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| Bullish outlook as Toys Fair ends on upbeat note ( 09/01/2004 ) | |||||||||
The Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair (6-9 January) ended on an upbeat note as an industry survey indicated that the majority of toy players are very bullish on the global toy market in 2004. Interviewed exhibitors and buyers expect a double-digit growth in toy retail market in the US and Western Europe. The majority of interviewed exhibitors (81 per cent) and buyers (79 per cent) expect the global toy market to be better or slightly better than 2003. This is the highest percentage recorded since 2000. The survey which interviewed 733 exhibitors and 1,046 buyers, was carried out by Oracle, an independent survey company commissioned by the show organiser, the Trade Development Council (TDC). "The toy sector is very upbeat in its market outlook this year. There are convincing signs that a faster global economic recovery driven by the US is under way. This is definitely good news," said TDC's Toys Advisory Committee Chairman Edmund Young. The survey also found that 34 per cent of buyers prefer Hong Kong/South China for new supply sources followed by Shanghai and neighbouring regions and US and Canada. The Fair is Asia's largest toys fair and the third largest in the world. This year it attracted over 1,800 exhibitors coming from all corners of the world. More details in Hong Kong Toys & Games. Busy trade show schedule in spring Looking ahead to spring, Hong Kong's trade fair schedule is packed. The Fashion Week running concurrently with World Boutique Hong Kong (13-16 Jan) has lots of sourcing opportunities for garments while HOFEX 2004 will draw in the industry leaders from the hospitality sector. March and April see the International Jewellery Show (2-5 March), Interstoff Asia International Fabric Show (March 23-25) and the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (March 29-April1). Capitalising on the past success of the October Hong Kong Electronics Fair, TDC will be launching a spring edition from 14-17 April. Benajamin Chau, TDC's exhibitions director, says: "The continuous and strong demand from exhibitors reflects the product cycle is getting shorter. With this new show, buyers will be able to replenish stocks with newer models while keeping a good control of inventory level." The Houseware Fair (21-24 April) and the Gifts and Premium Fair (28 April -1 May) follow in April. 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 per cent respectively. Hong Kong is not called the trade fair capital for nothing. Click here for a full list of TDC events. January February HOFEX 2004 - The 10th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink April | |||||||||
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