The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Microsoft Hong Kong today announced a new partnership to jointly launch the “Go Beyond Your Limits” Programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster next-generation talent in Hong Kong by leveraging best-in-class technology, practical learning and various support measures. The programme aims to achieve two key goals. First, it will help Hong Kong’s SMEs take tangible steps to pursue their digital transformation and seize new market opportunities under the new normal. Second, it will provide a series of learning opportunities for tertiary students in Hong Kong, helping to enhance their business-related digital skills and knowledge.
Yvonne So, Director, HKTDC Corporate Communications & Marketing; Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director; Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau; Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Hong Kong [L-R]
Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “Our Transformation Sandbox (T-box) has helped more than 2,400 Hong Kong enterprises over the past two-plus years to realise different business transformation goals. Some of the most commonly seen goals relate to digitalization, which is undoubtedly a powerful tool for companies to reshape their business, enhance their competitiveness and drive innovation. The HKTDC is delighted to partner with leading global technology company Microsoft Hong Kong to jointly launch the ‘Go Beyond Your Limits’ Programme. By integrating teaching, consulting and practical knowledge sharing, we aim to help SMEs in T-box to make good use of digital tools, and to equip tertiary students joining the HKTDC Trade Ambassador Programme (TAP) to become the digital economy talents of tomorrow’s Hong Kong.”
Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, said: “Microsoft Hong Kong is committed to empowering local SMEs to accelerate digital transformation and uplift businesses across Hong Kong. Through a holistic approach that encompasses Microsoft’s technologies such as Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 (ERP), one-to-one diagnosis and advising on funding applications for SMEs, we hope to empower them to do more with less and assist them to identify new market opportunities. For decades, we have focused on upskilling next-gen talent, digital empowerment and making the best technology available to enable SMEs to thrive and scale their business. We’re excited to be a part of the HKTDC’s ‘Go Beyond Your Limits’ Programme in conjunction with T-box and TAP and we look forward to creating synergies that can inspire more local businesses and support talent development across different sectors in Hong Kong.”
Dr Lau added: “The HKTDC’s work is always in line with the policy direction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Policies to facilitate the development of the local technology industry and enlarge the I&T talent pool in Hong Kong were highlighted in the Policy Address 2022 released by the Chief Executive last week. Accordingly, the HKTDC will put further emphasis on helping Hong Kong enterprises and young people to thrive in the digital economy. We already do this through our conferences and exhibitions, business support and promotional activities infused with various technology elements, and this new partnership with Microsoft Hong Kong is a timely way to further reinforce our commitment.”
“Go Beyond Your Limits” Programme aims to achieve two key goals:
1. Promoting SME digitalisation to increase operational efficiency
Riding on the HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme, and with invaluable support from Microsoft, the “Go Beyond Your Limits” Programme will offer support to more than 2,400 participating enterprises with the Mobile Office Portfolio, free one-to-one enterprise diagnosis and professional training courses to enhance their competitiveness. The programme will provide targeted solutions and follow-up support according to each enterprise’s specific stage of development and business needs. The programme will also help SMEs identify and apply for suitable funding schemes to expedite their business development goals. Highlights of the “Go Beyond Your Limits” Programme include:
i. Mobile Office Portfolio plus special offers for T-box members
The Mobile Office Portfolio offers Microsoft 365 and Cloud PC solutions with a high-speed 5G network that allows businesses to unlock seamless hybrid work capabilities. T-box members can enjoy two months’ rebate with a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 for Business.
ii. Free one-to-one enterprise diagnosis and workshops
Microsoft will provide participating T-box members with free one-to-one enterprise management diagnosis that can help them formulate a suitable digital transformation strategy. There are also free workshops on Dynamics 365 ERP to help SMEs strengthen and streamline their operations flow and management.
iii. Assistance with funding applications
Microsoft will assist SMEs to identify and apply for suitable funding schemes and financial assistance so that they can accelerate implementation and expedite their business transformation goals.
