Jun Planning sales director Genichi Takano says the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair showcases the company's Pulip fashion dolls to buyers from around the world

Hong Kong's expertise in dealing with the Chinese mainland is one of the reasons why sales figures are up and business has expanded for Tokyo-based toy manufacturer Jun Planning Co Ltd.

Sales director of Jun Planning, Genichi Takano, said the company has taken advantage of  the management expertise of its Hong Kong partner to produce good results and high quality products.

"Currently, we put our Hong Kong partner in charge of production management and export procedures. This ensures quick response. Hong Kong companies are well versed in the business practices of the mainland, have strong communication skills which in turn promotes smooth communication between our offices in Japan and Hong Kong," said Mr Takano.

Jun Planning has been outsourcing production to a plant in Dongguan, southern China, to cut costs. Mr Takano said quality control was often cited as one of the problems that tend to happen with outsourcing. "However, with our Hong Kong partner and our own Japanese experts we have been able to maintain high standards."

Mr Takano said the company regards Hong Kong as an international sourcing base and an excellent showcase for its products. Through international trade fairs held in the SAR, Jun Planning has been able to make inroads to the US and European markets. It took part in the recent Hong Kong Toy and Games Fair organised by the Trade Development Council to promote its fashion doll Pulip.

"Our fashion doll Pulip is already popular in Asia but we wanted exposure to global markets. Hong Kong is a sourcing base not just for Asian buyers but also buyers from US, Europe and the Middle East. We regard Hong Kong fairs as being more effective than fairs in Japan to gain footholds in Europe and US."

Mr Takano added that Hong Kong as a gateway to China and India has much to offer. "The disposable incomes of consumers in both China and India are expected to increase. By exhibiting our products in Hong Kong fairs which attract a large number of visitors from China, India and Southeast Asia, we are educating them that Japanese toys score high on design and quality."

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