Messe Frankfurt's Stephan Buurma (left) and Katy Lam with InvestHK's Simon Galpin at the recent announcement of the company's regional headquarters expansion in Hong Kong

Messe Frankfurt, the biggest trade fair and exhibition organiser in Germany (in terms of revenue and profit) and owner of the third biggest exhibition centre in the world, is expanding its regional headquarters in Hong Kong. This is in response to increasing exhibition activities and strong market potential in both Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Messe Frankfurt's managing director Hong Kong and financial director for Asia Pacific Stephan Buurma said there are plans to increase staff in Hong Kong next year by 25 per cent with the rapid business expansion.

"The success of our Hong Kong operation has meant dynamic growth in staff and resources. For example, we have made additional investment in local expertise and technology during 2003 with the introduction of a new online trading platform, Smartsource, allowing buyers to source fabrics at any time from anywhere in the world," said Mr Buurma.

Messe Frankfurt started in Hong Kong in 1987 by organising Interstoff Asia, an international fabric fair. Messe Frankfurt (HK) has also successfully arranged for the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) to hold its annual garment, accessories and machinery sourcing exhibition "Source It" in Hong Kong for the next five years beginning in 2004.

Messe Frankfurt's director of trade fairs Katy Lam said Hong Kong is the natural choice of location for "Source It."

"The city is a gateway to both the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world. There is simply nowhere better located or with better knowledge of the international textile and garment business.

"The combination of 'Source It' and Interstoff Asia Spring will further strengthen the position of the local industry and demonstrate Hong Kong's position as a world trading hub especially for clothing and textiles," added Ms Lam.

Simon Galpin acting director-general of investment promotion at Invest Hong Kong, said  Messe Frankfurt's expansion in Hong Kong "reinforces our city's position as the trade fair and global sourcing hub in the region." 

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InvestHK
Messe Frankfurt