Tag: hktdc

SMEs advised to diversify into northern Vietnam, Greater Bay Area

The confidence level of Hong Kong’s exporters has fallen to its lowest-ever level in the face of a triple challenge – the COVID-19 outbreak, softening global demand and lingering trade tension between the United States and Mainland China. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the latest HKTDC Export Index today with a reading of 16 – down a further 2.8 points from the previous quarter’s low – indicating that local exporters have become more pessimistic about the city’s short-term export outlook across all industries and markets, especially jewellery.

Close to 94% of the 500 Hong Kong exporters surveyed said the COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected their companies in areas such as arranging product deliveries (80.4%), supply of labour following the Chinese New Year holiday (76.2%), business contacts with overseas buyers or suppliers (60.5%) and supply of raw materials (56.1%).

HKTDC Director of Research Nicholas Kwan said the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain, leaving entire markets in a state of uncertainty, and may accelerate its transformation. “Since the Sino-US trade dispute surfaced, many manufacturers have set up production lines outside the mainland to avoid additional tariffs. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, operations in some factories in the mainland – and even in Japan and Korea – have been suspended or have yet to fully resume, putting a strain on the global supply chain. For example, the shortage of electronics components has affected the supply of consumer electronics in the market. Multinational corporations may begin to further diversify their investments and no longer rely on a single country for production.”

Mr Kwan added that the pandemic has resulted in the global economy losing its growth momentum, leading to a decline in the demand for new orders. “Economic and business activity has been on the wane worldwide during the outbreak. A total of 15 of the HKTDC’s locally held trade fairs and conferences have been postponed. However, industry players can make good use of the HKTDC’s digital platform for promotion purposes, and access government funding programmes to enhance their competitiveness and diversify production and markets.”

Exporters bearish on jewellery and watches
The HKTDC Export Index highlights the city’s current export outlook and its level reflects the positive or negative sentiment of exporters. HKTDC Economist Doris Fung said the figures in the latest export index are the lowest since its launch, across all industries, indicating that Hong Kong’s exports are expected to stay in the doldrums in the coming months.

Ms Fung explained that consumer sentiment has been negatively affected by COVID-19, with a weakening in demand for luxury goods in particular. “The survey showed that exporters are most bearish on jewellery (8) and watches (13.9). The indexes for other industries are also well below the 50 watershed, including machinery (16.4), electronics (16.3), toys (14.9) and garments (14.2). The decline of the index for export markets was less severe. Companies are most positive about Japan (44.8) followed by the United States (40), Mainland China (37) and Europe (34).”

Impact of Sino-US trade dispute diminishes
Ms Fung explained that just one-third of respondents said the phase-one trade deal between the world’s two largest economies and the subsequent tariff cuts would benefit their exports. Rather, traders have shifted their attention from softening global demand (18.5%) and Sino-US trade tensions (6.2%) to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, with 63.9% of respondents viewing it as the biggest threat to their exports over the next six months.

Compared with the last quarter of 2019 (56.5%), fewer respondents (51.2%) said they had been adversely affected by Sino-US trade tensions. Among the key issues affecting their businesses were reduced order size (70%), price bargaining from buyers (54.9%), sharing or bearing part of the tariff costs (16%), or cancelled orders (10.9%). In response to the trade issues, the local exporters surveyed had considered options such as developing in non-US markets (36.5%), lowering unit prices (28.2%), moving their production/sourcing base (23.1%), increasing the added value of products (22.4%) or even downsizing their companies (16%).

Hong Kong manufacturers look to opportunities in northern Vietnam
HKTDC Assistant Principal Economist (Asian and Emerging Markets) Wenda Ma expected that manufacturers will continue shifting or extending their supply chains from the mainland to other countries, including Vietnam. “While it has developed quickly as a manufacturing hub, Vietnam has become a victim of its own success, with growing issues such as congested ports and roads and the rising cost of land and labour.”

In response, the Vietnamese government has given a massive push to improve the country’s infrastructure sector. Several key infrastructure projects in the northern part of the country have been completed and are now in operation, including the deep seaport of Hai Phong and two international airports in Cat Bi and Van Don, coupled with significant improvements in the region’s road network and the supply of utilities such as electricity and water. “These improvements have helped to make Vietnam’s northern provinces much more attractive to overseas investors, and an electronics cluster is now taking shape,” Ms Ma said.

