‘Mind Attack’, an innovative game by Silverlit, demonstrates Hong Kong toy manufacturers’ ability to use creativity to keep ahead of the competition

"Production in the Chinese mainland has enhanced the price competitiveness of Hong Kong toy exporters, while Hong Kong's role has shifted even more towards quality control, management, marketing, product design and production planning," said chairman of the Trade Development Council's (TDC) Toys Advisory Committee Edmund Young. 

Adding that development now focuses on an increasingly creative, high-tech and electronic platform, Mr Young said: "Hong Kong players have to keep abreast with advanced technology which influences all aspects of the business, from product design and manufacturing, to sales and production."

"Buyers and consumers need surprises, attractive design, gimmicks, and more electronics," agreed marketing manager of Silverlit Toys Manufactory Ltd Eddy Wong.

"The trend is to be more creative and innovative to be able to survive the competition."

	Leading the region in style and creativity, Hong Kong makes a strong impression on the fashion world

"To strengthen brands in an uncertain economic climate, companies should develop a co-ordinated, step-by-step approach with a clear end goal," said Mr Leow.

Branded products are expected to be a growth engine for Hong Kong's clothing industry, while production of high-tech and electronic toys is the way forward for the toy industry.

"What makes Hong Kong unique is the breadth of product, sophistication, innovations and representation from all over the world. It is really a central arena for the global toy industry," said Chris Byrne, staff writer for New York-based The Toy Book and Toy Wishes magazines, speaking at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair 2003.

The Vectron Blackhawk, which won a 2002 design award as “the next generation of flying toy”, is a fine example of Hong Kong ingenuity

Hong Kong is the world's largest toy exporter, with the toy industry exporting HK$74 billion (US$9.5 billion) in 2000. The Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair is the largest of its kind in Asia and could soon overtake New York to become the second largest in the world. Hong Kong's clothing exports are ranked second in the world, exporting HK$174 billion (US$22.3 billion) in 2000. Hong Kong Fashion Week Spring/Summer is one of the main events in the fashion industry around the world and will be held July 8-11, 2003.

Related links:
HK Toys industry http://toys.tdctrade.com/
HK Fashion industry http://garments.tdctrade.com/