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Twin jewellery shows attract over 82,000 global buyers

– Market sentiment exceeds expectations with increase in buyers from ASEAN and Middle East

– The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show drew to a successful close yesterday while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show ended on Thursday
– The twin shows attracted over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions, illustrating Hong Kong’s international influence as a trading platform for the industry
– There was an increase in the number of buyers from ASEAN, Middle East, Western Europe and North America.
– An on-site survey revealed that buyers and exhibitors considered the Middle East market to hold the greatest potential for growth in the jewellery industry over the next two years
– Over 40% of respondents expected overall sales to increase in the next one to two years, with more than 50% anticipating stability

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions, running in the successful “two shows, two venues” format. The Jewellery Show concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) yesterday while the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show closed at AsiaWorld-Expo on Thursday. This year’s International Jewellery Show introduced the Gold Jewellery zone, showcasing unique designs and exquisitely crafted gold jewellery, and the Young Jewellery Designer Arena, highlighting the potential of emerging designers, helping the industry to capture new opportunities.

The twin jewellery shows attracted over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions. Among them, some 32,000 buyers from 125 countries and regions participated in the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, while about 51,000 buyers from 133 countries and regions attended the International Jewellery Show. There was an increase in the number of buyers from ASEAN, the Middle East, Western Europe and North America, highlighting the international appeal of the shows.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “As a leading global trading hub for the jewellery industry, the twin jewellery shows brought together international buyers and organised more than 30 industry seminars and activities to foster innovation and collaboration within the sector. The shows also actively promote local design and nurture the next generation of industry talents through jewellery design competitions, underscoring their impact on the global jewellery landscape and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class convention and exhibition centre.”

Exhibitors and buyers are most optimistic about the Middle East market
To gain deeper insights into current and upcoming trends in the jewellery industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey among 1,434 exhibitors and buyers on-site. The results revealed that buyers and exhibitors are cautiously optimistic on the industry outlook. Key findings from the survey are as follows:

Market and industry outlook
44.2% of respondents expected overall sales to increase in the next one to two years, with 50.6% anticipating stability.Respondents considered the growth prospects for jewellery products in the following target sales markets to be optimistic and very optimistic in the next two years: Middle East (76.8%), India (72.6%), Australia and Pacific Islands (67.8%), ASEAN (66.2%) and Korea (66.0%).In terms of market potential, the top markets most respondents wished to enter or develop were Europe (24.9%), ASEAN (15.2%), North America (13.4%), Middle East (11.4%) and Japan (7.9%).Looking ahead for the next three years, technological advancements in artificial intelligence (62.8%), big data (46.9%) and social media (44.6%) were anticipated to have the greatest impact on the jewellery industry.

Product trends
Respondents believed that trendy fashion jewellery (61.9%), precious jewellery (39.1%) and demi fine jewellery (24.4%) have the greatest growth potential this year.Karat yellow gold (43.4%), karat white gold (37.8%) and pure gold (28.6%) will be the most popular precious metal products in 2025.Diamond (47.6%) will be the most in-demand gemstone, followed by ruby (26.2%) and emerald (19.1%).

Echoing measures in the latest Government Budget, the twin jewellery shows continue exploring ways to facilitate local businesses expanding into the Mainland Chinese market and to seize e-commerce opportunities. This year, mainland e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall joined the International Jewellery Show the first time, helping exhibitors to enter the mainland market via live e-commerce. With 10 exhibitors and six KOLs participating, the event achieved a total reach of over 6 million people and generated sales of more than HK$50 million.

Exhibitors reported sales exceeded expectationsThe twin jewellery shows are widely respected by the global industry, with happy exhibitors reporting that their sales exceeded expectations in 2025. Bringing together nine designers at the International Jewellery Show, the chairman of the Asia Jewelry Culture Design and Crafts Association in Hong Kong, Gigi Cheng, said: “We hope to connect with buyers from the Middle East through the show and explore new international markets, aiming for sales of US$1 million to $3 million.” Hong Kong exhibitor Hatta Chang, Chairman of Hatta New Company, stated that the company successfully connected to buyers from Russia, Korea and Mainland China with sales tripling compared to last year.

At the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, Carl Philip Arnoldi, CEO of German exhibitor HC Arnoldi e.K, said: “One of the show’s biggest advantages is its ability to attract manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. On the first day, we received many buyers from the Middle East and Asia. We anticipate a sales growth of 20% to 50% this year.” Another exhibitor pointed out that the shows not only connected them with major retailers in the United States, but also potential partners in emerging markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more. He also met a lot of return buyers sourcing at the shows.

Additionally, buyers from Mainland China, the Middle East, the United States and Malaysia anticipated to invest sums of up to US$1 million in sourcing at the twin jewellery shows. At the International Jewellery Show, Hunan Caidu Jewelry Trading Co., Ltd from Mainland China placed an order of more than US$400,000 for high-quality pearls from Australia. Kanz Jewels LLC from the UAE budgeted to place an order worth US$250,000. Lebanese buyer Michel Zoughaib praised the show as a one-stop platform for sourcing products with different designs, as well as jewellery technology and packaging. He came with a budget of US$1 million but, “If I can find the right supplier, I can spend up to US$15 million,” he said.

David Levy, President of David Levy Diamond Inc. in the United States, stated that the shows not only enabled connections with manufacturers but also provided access to different types of businesses within the supply chain. He believed that by attending the Hong Kong twin jewellery shows, he could find everything he needed. “I expect to spend US$200,000 at the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and at least US$250,000 at the Jewellery Show,” he said. The sourcing dynamic of buyers from the ASEAN market was noticeably vibrant, with Tomei Gold and Jewelry Manufacturing SDN BHD from Malaysia saying it had allocated a procurement budget of US$100,000 to $200,000.

Enhancing support for a Muslim-friendly sourcing experience
This year, special measures were introduced to encourage more Muslim buyers to visit the shows, including providing prayer rooms in venues, running shuttle buses to and from local mosques, offering a list of Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants, and cooperating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange guided tours.