During the pandemic, remote working, automated business and production procedures and e-commerce became the new normal across enterprises of all sizes. As businesses continue their transformation journey, companies across all sectors of the Hong Kong economy will continue to look for new market opportunities with innovation and technologies. And as market and consumer demands continue to shift, enterprises will need to make the best use of new technologies to ensure effective allocation of resources and business processes, maximise operational efficiency and realise cost savings. This will help them capitalise on this new wave of innovation and adopt technologies to meet customer needs and expand into new markets.
2. Committed to nurturing young talents
The HKTDC Trade Ambassador Programme (TAP) was launched to help the younger generation equip themselves for future entrepreneurship, career development, as well as broaden their business horizons. In collaboration with tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, the full-year programme will consist of opportunities to participate in the numerous activities and initiatives organised by the HKTDC so that they can gain a more in-depth understanding and perspective of trade and commerce both within Hong Kong and internationally.
Another important role for Microsoft Hong Kong is to provide next-gen talent with cross-disciplinary learning and practical opportunities to develop a pool of IT specialists that can support the future development of Hong Kong. Microsoft will equip 1,200 TAP students with future-ready IT skills through expert talks, Microsoft Learn online courses, instructor-led tutorials and free examinations on Microsoft Fundamentals, a series of industry-recognised certifications for IT generalists to gain knowledge on digital transformation and to validate their skills relating to the cloud, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity standards and compliance. Students will also be entitled to free US$100 Azure Credits via the Azure for Students programme to enjoy free services on the Azure Portal and to have a hands-on trial of Azure cloud solutions, including but not limited to building their own apps, exploring AI, and working with big data sets.
“Go Beyond Your Limits” Programme website: https://home.hktdc.com/en/s/microsoft Photo download: https://bit.ly/3SLhA9b
About T-box
In order to assist SMEs to explore opportunities and realised their business transformation, the HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (“T-box”) support programme aims to help SMEs enhance their business competitiveness and achieve upgrading and transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing and supply chain as well as access to new markets. Dedicated T-box staff work with enterprises to identify their goals and provide support over a three-month period, with group and individualised advisory services covering workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities. The programme has been well received since its launch, with more than 2,400 Hong Kong companies participating and over 600 free consultations provided by professional organisations, chambers of commerce representatives, business partners and HKTDC overseas offices. Website: https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/tbox
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Microsoft Hong Kong Communications Department: Bobo Wong, Tel: +852 5614 9998, Email: bobo.wong@microsoft.com
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the Policy Address announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu today, and believes the proposed ground-breaking and wide-ranging policies can help drive Hong Kong’s long-term development while resolving some of its pressing issues.
Dr Peter KN Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council said, “The Policy Address clearly sets forth strategic priorities to ensure Hong Kong’s growth by defining the city’s role in supporting and leveraging the development of the mainland, especially the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) while contributing to global initiatives in innovation and technology, healthcare and environmental protection. The new structures and resources in coordinating infrastructure, economic, social and youth development as well as sector synergy will also create sustained momentum for Hong Kong. At the same time, policies to support SMEs, attract talent, encourage investment and tackle social issues will help resolve some of the immediate problems we are facing.
“I am particularly pleased that the Chief Executive has taken into account the suggestions of the business community on supporting SMEs and revitalising Hong Kong’s position as an international trade fair and convention capital.” Dr Lam added. These include the expansion of exhibition space and the extension of the “Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme to the end of June 2023. Hong Kong companies will also benefit from the higher level of government funding support in the “Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)” and the “SME Export Marketing Fund,” the latter also includes an extension of special measures covering virtual fairs and local consumer fairs and expansion of eligibility to cover non-SMEs. Dr Lam also welcomes the new support scheme to attract other exhibitions to be staged in Hong Kong over three years.
Dr Lam also welcomed policies to boost the growth of specific sectors such as technology and innovation, art and culture and intellectual property (IP) to help diversify Hong Kong’s economy while opening up opportunities, especially in the GBA and mainland market and Belt and Road countries.
“Our full range of fairs, conferences and programmes are ready to support Hong Kong’s economic sectors, from finance, aviation and logistics, legal services to technology and innovation, art and culture and IP, for which our Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum (BIP Asia) and Asia IP Exchange portal will support Hong Kong’s development into a regional IP trading and commercialisation hub. In addition, we will work with the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong family of organisations to promote Hong Kong’s strengths overseas. Through our global network of 50 offices, support programmes such as GoGBA, and major international promotional events such as Think Business, Think Hong Kong, we will promote Hong Kong to the world and create opportunities for the local, mainland and global business community.”
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department: Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, the physical shows of the 41st HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 10th Salon de TE drew to a successful close yesterday. This year’s fairs adopted the new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, attracting more than 6,200 industry buyers to visit the physical fairs and browse products online, as well as more than 25,000 public visitors to shop for exquisite timepieces. The online fairs will continue to run until 6 October. As of today, the HKTDC has already arranged more than 1,200 business meetings, enabling more global watch and clock traders to explore business opportunities through the fairs’ online platform. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Although numerous sectors around the world, including the watch and clock industry, have been hard hit by the pandemic, we are pleased to see that affordable luxury watches are a hot pick in the market, and that watches featuring innovative technologies and sustainable elements are part of the new fashion trend. This year, the two fairs showcased a wide range of trendy, high-quality products from notable brands. Exhibitors were also able to capitalise on retail opportunities driven by the recent disbursement of the government’s consumption vouchers.”
E-tailing presents new business opportunities, fairs give exhibitors a retail boost
The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey with exhibitors and buyers during the fairs to gauge the development trends in the watch and clock industry in 2023. The survey found that the majority of respondents considered e-tailing (37%) and the recovering purchasing power of customers (28%) to present the biggest business opportunities. Of the exhibitors surveyed, 39% of them are engaged in e-tailing businesses, while 33% indicated an intention to invest resources in developing an e-tailing business over the next two years to capture more orders. Regarding product trends, respondents expected smart watches (47%) to be the most popular watch category in 2023, followed by mechanical watches (15%) and digital analogue watches (14%).
In addition, some exhibitors said that sustainability themed watches will be another key trend. Speaking at the MINI green watch series product launch during the fairs, Esther Wong, Founder and CEO of Acestar Concept Limited, said: “As people become more environmentally conscious, this green watch collection has become the talk of the town. Sales of the watch at the fairground did well and we have already sold about 1,000 pieces. A new buyer expressed interest in bringing MINI green watches to the United States and South American markets, while another new buyer from Mainland China is keen to cooperate with us by investing in the development of a new eco-friendly product. Overall, the response from both public visitors and trade buyers has been overwhelming.”
The two fairs were open to the general public this year, with a lively buying atmosphere at the fairground. The on-site survey revealed that the per capita consumption of public visitors was HK$1,146. Mike Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Mira Watch International Ltd, said the traffic at the fair was very good. “The average per capita spending by customers at our booth is around HK$4,000-5,000. A mechanical sports watch priced at HK$10,000 has sold particularly well. We expect this year’s on-site sales turnover to reach HK$1 million.”
Click2Match helps industry players seize business opportunities
This year’s fairs adopted EXHIBITION+, a brand-new exhibition model integrating online and offline trade show formats, extending face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online platform. To help overseas buyers maintain contact with exhibitors, the HKTDC mobilised its 50 global offices to invite international buyers to engage in business discussions with exhibitors via video conferencing. In addition, the HKTDC utilises its smart business-matching platform, Click2Match, to generate AI-recommended leads for exhibitors and buyers until 18 September. The platform also provides functions such as a meeting planner, instant messaging, video conferencing and file sharing to facilitate communication between buyers and exhibitors. The online fairs will run until 6 October on hktdc.com Sourcing where trade buyers can continue their sourcing journey at their own convenience.
The renowned Swiss brand Victorinox, famed for its army knives and sporty watches, was at the Watch & Clock Fair to source watch parts and components. Kelvin Lo, Head of Sourcing – Watches, Victorinox Dongguan Company Limited, said: “Through the HKTDC’s Click2Match platform and its business-matching team, we set up physical meetings with six parts and components suppliers before the opening of the fair. The platform proved to be effective in helping us identify suitable suppliers in advance. Following business negotiations at the physical fair, we have been successful in finding five potential suppliers, one of which has adopted a brand-new technology to produce leather straps.”
Chit Tat Clock and Watch Company Limited was another exhibitor that was able to connect with overseas buyers via the Click2Match platform. The company’s General Manager, Philip Lau, said the brand focused on selling its stock to consumers at the fair, helping to expand its retail business. In addition, the company arranged more than 20 online meetings with overseas buyers via the Click2Match platform to conduct business negotiations after the physical fairs, with Mr Lau saying he was satisfied with the results.
Following a successful series of fairs over the summer, the HKTDC will hold the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), International ICT Expo, electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo from 13 to 16 October, all of which will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. The model’s round-the-clock services will boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and offer benefits ranging from extended fair periods and expanded platforms to enhanced business opportunities.
Fair websites – Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://hkwatchfair.hktdc.com – Salon de TE: https://hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/te – Photo download: https://bit.ly/3xdWJ6u
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org Clementine Cheung, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 38th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, the 8th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the inaugural Simply Shopping Fest have all concluded successfully. The three public shows attracted more than 80,000 visitors appreciating and purchasing fine jewellery pieces, in addition to buying gourmet food and wine and household items. The concurrent events featured livestreaming sessions hosted by key opinion leaders (KOLs), offering more opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their products as well as creating a more engaging experience – covering shopping, leisure and entertainment – for the general public. The broadcasts received an enthusiastic response. HKTDC Acting Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “The two jewellery shows were open to the public this year, bringing local retail opportunities for exhibitors. We promoted an online-to-offline (O2O) shopping model through the KOL livestreaming sessions, with engaging sales techniques helping exhibitors to further promote their products. Following the encouraging feedback received, we will continue reinforcing cross-channel marketing to help exhibitors increase brand awareness, reach out to a wider customer base and grow their business.”
Jewellery exhibitors acquiring new customers
J Ocean Pearl Jewellery Limited Director Jackie Leung and Marketing Director Lila Wong said their sales at the Jewellery Show were satisfactory, helped by using social media promotions to further extend their reach to new customer segments. “The KOL livestreaming session at our booth was an interesting way to interact with viewers, opening up new business opportunities and attracting more customers,” they said.
Yvonne Pong, Director of Wing Hang South Sea Pearl Company Limited, shared that a new customer purchased a golden pearl necklace priced at more than HK$200,000. “Our sales have been encouraging. The shows attract many quality consumers with strong purchasing power,” Ms Pong said.
Another exhibitor, Jignesh Donda, Director, Sheetal (Far East) Limited, said: “We showcased a variety of exquisite diamonds at the show, primarily focused on 0.30 to 0.50 carat diamonds, to cater to the preferences of local customers. The new Exhibition Centre MTR station makes it more convenient for exhibitors and visitors to get to the fairground. We’ve received a number of enquiries from customers and believe we will meet more new customers here.”
Talented local jewellery designers gathered at the shows
As one of the highlight events this year, the 23rd Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition continues to provide a platform for local talents to showcase their creative flair and to identify budding designers. The winning pieces were displayed at the twin jewellery shows.
The shows also provided a precious opportunity for young designers to interact with the public, while showcasing their creative talents and jewellery designs.
Fanny Yu, Group Project Director of Loupe, noted: “Loupe is a design incubation space founded by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group to nurture Hong Kong’s young talents in jewellery-making and design. This is the first time we have participated in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. Around 20 young jewellery designers are with us here. Through this opportunity, they have acquired a deeper understanding of local consumers’ needs. This will definitely help their career development.”
The HKTDC surveyed more than 1,000 exhibitors and visitors during the twin jewellery shows. The results showed that the most popular purchases were diamond jewellery, followed by gemstone jewellery and jade jewellery. Close to 40% of surveyed visitors said they had spent at least HK$1,000 more at the fairs in anticipation of a new round of consumption vouchers by the government. Around 33% of visitors said they had spent more than HK$10,000 at the jewellery shows.
Food and health products top sellers at Simply Shopping Fest
The debut Simply Shopping Fest showed its effectiveness as a channel for exhibitors to sell products to the general public. HKTDC’s survey conducted at Simply Shopping Fest reflected that gourmet food and wine were the most purchased types of product, followed by home and living goods and health and beauty items. Survey respondents said that product variety, product price and discount offers were the most attractive aspects of the shopping fair.
Gary Ching, Founder & Watchmaker, Anpassa Watch Company, Hong Kong said: “We are participating in the debut Simply Shopping Fest to let more people know about our local brand “Anpassa” along with our customised and personalised watchmaking service. We estimate that on-site sales will be around HK$100,000. Benefitting from the Government’s Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) from different sectors are able to participate in this fair at discounted exhibition fees, bringing a greater variety of products to consumers.”
Livestreaming generated more business opportunities for exhibitors
The HKTDC collaborated with livestreaming platforms to present multiple livestreaming sessions at the three events, helmed by KOLs who promoted exhibitors’ products and interacted with the audience.
Exhibitor Kenneth Au, Co-founder and Director at Life Is For Excellence Limited, said: “The KOLs explain the features of our healthy foods to customers in an interactive and persuasive way. Customers buy our products via the livestreaming platform and pick them up at the fairground. This O2O shopping model has helped us increase our exposure, enrich our customers’ experience and generate more sales turnover.” Meanwhile, Jackel Lee, Owner of Nubiotic International (HK) Limited, said orders generated from the livestreaming sessions accounted for 10% of the company’s turnover at the fair.
Numerous exciting events were held during the three fairs, including smart bidding sessions where shoppers bid on popular items starting at 10% of the retail price. Other well-received events organised at the jewellery shows include Jewellery Parade Series, Tahitian Pearl Stylish Bracelet Workshop and Handmade Rose Earrings Workshop as well as sharing sessions on “Diamond, Arts and Science” and “Making Unique Jewellery: The Tradition and Future of Craftsmanship”.
At the Simply Shopping Fest, events such as the Hong Kong Tasting Trendies Sake Awards 2022, Cooking with Chef Kitty, Oppa’s Cuisine – Food and Wine Pairing, Chinese calligraphy appreciation, Chinese medicine and ketogenic diet sharing sessions were popular among visitors.
Food Expo and three concurrent shows coming up in mid-August
Following on the heels of these three exhibitions, the HKTDC will organise a series of public fairs in the summer, including the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo (all 11 to 15 August), and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair (11 to 13 August). These events will provide the public with a unique one-stop shopping experience, while helping companies expand their local retail market and provide a boost to Hong Kong’s economy.
Websites – Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: https://hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com – Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: https://hkdgp.hktdc.com – Simply Shopping Fest: https://ssf.hktdc.com/en – Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Q6NpbQ
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the International Sourcing Show physical fair, run with the new EXHIBITION+ (EPLUS) model, drew to a successful close on 15 July. Over 20,000 industry buyers attended the physical event and browsed products online. The event facilitated more than 5,000 business meetings, connecting exhibitors with global buyers both online and offline. The International Sourcing Show attracted more than 1,730 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, presenting in excess of 83,000 products. The show gathered seven trade fairs under one umbrella, including the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Hong Kong Houseware Fair, Hong Kong Fashion Week, Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair (jointly organised by the CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited). The new EPLUS model helped extend interactions between exhibitors and buyers to the online platform, helping enterprises to continue exploring “blue ocean” opportunities via the smart online business-matching platform Click2Match and hktdc.com Sourcing.
Positive feedback from EPLUS users
Participating exhibitors proactively used Click2Match to search for potential partners and took the initiative to arrange meetings with buyers from all over the world at their own convenience. Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “As the first event to use the new EPLUS exhibition model, the International Sourcing Show has generated positive feedback from users. We are happy to see many exhibitors harness the platform to seize business opportunities, contact global buyers, and facilitate order agreements around the clock and across borders. We will continue to use EPLUS in our upcoming trade fairs to further assist different sectors of Hong Kong business to connect with international buyers.”
Connecting to global buyers via online and offline business matching meetings
Rosana Lau, Deputy Marketing Manager of Gold China Development Ltd, which specialises in the production of kitchenware, tableware and home decoration items, explained that the company was looking for new local and overseas buyers through the International Sourcing Show. Using the HKTDC’s Click2Match platform, the firm arranged at least eight online meetings with overseas buyers from Brazil, Japan and the United States. Also, with the help of the HKTDC’s business matching team, they met with potential buyers from hotel groups and premium online gift shops.
Lubee Chak, Brand Director of Louise Castle Company, a premium fashion brand for tailor-made men’s suits and accessories, said that in addition to talking to more than 10 buyers at the physical fair, the HKTDC’s business matching team helped the firm arrange online meetings with buyers from Hong Kong, Japan, Mainland China and Thailand, helping it to raise brand awareness and build a stronger foundation for future business development in overseas markets.
Beyond Li, General Manager, Zhejiang Jupeng Drinkware Co Ltd, a company specialising in manufacturing thermal mugs and sports water bottles, said that apart from displaying products at the physical fair of the International Sourcing Show, the company also participated in the online fair to find new customers. They established a number of contacts through the physical fair and talked to around eight gift buyers from France, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines via online meetings. Buyers from Hong Kong and France expressed an intention to place orders worth US$200,000 for their thermal mugs and sports water bottles. The International Sourcing Show provided the company with an effective channel to find quality buyers and capture online-to-offline business opportunities.
On-site business networking sessions
The HKTDC organised two business networking sessions during the physical show to connect buyers and suppliers. Beattie Leung, Sales Manager at Shinzen International Ltd, a distributor and wholesaler of pet supplies and pet food, said the company wanted to add pet backpacks and pet toys to its portfolio and to develop new markets such as Mainland China and Southeast Asia. Through the business networking session, they connected with a potential supplier from which they planned to place an order of 1,000 pet backpacks. Ms Leung said her company felt comfortable working with Hong Kong suppliers because they were reliable and able to provide quality products.
Hector Pang, Chairman of the China Affairs Committee at SME Global Alliance, said the physical edition of the International Sourcing Show provided an ideal platform for its members with factories in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to find new suppliers of raw materials and identify business opportunities. The alliance found a suitable supplier of eco-friendly non-woven bags from Mainland China and decided to place an order of 50,000 pieces that will be distributed to its members.
Zhejiang enterprises reached out to global buyers via International Sourcing Show
The Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province gathered exhibitors from the gifts and printing and packaging industries, forming the largest pavilion at the show. It was also the first time for the Zhejiang Pavilion to participate in the fair remotely. Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, and Chen Zhicheng, Deputy Director General, Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, met online to officiate the launch of the Zhejiang Pavilion. Zhu Ying, Director of the Trade and Development Department, Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, and Zhang Shuangwen, General Manager of CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, also joined the ceremony and a group photo-taking session to commemorate the occasion. The opening ceremony can be viewed on the fair website and through the Click2Match platform.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