She added that with its proximity to China, northern Vietnam is particularly suitable for industries that rely on supplies of raw materials, parts and components from the mainland’s southern provinces. Although wages in Vietnam are still substantially lower than in the mainland, low cost is no longer the country’s most competitive factor, which may make it less attractive to labour-intensive industries.

High level of consumer confidence in Greater Bay Area
A study of consumer markets in the nine mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area found that close to 80% of the middle-class consumers surveyed in these cities believe that both their income and expenditure will increase in the coming three years. On average, respondents said they spend 28% of their monthly income on living expenses, 19% on investment/wealth management and insurance, and 18% on savings.

HKTDC Economist Poon Cheuk-hong said these middle-class consumers value improvements in areas such as their personal image and smart living, with more spending in the past year on upmarket clothing and footwear (46%), high-end skin-care products/cosmetics/perfumes (46%), personal electronics products (45%), fitness services (37%) and beauty services (32%). “Those surveyed said they are, on average, willing to pay a 29% premium for made-to-order products, especially electronics products and jewellery items. In addition, Hong Kong companies can pay close attention to opportunities arising from the growing demand for personalised services, cultural performances and personalised image-enhancing services,” Mr Poon said.

He explained that the middle-class consumers surveyed have a preference for the online-to-offline (O2O) consumption model, whereby they get product information and make the actual purchase online, while experiencing the products and services in physical stores. The study also found that e-tailing platforms, WeChat and video-sharing social networking platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou are the most popular mobile apps in terms of influencing consumers’ buying decisions.

“The survey also revealed that middle-class consumers in the nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area agree that Hong Kong is a ‘shopping paradise’ as well as being the most international city in the region,” Mr Poon added.

The survey was conducted in November 2019, interviewing 2,160 middle-class consumers from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Foshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou and Zhaoqing through an online questionnaire. The interviewees’ average monthly individual income was Rmb10,257 with a monthly household income of Rmb18,294.

Note to editors: In response to the impact of COVID-19, the HKTDC has adjusted its schedule of exhibitions and conferences as part of a continued effort to create business opportunities for various sectors through multiple channels. For details, please see: https://home.hktdc.com/en/s/health-protection-measures

References
– HKTDC Research website: http://research.hktdc.com/tc
– HKTDC Export Index 1Q20 – Exporter Confidence Repeatedly Hit Record-Low amid the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak https://bit.ly/2Q4UNaT
– Northern Vietnam: A Magnet for Foreign Investment https://bit.ly/2IEaxh1
– The Mainland Cities of the Greater Bay Area (1): Consumer Characteristics and Wealth Management Arrangements https://bit.ly/2vQWDpg
– Photo Download: https://bit.ly/2xClSMj

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.

Contact:

Beatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.org

Concurrent shows help SMEs address opportunities and challenges

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the third edition of the HKTDC SmartBiz Expo, the third Asian E-tailing Summit and fifth HKTDC Hong Kong International Franchising Show opened today and run concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The three events have attracted more than 570 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas along with over 150 notable speakers. Focusing on creative technologies, e-business solutions and franchising opportunities, the events bring together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them to strengthen business prospects and build useful connections amid a challenging business environment.

A ceremony to mark the joint inauguration of the SmartBiz Expo and Asian E-tailing Summit was held this morning, with Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as the officiating guest.

In her opening remarks at the event, HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said: “The world around us is changing at a rapid pace – and much of that change is being driven by the introduction of new and ever-evolving technological solutions. Both the SmartBiz Expo and Asian E-tailing Summit are very much focused on the changes brought about by innovations and new technologies, and on how businesses can keep up to speed with the latest developments. The SmartBiz Expo will address the challenges in today’s ultra-competitive and fast-changing business environment while more than 1,200 delegates have gathered at the Asian E-tailing Summit to gain insights on the fast-growing e-tailing industry.”

SmartBiz Expo: boosting productivity through innovative solutions

The SmartBiz Expo runs from 4 to 6 December under the theme “Smart Tech Makes Great Business”, with free admission for trade visitors. It provides SMEs with wide-ranging support, from technological innovations and operational optimisation to productivity enhancement. The expo is attended by over 400 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. It also features a series of seminars at which international experts will explore three key business areas – Smart City, Smart Living and Smart Commerce.

