Buyers from around the world flocked to the Hong Kong Electronics Fair with record buyer registration of more than 15,900 counted on the first day. This registration exceeded expectations at a time when the market outlook has been clouded by global uncertainty.

“Hong Kong is the place to conduct business in electronics,” said MMI-Munich International Trade Fairs managing director Mr Ronald Unterburger.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Asia’s largest trade show in Asia for sourcing electronic products, components, and lighting fixtures, Mr Unterburger said he has full confidence that with the massive and highly competitive production bases in China and the Far East, coupled with the ingenuity and efficiency of the Hong Kong people, Hong Kong is the best place for the fair.

“This year we may see some slowdown in business activities due to circumstances beyond our control. However we must not allow these events to frighten us nor deter us, as business will continue. Fortunately, there are many people who are still very positive and see great opportunities ahead with even greater things to be achieved in the years to come.”

The four-day fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) and held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, offers buyers and exhibitors the chance to develop trade contacts, marketing opportunities and market knowledge. Running concurrent are the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2001 , electronicAsia 2001 co-organised by Messe Munchen International and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair.

This year there are 29 trade delegations for the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and 6 trade delegations for the Lighting Fair. Major delegations include 52 buyers from Canada, 57 buyers from Mexico and over 100 buyers from Moscow.

Guests of honour at the opening ceremony were Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Donald Tsang, chairman of TDC’s Electronics/Electrical Appliances Advisory Committee Mr Allan Wong, TDC’s Executive Director Mr Michael C.C. Sze and Mr Unterburger.

Mr Allan Wong said the concurrent fairs not only offer a wider range of complementary products to buyers but also attract a variety of relevant industry players from all over the world.

He added that Hong Kong’s total exports of electronics products has grown steadily amounting to over HK$300 billion (US$38 billion) in the first half of 2001 despite the difficult external environment.

“We expect that the hardship is likely to linger for a while. Nonetheless, the outlook of the electronics industry is not bleak. The imminent liberalisation of the mainland market as a result of China’s accession to World Trade Organisation will pose enormous business opportunities to Hong Kong companies.”

Mr Tsang shared these sentiments and said, “The Hong Kong-mainland synergy is crucial to the further development of many sectors in Hong Kong and such synergy is bound to reach new heights upon China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The opportunities created will also help counter the sluggish global economy and the slump in global demand we are facing now.”

Other attractions of this year’s fair include: