International buyers are pouring back to Hong Kong trade fairs

With Sars behind us, Hong Kong is busier than ever as international visitors make up for lost time. As Asia's leading trade fair destination, each year Hong Kong plays host to more than 70 international events, attracting 30,000 exhibitors and 350,000 buyers. Many events are the largest in Asia and second in the world.

In July, the Trade Development Council (TDC) is hosting a massive houseware and gifts fair, with more than 3,700 exhibitors jostling for space, and buyers are coming from around the world to replenish stocks for Christmas. TDC is also holding Fashion Week for Spring/Summer on 8 - 11 July, kicked off by a glamorous "Fashion Splash" cocktail party at Government House.

The majority of international buyers are keen to return quickly to Hong Kong, a recent survey by the trade media specialists Global Sources has revealed.

Fifty percent of those questioned said they would be happy to visit a Sars-affected area within a month of the World Health Organisation travel advisory being lifted. The WHO lifted its advisory on Hong Kong and Guangdong on 23 May.

Click here to read the full survey

Elizabeth Thomson president of ICS Trust (Asia) Ltd, a specialized, professional private banking and corporate services organization, said that she is telling her contacts that it is safe to visit Hong Kong.

"Our first priority has been to encourage as many of our contacts as possible to visit Hong Kong this summer, to attend the second session of the trade fairs and to see with their own eyes that this is still a dynamic business centre at the gateway to China." 

Looking forward - Hong Kong's spirit

April and May were quiet for trade fair organisers. But with many shows being rescheduled for the latter half of the year, Hong Kong is now busier than ever. International business visitors are pouring back into Hong Kong - eager to make up for lost time.

"It's really important for buyers go back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. Everyone can go back with confidence now," said Trevor Offless, of British giftware supplier, Robert Bland Ltd.

"I've been visiting Hong Kong for the past seven years, and I'm looking forward to meeting up with our suppliers and partners who have become good friends as well," said Mr Offless.

"Hong Kong is more determined than ever, and is really revitalised," said Bob Chang, Vice President (Asia), Associated Merchandising Corporation, one of the largest sourcing companies in the US. "Hong Kong is the "eyes and ears" for our overseas buyers, and has a unique position as the "shop window" for the Chinese mainland," he added.

Rebound Hong Kong

Looking ahead to the autumn months, TDC's schedule is packed. Two mega fairs are taking place in September and October - Watch & Clock (3-7 September) and Electronics (13-16 October). September also sees Filmart - Asia's very own Cannes. It looks set to be a great event. Asia is the latest hot property in the film world. Hollywood is clamouring to work with Asian partners.
 
Hong Kong is also increasingly popular for its post-production capabilities and as a film location. James Bond recently stopped off in Hong Kong on his way to saving the world - and Lara Croft threw herself off one of our tallest buildings.
 
Visiting trade fairs in Hong Kong remains one of the most successful ways to see what China has to offer. In the past two years, Chinese buyers and exhibitors have increased by 60 and 74 percent respectively. Hong Kong is not called the trade fair capital of Asia for nothing.

Click here for a full list of Trade Development Council events
Click here for a full list of business events.

Highlights of the months ahead:

July
Hong Kong Fashion Week
Hong Kong Licensing Show and Conference
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium
Hong Kong Houseware Fair

August
The 19th International Computer Expo 2003
Food Expo
International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products

September
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2003
Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair 2003
Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair 2003
Hong Kong International Computer Conference
Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) 2003