Models in Hong Kong creations pictured in front of Moscow's Cathedral of Christ
	Celebrating Style Hong Kong in Moscow at a gala evening held in Surikov Hall are (left to right) HKTDC Executive Director Fred Lam, Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Business Council Boris Titov, Miss Hong Kong 2007 Kayi Cheung, and Secretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Frederick Ma

The first large scale exposition of Hong Kong products to be staged in Russia, Style Hong Kong in Moscow, took place at the Manezh Exhibition Complex in the Russian capital. More than 200 Hong Kong companies took part in the historic exposition from September 25-28 led by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Style Hong Kong refers to the HKTDC's flagship events in emerging markets. Launched in 2003, Style Hong Kong shows had been rolled out successfully in Dubai, Budapest, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu on the Chinese mainland.

The opening ceremony for the first major Hong Kong product expo in Russia was officiated by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Russia Liu Gu-chang, Moscow City Deputy Mayor Valeri Vinogradov, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma, Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Business Council Boris Titov, Executive Director of the TDC Fred Lam, and reigning Miss Hong Kong 2007 Kayi Cheung.

Brand showcase

Mr Ma said Style Hong Kong in Moscow showcased a wide variety of high-quality brand products that epitomise Hong Kong's eye for style and innovation.

"As well as designing and producing top-quality consumer goods, another of Hong Kong's traditional strengths is creating new business partnerships and opportunities. In particular, our position as the gateway to the mainland of China offers considerable advantages both to our own entrepreneurs and to our partners from other economies," he said.

"In recent years, we have noticed growing interest from Russian companies in sourcing products from the Pearl River Delta region, for which Hong Kong is the major trading hub," added Mr Ma.

Further cementing business ties, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the HKTDC and the Russian-Chinese Business Council. The two parties agreed to cooperate in promoting information exchange and trade between Russia and Hong Kong.

"Bilateral trade between Russia and Hong Kong has been growing steadily and was up 23 per cent in the first seven months of this year," said the HKTDC's Mr Lam. "We are serious about business in this region, and we hope to build stronger ties through Style Hong Kong in Moscow and other trade events in the future."

Value for money products

Russian consumers are now looking for brand products, according to Mr Lam. "Style Hong Kong in Moscow brings to Russia's capital a variety of high-quality products that are in high demand in European and North American markets. We believe Hong Kong products are outstanding in design and quality, and also good value for money. We hope this expo will please many Russian buyers looking for style and innovation."

The Moscow show featured a wide variety of brand merchandise, including fashion and fur garments, gifts and home products, jewellery and watches, and electronics.

Apart from the trade show, the TDC has organised several other events in Moscow, including fashion shows, product displays and a gala evening for Russian businessmen and officials.

The week of September 25 to 29 has been designated Hong Kong Week in Russia, part of the Year of China programme of events in the country. Hong Kong Week festivities include performances by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in Moscow and St Petersburg, as well as a Hong Kong photo exhibition at Moscow's Manezh Exhibition Complex. The events are organised by the Hong Kong Government's Economic and Trade Office, based in London.