As a globally leading one-stop jewellery industry sourcing platform, this year’s twin jewellery shows continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ online and offline hybrid format, enabling enterprises to extend their physical exhibition negotiations to online matching platforms. The HKTDC’s AI-powered Click2Match provided online business matching for exhibitors and buyers, while buyers were able to use Scan2Match to scan exhibitors’ QR codes and continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show. Buyers could enhance their efficiency by completing registration and buyer verification in advance through the HKTDC Marketplace App and the official show websites.

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

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

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

Sharon Ha	Tel: (852) 2584 4575	Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lawuw@hktdc.org

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

Exceptional Presence of 24 Hong Kong Innovators Mesmerised Mobile World Congress Audience

– Hong Kong tech companies looking to supply Europe markets with innovative solutions and
– inspirational exchanges in terms of tech and talent

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) joined the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in highlighting achievements of 24 tech companies and corporations at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, marking it the largest delegation to date joining the world’s biggest mobile industry event.

The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion continues its journey overseas from recent appearance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and engages the premises of Europe, covering the latest solutions in key sectors including Advanced Electronics & Robotics; AI & Data; and Digital Transformation. Ranging from AI-integrated products to automation services, these technological excellence brewed optimism in extending to new frontiers, and gain traction from industry leaders, potential partners, and inspired investors. (Please refer to Appendix 1 for the full list of participants.)

A partnership agreement signed between HKSTP and 22@Network Barcelona, and a Memorandum of Understanding signed between HKTDC and Barcelona City Council, both witnessed by Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of HKSAR Government, will be urging conversations in promoting collective efforts between the cities for a sustainable I&T future.

Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, commented: “The world’s premier mobile event makes an unrivalledopportunity to forge impactful connections – an important stage for each local tech company to play a role in the European and global markets and accelerate the adoption of transformative solutions. We look forward with excitement to witnessing new opportunities for innovation on both sides emerge at this year’s conference.”

Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC added: “The HKTDC is committed to showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic technological prowess on the global stage. We are proud to present 24 outstanding Hong Kong start-ups and tech ventures at the Mobile World Congress, an important global arena showcasing the latest mobile communications advances. Moreover, we are happy to renew our partnership with Barcelona City Council and continuously strengthen cooperation in promoting trade and investment between the two cities. The HKTDC also continues to work closely with the city council to help Hong Kong tech start-ups gain exposure in the Spanish market”

As one of the top emerging startup ecosystems, Hong Kong ranks third global after Madrid and Barcelona, and companies from the EU make up the largest foreign business community in Hong Kong, totalling 1,640 according to government data in 2024, and Technology is highly active contributing to this figure, suggesting spotlight in I&T collaborations between the regions is encouraged. Sharing the notion, HKSTP will be joining Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) to co-organise a seminar in London, following further on the traction for potential investors, partners, and high-calibre talents to thrive in Hong Kong.

Photo download: https://tinyurl.com/2v93bpcr

Photo 1: Hong Kong Tech Pavilion saw the presence of (from left) Paula Kant, Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK; Chris Lo, Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia & Israel of HKTDC; Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP; Susana Prado, President of 22@Network Barcelona; Shirley Yung, Special Represenattive for HK Economic & Trade Affairs to the European Union, Brussels ETO; Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government; Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council; Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC; Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport; and Whitney Chan, Senior Systems Manager of Digital Policy Office of HKSAR Government.

Photo 2: MoU signed between the HKTDC and Barcelona City Council was represented by Iris Wong, Director of Merchandise Trade and Innovation & External Relations of HKTDC (left) and Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council (right), and witnessed by Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government (middle).

Photo 3: A Partnership agreement signed by Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (left in front) and Susana Prado, President of 22@Network Barcelona (right in front) was witnessed by Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR Government (left in the back) and Jordi Valls Riera, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council (right in the back) in forming an alliance to foster growth of both the I&T communities.

Photo 4-5: Derek Chim, Head of Startups Ecosystem and Development of HKSTP (first on the left of Photo 4) joined in sharing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem at the 4YFN25, an occasion that connects international innovators, and celebrates achievement and aim to “Create Better.”

Photo 6: 24 Hong Kong tech companies and corporations at Mobile World Congress 2025 Barcelona, Spain.

Photo 7-10: Showcases of Hong Kong tech companies engaging the local audience.

Note:
– Non-HKSTP park companies marked with (*).

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 as a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 14 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,200 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

The growing ecosystem serves at an international I&T hub in Asia, offers comprehensive support including R&D infrastructure, investment expertise, partnership networks, talent traction and more, in accelerating ideation, and commercialising innovation for technology ventures, all with the I&T journey built around key locations across Hong Kong and branched towards the GBA and further to continuously contribute to the development of I&T making a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

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

For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
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Media Contact:Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Sam Yan
Tel: +852 2629 6743
Email: sam.yan@hkstp.org

The Hoffman Agency
Daphne Chan
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Email: dchan@hoffman.com

Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Katy Wong
Tel: +852 2584 4524
Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.com

Raconteur
Betsy Tse
Tel: +852 9742 7338
Email: betsytse@reconteur.hk

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opens today showcasing global innovative designs

– New exhibition zone highlights creative craftsmanship from around the world; results of two major design competitions announced today

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show launches today (4 March) and runs until 8 March, showcasing a wide range of designs incorporating creative and cultural elements
The debut “Young Jewellery Designer Arena” showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of up-and-coming talents
The results of two major jewellery design competitions are revealed today. The International Jewellery Design Excellence Award features 80 worldwide award-winning pieces competing for the “Champion of the Champions”. The design that clinched both the Best of Show Award in the Open Group and the Craftsmanship & Technology Award in the Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition was a beautifully crafted ring inspired by Monet’s “Water Lilies”

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and runs for five consecutive days, closing on 8 March. It runs concurrently with the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show which opened on Sunday (2 March) at AsiaWorld-Expo and finishes on 6 March. This year’s twin jewellery shows have attracted some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions, showcasing a spectrum of jewellery raw materials, finished products and technological tools, helping to create an international one-stop jewellery trading platform.

Leading the trend with innovative and fashionable designs
The jewellery industry is increasingly focusing on fashionable styles, with innovative designs becoming key to helping products stand out in the market. For many years, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has provided an excellent platform for exhibitors to showcase their boundless creativity and exquisite craftsmanship. This year, Hong Kong exhibitor OSI Vitoria Jewelry (Booth: CEC GH-E08) introduces a floral necklace featuring a 62-carat emerald surrounded by more than 3,400 spinels, sapphires and diamonds, depicting the dazzling moment of fireworks lighting up the sky. Japanese exhibitor Jewelry of Raden & Urushi (Booth: CEC 1CON-016) presents a dragon-shaped brooch and pendant made of 18K gold, Akoya pearls, diamonds and mother-of-pearl, with intricate craftsmanship that imbues the design with life. Australian exhibitor Autore Pearls Pty Ltd (Booth: CEC GH-C32) showcases a vivid snake-shaped necklace that echoes the Year of the Snake, adorned with pearls, diamonds and gemstones. In the newly added Gold Jewellery Zone, Malaysian exhibitor Chl Innovation Industries Sdn Bhd (Booth: CEC 3E-D15) exhibits a durian pendant with distinctive local charm.

Many exhibitors keep their fingers on the pulse of jewellery trends and launch creative products incorporated with traditional cultural elements. Hong Kong exhibitor Zuri Jewelry Company Limited (Booth: CEC 1E-C18) capitalised on Hong Kong’s “panda economy” to introduce its “Panda and Bamboo” jewellery collection. Changzhou Yi’an Jewelry Co., Ltd (Booth: CEC 1CON-029) from Mainland China harnesses filigree inlay technique, an almost-lost craft that is part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, to create 18K gold wheatears – a piece that won the Best Design Award in the 2019 Tiangong Awards.

A new addition to this year’s show is the Young Jewellery Designer Arena, showcasing the creations and craftsmanship of up-and-coming talents to global buyers. The event also features 18 national, regional and industry pavilions, including the UK Pavilion led by British Jewellery & Giftware International with sophisticated jewellery pieces from eight British designers.

Two major jewellery design competitions discover and nurture new talents
The HKTDC has always put great emphasis on discovering and nurturing emerging talents to further elevate the standard of jewellery design. This year, it has once again joined hands with The Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China Ltd to organise the 7th International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award and the 26th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition (HKJDC) to identify new talents. The award ceremonies for the two competitions were held this morning and the winning entries will be on display at the Hall 1D and 1E Concourse throughout the International Jewellery Show.

Held for the first time since the pandemic, the 2025 IJDE Award received an enthusiastic response with 80 award-winning entries from nine countries and regions competing for the highest honour – the “Champion of the Champions”. The entries were assessed by an esteemed panel of judges with Lawrence Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Fair Organising Committee, serving as chief judge and other members including representatives from L’ECOLE, School of Jewelry and the De Beers Group, among others. (See Table 1 for the list of selected winning entries from the 7th IJDE Award.)

The theme for this year’s HKJDC was “Lasting Brilliance“, encouraging participants to showcase the enduring allure of jewellery through their creations. The competition was divided into an Open Group and Student Group and received a total of 86 entries. The judging panel, made up of six professionals from diverse fields such as jewellery and design, selected the winning entries after careful consideration. (See Table 2 for the list of selected winning entries from the 26th HKJDC.)

Series of events enhance industry networking
A jewellery networking reception is being held tonight to boost connections among participants, welcoming jewellery industry representatives and both local and international buyers. Salina Yan, Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, will be the Guest of Honour. In addition, three jewellery parades will be held during the show, echoing its “Symphony of Sparkles” theme with displays of exquisite jewellery pieces. Over the course of the twin jewellery shows, more than 30 industry seminars, parades and other activities are being organised to further facilitate industry exchange.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3QI66F3

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

Sharon Ha	Tel: (852) 2584 4575	Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lawuw@hktdc.org

HKTDC welcomes Hong Kong SAR’s 2025-26 Budget

New Budget comprehensively supports SMEs
fostering sustained momentum for Hong Kong’s economic and trade development

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the 2025-26 Budget announced this morning by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Chan.

The Budget introduces a series of measures centred around technological innovation to empower industrial development and facilitate the continuous growth of SMEs and start-ups. The measures also help attract diverse sources of investment and promote mega events to comprehensively engage businesses, capital and talent. They also strive to accelerate development of the new quality productive forces to drive high-quality economic growth in Hong Kong.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam believes that the series of measures in the Budget, including the injection of funds into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and the SME Export Marketing Fund, offers concrete support to SMEs amid a challenging economic evnrionment. The Budget also proposes measure that help consolidate Hong Kong’s advantages around its “eight centres” positioning boosting future growth and prosperity.

Dr Lam added: “The Budget mentions initiatives to strengthen assistance for local SMEs to explore the mainland market and increase e-commerce sales. This year, the HKTDC will launch the ‘E-commerce Express’ in collaboration with major e-commerce platforms and industry experts. Through a series of thematic training seminars and one-on-one advisory services, this initiative aims to enhance Hong Kong businesses’ understanding of mainland e-commerce and online platforms, offering comprehensive support for SMEs intending to expand into the mainland e-commerce market. The upcoming second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August serves as the flagship event of this initiative, offering Hong Kong businesses hands-on experience using e-commerce platforms to explore the mainland market and enhance the visibility of their products and brands. The HKTDC will work closely with the Trade and Industry Department to enhance mentorship schemes, empowering Hong Kong businesses to effectively leverage mainland e-commerce and online platforms to promote their products.”

The Budget also proposes various measures to promote innovation and technology development, with increasing exposure for local tech products being an important component. The HKTDC will launch a thematic pop-up display area to its Hong Kong Design Gallery, as well as at exhibition venues during major exhibitions, to showcase local high-quality and innovative technology products to local and overseas buyers and consumers.

The HKTDC will closely collaborate with local education and research institutions to provide more physical product showcases and sales platforms for Hong Kong technology enterprises and start-ups. These partnerships will help Hong Kong research companies build their product brand image, while raising the visibility of Hong Kong brands among local and international buyers.

In strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder, the Budget mentions that the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, in collaboration with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) and the HKTDC, will host the inaugural Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit this year. By leveraging Hong Kong’s financial strengths, the new Summit will further enhance international industrial cooperation to attract capital and businesses to Hong Kong. The HKTDC is also enhancing project connections and deal-making promotion at the Belt and Road Summit, focusing on green development and innovative technology, positioning Hong Kong as a commercial hub for Belt and Road.

The HKTDC will continue to closely cooperate with the HKSAR Government, actively promoting Hong Kong’s advantages to global markets, while attracting international financial and business leaders to explore global market opportunities through the Hong Kong platform.