Smart City focuses on the ability of innovative technologies to improve lives, highlighting business opportunities in areas such as mobile communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), automated solutions and environmentally friendly technologies. Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of smart products, applications and solutions, while industry leaders are invited to analyse how technology can improve quality of life and share insights on smart city topics, including innovative property and office management, smart offices and home reimagination. Representatives from the Smart Government Innovation Laboratory are sharing their innovations for improving the quality and efficiency of public services.

Smart Living focuses on up-and-coming hot topics such as esports, health technology, virtual reality and augmented reality. In addition to exhibiting a wide range of personal and commercially relevant high-tech products, including concealed eco-friendly smart locks and smart luggage with worldwide GPS tracking, the conference also hosts a series of seminars over the three-day expo. Star speakers from the financial insurance, telecommunications, logistics and supply chains, medical care, and esports industries are providing in-depth insights into how SMEs can explore new business opportunities through the latest technologies.

Smart Commerce covers topics such as e-commerce, fintech and supply chain management, helping SMEs to transform digitally and seize multiple global opportunities. International experts are sharing the disruptions and opportunities presented by innovative technologies across all stages of the business chain, from research and development to production, marketing and management, discussing how new technologies such as virtual technology, artificial intelligence and big data can resolve various pain points of traditional businesses. A series of business management seminars will further explore how innovation can improve operational efficiency.

With increased integration and cooperation resulting from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is poised to further strengthen its position as a key trading hub. To support enterprises in leveraging on this advantage, the expo featured the establishment of the Greater Bay Area Portal Launch today, a joint collaboration with the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. A seminar on “Innovation and Collaboration in the Greater Bay Area” was held to introduce the latest economic information and ongoing trade and investment updates, together with the 9th World SME Summit to further promote cross-border development.

Asian E-tailing Summit: exploring new e-commerce opportunities

The Asian E-tailing Summit runs today and tomorrow (4-5 December) with a focus on e-commerce prospects and trends in the region. It serves as a one-stop platform for industry participants to create new business opportunities in Hong Kong, Mainland China and across Asia, with contributions from more than 60 renowned guests and speakers.

Two plenary sessions were held this morning. As online shopping continues to mature, the first session explored how IoT can assist e-tailers to process data more efficiently and create unique customer experiences. Speakers included Mike Shapaker, Chief Marketing Officer, ChannelAdvisor; Khalid Al Thawadi, CEO, Digital Wave; Joseph Lee, Executive Vice President of Sales – APAC, Mirakl Inc; TJ Wu, Director of Centre of Excellence, SAP Customer Experience, Greater China; and Matt Warren, Founder and CEO, Veeqo.

The second session assessed how a thriving common online market will be shaped by Southeast Asia’s increasingly affluent middle class with the pioneering Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) e-commerce agreement now in place. Joining the discussion were Terry Iu, Head of Digital Natives, Facebook; Cheong Chia Chou, Chief Executive Officer, PrestoMall; Desey Muharlina Bungsu, Vice President, Fashion, PT Global Digital Niaga (Blibli.com); Michio Takahashi, Vice General Manager, Cross Border Trading Business Department, Rakuten, Inc; and Arun Verma, Country Manager – Singapore, HK and China, Shopify.

Industry breakout discussions on the second day of the summit will focus on two key industries: fashion and toys. Fashion’s share of e-commerce sales is set to grow from 20% currently to 25% of all transactions by next year. Riding on this trend, fashion brands need to have a solid online marketing strategy. Prominent online retailers LIFESTYLE ACCENT INC, Love, Bonito, Close to Clothes and OnTheList will share successful tips for online fashion retailing models. The popularity of e-tailing has also increased the range of toys and games available to consumers. In the second session, well-established brands such as CarrieSoft, Catch Group, Gracepak Ventures, Toys World and Shopee will discuss why consumers want the best of both the online and offline worlds when buying toys.

Following the success of the first edition of ASEAN Roundtable in 2018, the event returned this year with the addition of the Greater Bay Area Roundtable, bringing together e-commerce associations and industry representatives from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar to discuss the development prospects for e-commerce in the two regions. The second Asia’s Best E-tailing Awards, with the HKTDC as a strategic partner, also concluded today.

