain practical experience at the same time.

GoGBA WeChat mini programme (QR Code) https://tinyurl.com/5pnps82r

HKTDC SME Centre
Tel: +852 1830 668
Fax: +852 3693 4938
E-mail: smecentre@hktdc.org
Address: Ground Level, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

HKTDC GBA Centre
Tel: +86-0755-82280112
Fax: +86-0755-82280114
E-mail: shenzhen.office@hktdc.org
Address: Unit 2405-06, Jindi Centre, Shennan Road 2007, Futian District, Shenzhen

Hong Kong and overseas companies share key to success in GBA
Representatives from Hong Kong and overseas companies gathered at this morning’s launch event to share their success stories in capturing opportunities in mainland GBA cities through Hong Kong. Sharing their experiences in two separate sessions were Yan Lau, General Manager of Dongguan Dailywin Watch; Tommy Cheng, Founder and CEO of MY Super eCommerce Company; Jason Choi, Founder of DimYeah Studio & EGGY; Dawn Chui, General Manager – Pacific Rim of ORCA Asia; Joe Wan, CEO of Tricor Hong Kong; and Jefrey Hironaka Santo, Managing Director for Asia of Mundial.

ORCA is a Canadian company specialising in technology solutions for the treatment of food waste. Dawn Chui, General Manager – Pacific Rim of ORCA, said the pandemic has accelerated awareness of the need for food waste treatment in Hong Kong, and that an increasing number of hotels, campuses and restaurants are interested in their solutions. She said the company is optimistic about the mainland market. “The National 14th Five-Year Plan mentioned the issue of food waste management so we see great potential in venturing into this market. Hong Kong is the perfect springboard to Mainland China, with its free flow of capital very beneficial to corporate finance and one of the factors that encouraged us to establish a Hong Kong branch.”

Yan Lau, General Manager of Dongguan Dailywin Watch, said the company set up its factory in Dongguan in the 1980s. Now, its Hong Kong headquarters is responsible for import, export, accounting and auditing functions, while the design, manufacturing and sales activities are carried out in Dongguan. Mr Lau said the company has put a big effort into building its own brand and last year launched the SAGA Moon Mars series to celebrate the achievements of the mainland’s aerospace industry along with Dailywin’s own achievements. During the pandemic, the company has shifted the focus to its online business and domestic sales, adopting new strategies such as e-commerce livestreaming with influencers and deploying new e-commerce and social e-commerce retail models. These new strategies have proved beneficial in helping the company’s expansion in the mainland market.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3gbhI1G

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:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Angel Tang, Tel: +852 2584 4544, Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org