Alan Yip is one of nine Hong Kong designers whose collections are being showcased to international buyers
	TDC's new Design Gallery outlet at Hong Kong International Airport promotes Hong Kong creativity to tourists from around the world

Visitors to Hong Kong will be able to enjoy last-minute shopping for the city's branded products with the opening of Design Gallery at Hong Kong International Airport. (Design Gallery)

Located at the airport's Departure Hall (Level 7) and run by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the shop showcases high quality Hong Kong products and original local design. The airport shop opened with a spotlight on the latest collections of nine Hong Kong designers.

"We are expanding our business from serving local consumers and overseas buyers to promoting Hong Kong products to tourists from all over the world," said TDC's senior exhibition manager Anne Chick. 

Proven results

Design Gallery opened in 1991 at the Wanchai waterfront Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the world-class venue where many international trade fairs are held. For more than a decade, the shop has played a prime role in helping the city's designers and manufacturers expand their international clientele.

"Many overseas traders visit Design Gallery after going to trade shows at HKCEC. Using our free enquiry services, buyers have been known to place substantial orders with local designers," added Ms Chick.

More than 4,000 Hong Kong products including electronics, toys, jewellery, watches, household products and wedding gifts are available at the two Design Gallery shops.

The HKCEC outlet attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually and handles over 3,000 trade enquiries. "And they continue to shop online via our web page when they return home," said Ms Chick.

Innovative products

She said these numbers are proof of the popularity and success of Hong Kong products. "There has been a remarkable transformation in Hong Kong from low-end mass production to quality brand products with high design values and cutting-edge technology."

Looking to the future, Ms Chick said the two Design Gallery outlets will include more innovative design offerings and will work to promote Hong Kong product design to the vast Chinese mainland market and overseas visitors.