International Franchising Show: identifying business partners to develop new markets

Held concurrently with the SmartBiz Expo, the Hong Kong International Franchising Show has attracted more than 100 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. Two major zones, the F&B Zone and Lifestyle Zone, provide a platform for enterprises to connect with new business partners and explore potential market opportunities. Participating brands include TechBob Academy, Kung Fu Tea, Pineapple Canteen, Mr Arita, Water Laundry, Food Channels, KeePer Pro SHOP, the Hong Kong Startup Consultancy and more. In addition, industry experts will lead various seminars to share their experiences and insights into successful franchising.

Concurrent events help SMEs improve their competitive edge

The HKTDC is hosting five industry-leading events at the HKCEC this week, including the Asian E-tailing Summit (4-5 December), SmartBiz Expo (4-6 December), Hong Kong International Franchising Show (4-6 December), Business of IP Asia Forum (5-6 December) and DesignInspire (5-7 December). The events focus on new technologies across research and development, design, production, sales, and business expansion, supporting SMEs to explore opportunities and embrace the challenges presented by innovation and change.

SmartBiz Expo & Hong Kong International Franchising Show (HKIFS)
4-5 December – 9:30am-6pm; 6 December – 10am-6pm
Venues: Hall 1B-E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Admission: SmartBiz Expo – free admission for trade visitors
HKIFS will be open to the public on 6 December (aged 12 and above only)

Asian E-tailing Summit
4 December – 9am-6pm; 5 December – 10:30am-1pm
Venues: Hall 1A, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

Websites
SmartBiz Expo: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/smartbizexpo-en/
Asian E-tailing Summit: http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/aes2019/en/main/index.html
Hong Kong International Franchising Show: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkifs-en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2qkDc5p

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.

Contact:

HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Christine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4116, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

Ruder Finn Asia:
Ivy Chan, Tel: +852 2201 6475 / 6686 9106, Email: Chani@RuderFinnAsia.com
Winky Chow, Tel: +852 2201 6474 / 9485 5148, Email: Choww@RuderFinnAsia.com
Charlene Wan, Tel: +852 2201 6438 / 6189 9495, Email: Wanc@RuderFinnAsia.com

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW), the 20th Hong Kong Forum opened yesterday (3 December) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and drew to a successful close today. The FHKBAW is a unique network of Hong Kong business associations that aims to provide an effective platform through which the Hong Kong advantage can be promoted globally alongside multilateral business cooperation.

This year’s event celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Forum, attracting close to 300 business leaders from 35 countries and regions to explore business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the broader Asian region. Key topics covered included smart living, innovation and technology (I&T), digital innovation, and lifestyle and creativity.

Fundamentals intact, Hong Kong continues to attract the world’s best

In her opening remarks to forum delegates yesterday, Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said: “Hong Kong is undoubtedly going through a challenging time, but the city is characterised by adaptability and resilience. More importantly, its fundamentals remain strong. It has a free and open economy, sound legal system and a positive attitude to international business, and our functions – from the stock market, trade, legal and financial systems to our international transportation network – are operating without disruption.”

Ms Fong said that business goes on, highlighted by the recent IPO activity in the city, Hong Kong’s continued role as a two-way investment hub for Mainland China, and the HKTDC’s own commitment to ensuring its events go ahead as scheduled. “But a global city is more than a business and trade platform. Creativity, art, heritage, lifestyle and more are all part of the mix and on this front Hong Kong is thriving. The sound fundamentals, international business confidence and rich cultural, educational and lifestyle qualities indicate that Hong Kong will continue to attract the best in the world to live, work and do business,” she said.

Achieving Hong Kong’s vision under key national strategy

On the opening day of the forum, the first session of the day was titled “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: Hong Kong’s Vision”. Patrick Nip, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), shared how the HKSAR Government is planning for the development of the Greater Bay Area and the role that Hong Kong will play in it.

New opportunities arising from Greater Bay Area through Hong Kong

The development of the Greater Bay Area is a key national strategy in the mainland’s new era of reform and opening up. At a session this morning, expert speakers – including Ann Kung Yeung, Deputy Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited; Nisa Leung, Managing Partner, Qiming Venture Partners; Catherine Tsang, Partner, PwC Hong Kong; and Albert Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Science Park – shared the latest developments in the Greater Bay Area and discussed how to leverage the complementary advantages of its various cities to capture new opportunities.