The HKTDC will continue to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and international connections. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the HKTDC will focus on three main areas:

1.Reinforcing Hong Kong’s unique position as a resilient and connected global business hub, while strengthening its integration into national development as well as its role as a superconnector and super value-adder;

2.Fortifying Hong Kong’s competitiveness by embracing innovation and sustainable development to support the national new quality productive forces strategy, while seizing opportunities arising from global trends;

3.Building the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups, while fast-tracking SMEs’ digital transformation.

For more details, please refer to this press release.

Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Agnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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

Four HK designer labels shine at London Fashion Week

Fashion Hong Kong show paves the way for international expansion

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) proudly led four Hong Kong fashion labels to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2025 collections at the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show during London Fashion Week. Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, the runway show was held in Shoreditch, a vibrant cultural and arts hub in East London, last night (20 February). The event attracted more than 380 UK and international buyers, media and fashion enthusiasts, giving Hong Kong’s dynamic fashion industry a further boost on the global stage.

A strong line-up of local fashion designers captivated the audience at this year’s highly anticipated Hong Kong fashion showcase. The event featured the creative talents of Angus Tsui (brand name: ANGUS TSUI), Bettie Jiang (brand name: Bettie Haute Couture), Rickyy Wong (brand name: RICKYYWONG) and Nathan Moy (brand name: Z I D I). The designers’ collections celebrated the unique diversity and creativity of Hong Kong’s fashion scene with a harmonious blend of sustainability, futurism, modern urban flair and cultural richness.

The Fashion Hong Kong show received overwhelming support from the local fashion industry, with Eyal Booker, a well-known model, Jonathan Vine, a highly regarded stylist and creative consultant, emerging model Yasmin Sweegers and buyers from Selfridges among those in attendance. The importance of the event was underscored by the presence of major fashion media outlets, with Wallpaper, Dazed Korea, Marie Claire, ELLE, Forbes and Numero all sending representatives to cover the occasion. The show facilitated a successful exchange between the Hong Kong and British fashion industries and helped to enhance global awareness of Hong Kong fashion brands.

Showroom creates business opportunities for Hong Kong fashion brands
For this year’s show, Fashion Hong Kong also launched creative crossover activities aimed at promoting the city’s fashion scene from multiple perspectives. Renowned Hong Kong neon artist Jive Lau (brand name: KowloNeon) crafted custom neon light installations that captured the essence of Hong Kong’s street culture at the showcase venue, offering international audiences a glimpse of the city’s unique intangible cultural heritage. The event also collaborated with Noiseless, a Hong Kong design team that has won multiple international design awards, to design a mobile guide for the show that promoted the city’s designer brands.

To further promote Hong Kong’s vibrant fashion scene and foster international business partnerships, the HKTDC has set up a showroom at The Pop Group in Shoreditch, London, that opens today and runs until 21 March. The showroom will provide a platform for Hong Kong fashion brands to engage with fashion media, professional buyers and stylists through arranged matchmaking meetings, creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership expansion.

Fashion Hong Kong Pop-up Salon debuts in Milan this March
Fashion Hong Kong has been actively promoting Hong Kong’s diverse designer brands on the global stage since 2015 with a footprint that includes fashion hubs such as New York, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. In 2024, Fashion Hong Kong made significant strides by hosting a pop-up store in Paris and conducting promotional activities covering the markets of Japan, Thailand and Mainland China, supporting the continuing expansion of Hong Kong’s fashion industry into mainland and overseas markets.

Following the showcase at London Fashion Week, the HKTDC will debut in Milan with the “Fashion Hong Kong Pop-up Salon” this March. The installation will feature an eye-catching selection of creations from 15 Hong Kong designer brands, covering fashion, accessories, footwear and lifestyle products. The pop-up will also feature the latest collections from the four Hong Kong fashion designer labels that stood out on the London Fashion Week stage. The Milan initiative aims to help designers enhance their brand recognition and seize new business opportunities in the important European market.

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

Main event:
Fashion Hong Kong Professional Showroom
Date: 21 February (Friday) to 21 March 2025 (Friday)
Time: 10am-6pm (reservation required)
Venue: The POP Group, 63 Hanbury Street, Shoreditch, London

Websites
Fashion Hong Kong: www.fashionhongkong.com.hk
Fashion Hong Kong Instagram: @hktdcfashionhk

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

Stanley So	Tel: (852) 2584 4049	Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org
Snowy Chan	Tel: (852) 2584 4525	Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

HKTDC strengthens local competitiveness and global connections

– Driving innovation, nurturing a new generation of SMEs
– reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a resilient international business hub

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today announced its work focus for the 2025/26 fiscal year, which aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive advantages and intensify efforts to promote Hong Kong as a resilient international business hub. Embracing opportunities arising from global development trends, the HKTDC continues to create new opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said: “Just two months into 2025, the HKTDC has already held a number of major events, such as the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in January and three trade fairs, which attracted strong participation from attendees, buyers and exhibitors from around the world, a herald of a year of vibrant business activity.”

“Looking ahead, the HKTDC will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a resilient and connected international business hub, intensify efforts to promote our city’s advantages to the global business community and promote further integration of Hong Kong into the national development framework, which highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Furthermore, we will drive innovation and sustainable development to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, and nurture a new generation of SMEs and start-ups.”

In 2024, the HKTDC hosted over 40 large-scale exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong, attracting buyers, exhibitors and attendees from over 190 countries and regions, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as the premier hub for exhibitions and conferences in Asia. Particularly noteworthy was the increased participation from Mainland China and emerging markets, such as ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as the traditional markets of Europe and North America, with all showing robust growth compared to 2023.

In the 2025/26 fiscal year, the HKTDC will intensify efforts to actively promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities to Mainland China and the global business community, further solidifying Hong Kong’s crucial role as a key global hub for two-way investment and trade.

