The Asia-Pacific Leather Fair is the most important industry event for the year, attracting over 50,000 buyers coming mainly from overseas

Leading the way are the Hong Kong Houseware Fair (April 21-24), Asia's leading event of its kind and Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair (April 28-30), the second largest gift fair of its kind in the world. This is followed by the Asia-Pacific Leather Fair held from 26-28 June (originally scheduled for April 7-10), the most important industry event for the year. All three fairs reaffirm Hong Kong's status as the premier business and sourcing hub in the region.

Perrine Ardouin, senior event manager for Asia Pacific Leather Fair Ltd, said APLF has a 20-year history in the SAR, which "tells its own story in terms of the convenience and attraction of Hong Kong to our participants". Last April, 3,300 exhibiting companies and over 50,000 buyers attended the show, the majority of them from outside Hong Kong.

"The superb exhibition facilities, transportation, banking system and free trade infrastructure provide an ideal environment for business," Ms Ardouin said. "In addition, our exhibitors and buyers find the proximity to the Chinese mainland a great advantage and in Hong Kong they can access knowledge and expertise from local companies and organisations to facilitate business with the mainland."

Traders flock from around the world

	Over 30 countries or nations will be represented at Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair, which has grown to be the world’s second largest gift show

This year, it has grown in space by 15 per cent to encompass the new specialised category, Lighting and Furniture World.
Ms Chick said the fair is regarded as an effective platform for business networking and to showcase products. "This expansion is in line with buyers' needs in offering a wider range of merchandise for their sourcing, while at the same time fulfilling the manufacturers' desire to join this premier event of the industry."

With over 3,300 exhibitors lined up, the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair - also organised by the TDC - has this year become the world's second largest trade show of its kind. This represents an increase of around 16 per cent over 2002. Over 30 countries or nations will be represented at the exposition, showcasing the best of the best to the world. As a measure of its diversity there will be 13 group pavilions encompassing Australia, the Chinese mainland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and UK.

"With our strong international participation, we believe that our fair is the most effective sourcing platform, especially for buyers in search of Asia-manufactured products," Ms Chick said.

Related links:
Asia-Pacific Leather Fair www.aplf.com
Hong Kong Houseware Fair www.hkhousewarefair.com
Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair www.hkgiftspremiumfair.com