Exploring the smart city megatrend

The development of the Internet has led to the increasing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into our daily lives and communities. In order to promote urban development and functionality, the smart city concept has been gaining traction around the world. A session chaired by Peter Yan, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, on the first day of the forum discussed the current trends in smart living and their impact on people’s lives. The panellists – Paul Berriman, Group Chief Technology Officer, HKT; Andy Bien, Chief Information Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong; and Rosana Wong, Executive Director, Yau Lee Holdings Limited – shared their vision on how these trends will shape the future and how Hong Kong is responding to the latest developments.

When digital innovation meets e-tailing

As digital innovations continue to evolve, a huge group of young consumers will increasingly be targeted by the e-tailing sector. On the first day of the forum, Bonnie Chan-Woo, Chairman and CEO, Icicle Group; Frankie Ho, Head of International Business, iClick Interactive Asia Ltd; and Quentin Wong, General Manager, Investment, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, shared how brands can use storytelling and big data to deliver personalised and memorable experiences to the new generation of consumers. The panel was chaired by Matthew Miller, Managing Editor, Campaign Asia-Pacific, Haymarket Media.

Helping start-ups embrace innovation and technology

The FHKBAW has worked hard to nurture young entrepreneurs and starts-up, helping to harness their creativity and develop their businesses. A session at the forum was specifically targeted at young members to assist in expanding their networks and exchanging ideas. Led by moderator Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Kevin Lee, Founder and CEO, Redspots Creative; Alvin Hung, Executive Chairman and Founder, Vyond; Andy Lam, Founder and CEO, A&A Limited; and Fiona Lau, Co-founder and COO, SHOPLINE, gave insights into how start-ups can embrace I&T to help them stay competitive in the digital era.

Showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrancy through arts and creativity

The HKSAR Government has given strong support to the development of the arts and culture in Hong Kong, fostering the organic growth of the cultural sector and promoting the city’s image as an international metropolis with a vibrant arts and cultural landscape. At yesterday’s “Hong Kong as a Lifestyle and Creativity Hub” luncheon session, chaired by Katherine Don, Head of Arts & Cultural Development, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, three panellists – Alison Friedman, Acting Executive Director, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Teoh Chin Chin, Co-Director of the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile at heritage conservation project The Mills; and William To, Executive Director at arts and design centre PMQ – examined Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation and cultural development.

Heavyweight speakers share valuable insights

Every year, high-profile speakers are invited to the forum’s keynote luncheon to share their views and insights. This year, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Honorary Patron of the FHKBAW, gave the keynote speech reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Forum. Federation Chairman Dennis Chiu also addressed luncheon guests, saying that the FHKBAW represents the unique global network of Hong Kong and will continue to render its support in fostering business collaboration. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong will overcome its current difficulties and maintain its status as a global business hub.

Side trip explores Greater Bay Area innovations and opportunities

To provide a deeper understanding of developments such as smart living, I&T, digital innovation and lifestyle and creativity, a side trip programme is being organised after the forum, taking key attendees to Dongguan and Foshan, two cities at the forefront of I&T developments in the Greater Bay Area. The three-day programme (5-7 December) will included visits to Shengyi Technology, Songshan Lake Xbot Park, the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Cultural Centre, Midea Group and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Technology Exhibition and Exchange Centre, providing invaluable insights and helping participants to explore business opportunities.

The HKTDC is holding a total of six events in Hong Kong this week. Alongside the Hong Kong Forum, the Asian E-tailing Summit (4-5 December), HKTDC SmartBiz Expo (4-6 December), the HKTDC Hong Kong International Franchising Show (4-6 December), the Business of IP Asia Forum (5-6 December) and DesignInspire (5-7 December) are all taking place at the HKCEC. These events provide platforms for business professionals looking to network with renowned industry leaders, explore business collaboration opportunities, get updated on the latest market trends and learn from industry success stories.

Hong Kong Forum website: https://www.hkfederation.org.hk/hkforum
HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Please download more photos from here. https://bit.ly/2DJMV8n

About the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide

With the help of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide was established in 2000. It is a unique network of 46 Hong Kong Business Associations in 35 countries and regions with over 13,000 individual associates. They are Hong Kong’s closest allies and partners in the world market. The Chief Executives is the Federation’s honorary patron and HKTDC serves as its secretariat. For details, please see http://www.hkfederation.org.hk

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

Coco Yuen, Tel: +852 2854 4145, Email: coco.hc.yuen@hktdc.org