HKTDC’s 2025/2026 major work focuses are:
1. Reinforce Hong Kong’s unique role as a resilient and connected business hub globally, and strengthen its integration into national development and role as superconnector and super value-adder
Strengthen Hong Kong’s integration into national development

– Stage targeted fundraising salons in Mainland China to entice mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong;
– Organise the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August and launch the E-Commerce Express to help SMEs deepen their understanding of mainland e-commerce and online platforms through a series of specialised training seminars and one-on-one advisory services;
– Active participation in mainland fairs, including setting up Hong Kong Image Pavilions at key mainland expos to promote Hong Kong’s advantages; organising a Hong Kong Day networking event at the China International Import Expo targeting key buyers and enriching the Style Hong Kong Pavilion offerings at the China International Consumer Products Expo to create more collaboration opportunities.

– Organise sectoral outbound mission
:1) A GoGBA mission to Dongguan will be organised to help SMEs in the food processing and medical devices sectors to stay competitive amid an evolving manufacturing landscape with innovative technologies;
2) An e-tailing mission to e-commerce hotspot Zhejiang to help SMEs understand the latest developments; and
3) A Fashion Go Places mission to Guangzhou and Dongguan to connect Hong Kong fashion industry players with partners in fashion tech and beyond.

Reinforce Hong Kong’s role as superconnector and super value-adder
– Build partnerships with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) government agencies and industry multipliers to attract more RCEP businesses to leverage HKTDC trade fairs to connect with international buyers;
– Launch the Hong Kong Risk Management Squad to help mainland and ASEAN companies with plans for global expansion to mitigate business risks;
– Introduce the ASEAN Lifestyle Pioneer Series to increase SMEs’ market exposure in the region and facilitate opportunities;
– Stage Think Business, Think Hong Kong campaign in Italy to spotlight Hong Kong’s strengths and advantages, including its service offerings; and
– Organise missions, including to:
1) ASEAN to explore opportunities in the food and health supplement industry; and
2) Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with an Infrastructure Development and Real Estate-related Services (IRES) delegation to capture opportunities arising from infrastructure expansion in the Middle East.

2. Fortify Hong Kong’s competitiveness by embracing innovation and sustainable development, to support the national new quality productive forces strategy, and seize opportunities arising from global trends
Support the national new quality productive forces strategy

– Strengthen the content of and recruitment for exhibitions and conferences:
1) Establish InnoEX as an international I&T exchange platform for Asia;
2) Recruit more agritech and foodtech firms sought after by investors, to join AFF Deal-making;
3) Explore collaboration with local research centres to coorganise thematic sessions at the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) to facilitate industry collaboration;
4) Collaborate with Hong Kong Baptist University’s Chinese Medicine Hospital and Belt & Road Alliance for Traditional Chinese Medicine at ASGH to examine Hong Kong’s role in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s globalisation;
5) Explore opportunities in the low-altitude economy at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) and InnoEX;
6) Launch the SmartHK Tech Series to showcase Hong Kong’s I&T strengths across the GBA and at mainland I&T fairs; and
7) Focus on PropTech for Building for the Future campaign, especially in the mainland, to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths in PropTech and smart city development.

– Strengthen connections and collaboration with InnoHK, the Innovation and Technology Commission cluster:
1) Strengthen ties with the Health@InnoHK cluster to better understand their business matching needs and facilitate connections with relevant business partners and investors;
2) Partner with InnoHK research centres, local universities and incubators for the International Trade Fastpass SmartBiz Series to highlight the benefits of adopting innovative tech solutions.

Seize opportunities arising from global trends
– Sustainable development:
1) Launch the Hong Kong Green Team to highlight Hong Kong’s green strengths and capabilities in Hong Kong and ASEAN;
2) Invite sustainable fashion brands to promote circular fashion and a greener industry at CENTRESTAGE; and
3) Work with ESG-related multipliers to provide sustainability workshops and ESG certification courses for Transformation Sandbox (T-box) members.

Medical health and the silver economy:
1) Organise biotech missions to Europe and the US in partnership with industry multipliers to help start-ups grow and transform;
2) Invite partners and investors with expertise in geriatric medicine and elderly care to introduce ageing-related innovations at ASGH to facilitate collaboration and tech commercialisation;
3) Enhance the product line-up at Food Expo to showcase healthy food and supplements targeting the silver market; and
4) Create a thematic cluster on hktdc.com Sourcing to further highlight Optical Fair exhibitors targeting the silver market.

– Islamic business opportunities:
1) Collaborate with the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong to feature local halal food manufacturers at Food Expo PRO;
2) Strengthen participation of pavilions of countries with a large halal market to enrich the variety of halal products at Food Expo PRO.

3. Build the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups, and fast-track SMEs’ digital transformation
Build the next generation of connected and future-ready SMEs and start-ups

– Talent matching: Leverage events, such as InnoEX and Entrepreneur Day (E-Day), to offer talent matching sessions for start-ups and I&T companies.

– Strengthen collaboration with institutions:
1) Partner with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to inform Global Tech Summit participants about the latest tech in Industry 4.0 and showcase related solutions at E-Day to help SMEs, start-ups become future-ready;
2) Partner with academic institutions and youth and community organisations to engage young individuals at our fairs to equip them with the knowledge and skills in digital transformation and sustainability;
3) Launch the CV Clinic at the Education & Careers Expo by partnering with recruitment agencies to help the younger generation with their job search; and
4) Collaborate with local universities to leverage ASGH for their entrepreneurship events and as a showcase for their biomed projects.

Fast-track SMEs’ digital transformation
– Debut an AI productivity workshop series at InnoEX to help SMEs harness the power of AI tools to boost productivity;
– Host dedicated sessions at MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse to educate brands on short video features on the mainland’s social media platforms;
– Collaborate with leading AI service providers to provide T-box members with practical AI applications.

Media enquiries
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Agnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

New HKTDC Chairman appointed

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today announced the appointment of a new Chairman for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The HKTDC welcomes the HKSAR Government’s appointment of Prof Frederick Ma Si-hang as the new Chairman of the HKTDC. Prof Ma is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of FWD Group and a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers. As the former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong, Prof Ma is well acquainted with the Council’s work in promoting Hong Kong’s strengths and advantages. His two-year term as HKTDC Chairman will commence on 1 June 2025 and will run until 31 May 2027.

Dr Peter K N Lam, current Chairman of the HKTDC, remarked: “Hong Kong’s post-pandemic economy faces numerous challenges. Over the past six years, I have been honoured to serve as Chairman of the HKTDC. I would like to express my gratitude to the HKTDC team for their continued effort and determination in overcoming challenges and driving Hong Kong’s growth. Trade and tourism are closely connected and are crucial to Hong Kong’s economic development. I will continue to contribute in my new position and work with the HKTDC to promote Hong Kong.”

Dr Lam added: “I am pleased that the HKSAR Government has appointed Prof Frederick Ma as the next Chairman. I am confident he will lead the HKTDC to new heights, creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses and driving our city’s high-quality economic development.”

Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Prof Ma is a distinguished leader in the business community with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, strengthening Hong Kong’s connections with the global business world. Under his and HKTDC Council Members’ leadership and guidance, the HKTDC will reinforce Hong Kong’s eight-centre advantages to help businesses seize national development opportunities and support our city’s continued growth and development.”

Ms. Fong also expressed gratitude to Dr Lam: “Under Dr Lam’s outstanding leadership, the HKTDC has introduced many new initiatives, particularly in promoting the healthcare, innovation and technology industries, while assisting the business community in seizing new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and global markets and facilitating the development of Hong Kong’s pillar industries and emerging industries. His wise counsel and guidance over the years have helped the HKTDC reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an international business hub, a two-way investment gateway and a leading convention and exhibition centre.”

Media Enquiries
Agnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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

HKTDC twin jewellery shows set to shine next month

– Nearly 70% of exhibitors coming from outside Hong Kong
– newly created zone spotlights creative gold jewellery

This year’s twin jewellery shows are bringing together some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions
Nearly 70% of exhibitors are coming from outside Hong Kong, with an increase in the number of exhibitors from Japan and the UAE
In line with industry trends, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has introduced a Gold Jewellery Zone and also gathered affordable luxury jewellery, men’s/unisex jewellery and other distinctively designed products
More than 30 seminars, networking activities and parades will be organised to foster industry dialogue and exchange insights on the latest market trends

The two world-class jewellery shows organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open in early March in the successful “two shows, two venues” format. The 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo from 2 to 6 March, showcasing a wide range of jewellery raw materials, while the 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai from 4 to 8 March, presenting a range of exquisite finished jewellery pieces. The twin shows will help exhibitors and buyers tap into global trade opportunities.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s twin jewellery shows are bringing together some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions, of which nearly 70% are coming from outside Hong Kong. Among them, exhibitors from Japan, Spain, French Polynesia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Lebanon are all expanding their presence at the fairs. The two shows are expected to attract more than 110 buyer missions, demonstrating the HKTDC’s strengths in creating a world-class jewellery trading platform for the industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international jewellery sourcing and trading hub.”

Despite the various challenges facing the global jewellery market, the value of fine jewellery exported from Hong Kong to the United States rose by more than 10% year-on-year in 2024, while exports to the European Union, the Middle East and ASEAN rose by 6.5%, 3.8% and 2.6% respectively.

38 pavilions welcome global buyers
The twin jewellery shows have received strong support from industry players around the world for many years. In 2025, the shows feature 38 geographic and industry pavilions from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Israel, Brazil, Colombia and the United States. In terms of industry pavilions, the Asia Jewelry Culture Design and Crafts Association is joining the show for the first time, while the Tanzanite Foundation, Asia Pacific Creator Association and International Colored Gemstone Association are all returning. In addition, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association is once again setting up a pavilion together with the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), featuring jewellery-making machinery and technologies. The twin shows are attracting buyers from across the globe, covering large jewellery retail chains and both luxury and affordable jewellery and designer brands. Exhibitors and buyers alike will enjoy bountiful opportunities for industry exchange and collaboration.

The HKTDC is always looking to optimise the sourcing experience for buyers worldwide through various initiatives. This year, special measures have been introduced to encourage more Muslim buyers to visit the shows, including providing shuttle buses to and from local mosques, offering a list of Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants, and cooperating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange guided tours for Muslim buyers.

Creative designs in focus, Gold Jewellery Zone makes debut
Trendy and innovative products can help manufacturers stand out in the market. The theme of this year’s twin jewellery shows is Symphony of Sparkles, likening gemstone carving to the arrangement of musical notes, embodying the beauty of creation. This year’s Designer Jewellery Galleria at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show features exhibitors using filigree inlay technique, an almost-lost craft that is part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, to create fine designs. Among them are 18K gold wheat ears launched by Mainland China company Changzhou Yi’an Jewelry Co., Ltd (Booth: CEC 1CON-029) that won the Best Design Award in the 2019 Tiangong Awards. Many Hong Kong exhibitors are also using the shows to launch creative products, including Austy Lee Company Limited (Booth: CEC 1E-F32), which will introduce a snake-shaped necklace to mark the new lunar year, and Zuri Jewelry Company Limited (Booth: CEC 1E-C18), which is launching its “Panda and Bamboo” jewellery collection with cute designs modelled on An An and Ke Ke, the giant pandas in Hong Kong.

The International Jewellery Show is proud to introduce the Gold Jewellery Zone in 2025 as a new showcase for novel designs. Exhibitors include Malaysian jewellery company CHL Innovation Industries Sdn Bhd (Booth: CEC 3E-D15) which is launching a series of affordable luxury gold jewellery sets suitable for daily wear, including a durian pendant that stands out with its unique local characteristics.

With the goal of nurturing new design talents in the industry, the HKTDC had organised the International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award and the 26th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition. The results will be announced at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show with the winning designs going on display. In addition, the Young Jewellery Designer Arena has been added for this year’s show to spotlight the creativity and craftsmanship of up-and-coming designers.

Rare and precious treasures in the spotlight
The two shows will continue to exhibit rare jewellery to attract buyers. At the International Jewellery Show, Hong Kong exhibitor Unique Brilliant Limited (Booth: CEC GH-C13) will showcase a pendant mounted with an extremely rare 40+ carat unheated Tanzanian ruby. At the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, American exhibitor Emco Gem (Booth: AWE 7-H01) will present high-quality Colombian emeralds ranging from 9 to 15 carats while Indian exhibitor Fine Star Jewellery & Diamond (Booth: AWE 5-D23) will display a fancy yellow diamond of over 30 carats. Hong Kong exhibitor HYT International HK Limited (Booth: AWE 9-A23) will exhibit a heart-shaped pink diamond weighing 1.5 carats from Australia.

Men’s and unisex jewellery and affordable jewellery are all becoming increasingly popular. This year, nearly 200 exhibitors will be showcasing men’s jewellery, including Hong Kong exhibitor Austy Lee Company Limited (Booth: CEC 1E-F32) which will present the Tsuruhime Sen no Odori Brooch made of 18K rose gold with antique materials. In the affordable luxury jewellery category, Hong Kong exhibitors – G S Jewellery (Mfy) Co. Limited (Booth: CEC 1A-E36), IAD Jewellery Limited (Booth: CEC 1C-A12) and Kayra Creation Limited (Booth: CEC 1C-F18) – will all be showcasing their daily wear lines.

30+ events explore hot topics such as sustainable development and AI
More than 30 industry-related seminars and networking activities will be held during the twin jewellery shows, covering topics such as sustainable development, jewellery technology, identification technology and other new industry trends. ISO certification expert CK Cheung and Edward Johnson, Corporate Social Responsibility Director from British company GEMFIELDS, will explain the latest developments in ISO and ESG certification and analyse how these certifications set standards for the industry and help propel its sustainable development.

In the area of jewellery and identification technology, the shows will feature a series of seminars on design, craftsmanship and innovation. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will explain the heat treatment of gemstones and introduce new identification services for emerald fillings. Gübelin Gem Lab will explain how to apply various breakthrough technologies to establish more consistent and reliable standards, including AI-driven “Gemtelligence” technology and the use of blockchain technology and physical tracking markers to enhance market transparency in helping dealers and consumers verify the traceability information of materials.

Combining online and offline services to boost sourcing efficiency
This year’s twin jewellery shows will continue to use the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format. In addition to on-site procurement, the HKTDC’s AI-powered “Click2Match” will provide online business matching for exhibitors and buyers. Onsite buyers can use “Scan2Match” to scan exhibitors’ QR codes and continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show. To ease the buyer admission process, the HKTDC Marketplace App and the official websites of the two shows provide online verification functions. Buyers need only to register through these platforms and upload a photo and valid identification to obtain a verified eBadge for direct entry, greatly reducing queuing times for onsite registration and verification and enhancing sourcing efficiency.

To help buyers visit the two shows, free shuttle buses to and from AsiaWorld-Expo and the city (including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai) will be arranged. For details, please refer to the fair website.

Photo download: http://bit.ly/4k0NoWB

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

Sharon Ha	Tel: (852) 2584 4575	Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lawuw@hktdc.org

Second Hong Kong Shopping Festival gets underway with seminars and consultancy services

– Supporting local SMEs to develop in the mainland e-commerce market

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has kickstarted the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival with seminars on the mainland e-commerce market, addressing the pain points of local SMEs to help them build a stronger business foundation
The seminars cover practical topics such as strategies for selling through online shopping platforms, commonly used payment tools, building an effective fan base, collaboration plans with influencers, marketing skills and live-streaming production
One-on-one consultancy services will also be offered to local SMEs, with mainland e-commerce or online marketing experts advising on how to build suitable marketing strategies

With e-commerce continuing to take a stronger hold globally, Mainland China has emerged as the clear market leader, providing enormous opportunities for Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To help these companies seize new opportunities and develop their e-commerce capabilities in the mainland, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival by rolling out expert-led seminars focusing specifically on the mainland e-commerce market. The seminars cover practical topics such as online shopping platform operation strategies and features, commonly used payment tools, the effective building of a fan base, collaboration plans with influencers, marketing skills and live-streaming production. One-on-one consultancy services are also being provided to help SMEs get the latest information and enhance their competitiveness, helping them tap into the rapidly changing mainland e-commerce market.

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said that e-commerce continues to develop rapidly and is now a key driving force for global trade and economic growth. The HKTDC has been supporting government policies by promoting business digital transformation, encouraging local SMEs to embrace e-commerce and offering various activities to support them through the business transition that is required.

“In order to deepen Hong Kong businesses’ understanding of mainland e-commerce platforms and gain practical experience, the HKTDC is holding the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, which this year includes newly launched seminars with marketing experts providing practical knowledge relating to e-commerce in the mainland,” Mr Liang said. “This will give local SMEs a better understanding of e-commerce operations and help them formulate strategies appropriate to their products and brands, laying a solid foundation for entering the e-commerce sector. Additionally, one-on-one consultancy services will be offered, with mainland e-commerce or online marketing experts advising local SMEs on market development strategies that can help to promote their particular products or brands.”

Mr Liang added that trade relations between Hong Kong and the mainland are especially close, giving local SMEs a great advantage in terms of expanding into the mainland e-commerce market. “According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, national online retails sales for 2024 were RMB15.5 trillion, up 7.2% compared to 2023. The mainland leads the way in the world’s online retail market, which underscores the huge business potential for Hong Kong’s SMEs.”

Many local companies struggle to create promotion plans for their quality brands and products that address the preferences of their target customers, largely because they have not fully understood how the mainland e-commerce market operates. Some SMEs also face operational challenges such as pricing strategies, inventory management and the terms of collaboration with influencers, preventing them from fully capturing the opportunities presented by e-commerce. The newly launched HKTDC seminars directly address the major difficulties faced by local SMEs in the e-commerce realm. Two seminars have already been held, one in December and one last week, in which experts shared insights on the mainland’s e-commerce market profile and provided practical guidance in areas such as legal compliance, specific platform requirements and common pitfalls, receiving an enthusiastic response from participating companies.

Second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival returns in August
The HKTDC will organise the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August 2025, aiming to help SMEs seize e-commerce opportunities in the mainland. The festival is divided into four parts, including the newly added seminars and one-on-one consultancy services mentioned above and the return of the popular Discount Month and live-streaming e-commerce sessions from last year. Given the diversity of online marketing methods in the mainland, there are different ways for SMEs to increase brand exposure other than live-streaming sales. The second Hong Kong Shopping Festival will introduce customised marketing and channel services, such as incorporating more channels through “planting seeds” strategies. This will allow participating local SMEs to choose the most suitable services based on their product features, helping them gain a deeper understanding of marketing methods in the mainland e-commerce market.

More details on the services being made available through the Hong Kong Shopping Festival will be announced by the HKTDC in due course.

In addition, the HKTDC Digital Academy and Design Gallery’s (DG) cross-border e-commerce shops on Taobao and JD International have been offering comprehensive support to Hong Kong SMEs to leverage diverse e-commerce and digital marketing channels to explore mainland opportunities. The DG’s network of 70 physical sales outlets in the mainland serve as an ideal platform to promote Hong Kong brands in the region. Meanwhile, the HKTDC’s DG Studio programme helps to connect local businesses with physical retailers and e-commerce platforms in the ASEAN region.

Websites
– Pre-registration for the mainland e-commerce seminar on 27 February:
https://bit.ly/4hdhELO
– Details and registration for the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival:
https://bit.ly/4h1FpX2

Photo download: https://bit.ly/40HS5x2

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:
HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

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

The 34th Education & Careers Expo opens today

Offering diverse activities and experience workshops, four-day event spanning the weekend, free admission to the public

– The Expo brings together over 820 educational institutions, government departments, businesses, and professional associations from 22 countries and regions, providing the latest education and employment information
– Covering lifelong learning courses to promote cross-generational learning
– Featuring over 4,000 job opportunities, with some employers conducting on-the-spot interviews
– The event offers free “CV Clinic” services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultation, and resume photo-taking
– Featuring over 100 events, including seminars aligned with four themed days, celebrity talks, and immersive workshops, with free entry for the public

The 34th Education & Careers Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opens today and will run for four days (16 to 19 January, Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo gathers over 820 educational institutions, government departments, businesses, and professional associations from 22 countries and regions to provide students and working professionals with the latest and most comprehensive information on education, training, and employment. This event actively supports government policies aimed at developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education and attracting high calibre talent. The Expo also introduces a free “CV Clinic”, offering services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultations and resume photography. Over 100 events are being held, featuring established figures such as renowned film artist Gordon Lam, and former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma and Yip Pui Yin sharing their experiences. Various workshops and hands-on activities suitable for families are also available, with free admission to the public throughout the four-day event.

Officiating at the Expo’s opening ceremony this morning was Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director and Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Ms Fong said in her welcoming remarks: “The Education & Careers Expo is now in its 34th edition, providing the public with an excellent platform that gathers all-round and up-to-date information on education and employment opportunities. This year’s Expo, themed ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ not only brings together major educational institutions and representatives from consulates in Hong Kong to introduce local, Mainland Chinese, and overseas education information, but also invites various government departments, public bodies, and private enterprises to recruit talent, enabling attendees to explore pathways and embrace new opportunities for the future.”

Supporting the policies of developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education and talent acquisition
This year’s Expo is divided into two main sections – “Education” and “Careers.” It features four themed days focusing on “Arts & Sports,” “Tourism & Hospitality“, “Innovation & Technology“, and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities.” Each day hosts numerous activities discussing education and career information and industry developments. The sharing sessions under the “Tourism & Hospitality” theme align with the government’s recent release of the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0”, promoting sustainable tourism and enriching the pool of tourism industry talent. The Expo helps students and working professionals plan and realise their aspirations, in line with the government’s efforts to promote Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub and its talent acquisition policies.

Featuring insights from prominent figures like renowned film artist Gordon Lam
Throughout the exhibition, over 100 activities will be held, offering a wide range of information on further education and training in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, as well as insights into employment market trends and strategies across various industries. This aims to provide job seekers with strategies and essential knowledge for entering various fields. Additionally, the Expo features insights shared by a number of celebrity guests and industry professionals.

*Visitors can pre-register to attend the themed lecture series and celebrity sharing sessions on the exhibition website. Seats are limited. Pre-registering and attending the events will entitle participants to a complimentary gift.

A one-stop information hub featuring institutions from 22 countries and regions
This year’s Expo’s “Education” section consists of four main areas. The “Local Studies” zone combines a number of universities and tertiary institutions. With the annual total construction volume in Hong Kong projected to reach HK$300 billion, necessitating a significant number of skilled professionals, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction presents programmes aimed at cultivating a pool of technical talent.

The “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone brings together various consulates in Hong Kong, officially recognised institutions and universities, among others, offering educational consultation services from various countries and regions including Europe, the Americas, Asia, Mainland China, and more. The “Lifelong Learning” zone provides diverse continuing education courses for individuals of different age groups and life stages, with the Employees Retraining Board hosting multiple learning activities covering skills such as knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and video production techniques for online streaming. The “Youth Zone” offers career planning and ongoing education information for young people, as well as a variety of job opportunities including summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions.

Offering over 4,000 job opportunities at the Expo
The Expo offers over 4,000 job opportunities in the “Careers” section, where 16 government departments and seven public institutions have booths set up, including the Civil Service Bureau and the Digital Policy Office. The Civil Service Bureau has set up a recruitment information corner at their booth to introduce the work of various government departments and job posts. They have also invited more than 10 bureaus and departments to hold a series of “Careers in the Government” seminars. In addition, aviation-related organisations like the Airport Authority Hong Kong are offering training and employment information at the “Aviation Corner” for those interested in the industry. Social welfare organisations, banks, insurance companies, and other organisations are also recruiting at the event.

The “Recruitment Square” gathers multiple job platforms, recruitment consultancy firms, and companies, accepting job applications on-site, with some providing on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes to apply for positions.

This year the fair has introduced a new “CV Clinic” that provide a range of services, including helping users to enhance their resumes and match resumes with over 4,000 job vacancies from the Education & Careers Expo via AI systems on an online platform. Additionally, on-site services include one-on-one resume consultations and resume photography. These services are offered in collaboration with recruitment platforms TechJobAsia and Jobsdb respectively. Job seekers can access the CV Clinic’s online services through the Expo website and make appointments in advance for the on-site services. Quotas are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is encouraged.

The fair also features a series of workshops and hands-on activities suitable for parents to attend with their children, such as transforming wine boxes and painting a mural using eco-friendly paint and creating virtual characters with mobile apps. There are also samba dance experiences and police dog demonstrations. Participants can engage in tasks arranged by the Civil Service Bureau that involve various government department roles, as well as experience physical training at the Fire Services Department booth and take photos while wearing children’s firefighter uniforms.

During the four-day Expo, the public are welcome to participate in the exhibition for free. Pre-registered visitors will receive a complimentary gift; limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photo download: http://bit.ly/3C7fyya