Editor’s Note
The HKTDC continues to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global trade hub, with six major international fairs scheduled for early 2018. These events provide vital platforms for market intelligence and partnership building, supporting business growth for companies worldwide.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as an international business hub to provide the latest market information and foster partnerships, thereby helping companies develop their businesses. Annually, it organizes over 30 exhibitions, offering a one-stop sourcing platform. From January to March 2018, six international expos will be held to assist buyers and participating companies in business development.
In November 2017, the HKTDC and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
The six fairs are: Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair (January 8-11), Hong Kong Baby Products Fair (January 8-11), Hong Kong International Licensing Show (January 8-10), Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter (January 15-18), Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show (February 27 – March 3), and Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (March 1-5).
Korea is Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest source of imports. In the first ten months of 2017, bilateral trade reached USD 31.8 billion, a 25% increase year-on-year. Hong Kong’s imports of Korean products grew by 30.9% to USD 25.9 billion, while Hong Kong’s exports to Korea increased by 4.7% to USD 5.9 billion.
The 44th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest toy fair, will feature over 2,000 brands. The 2017 edition attracted over 46,000 buyers from 126 countries. Themed zones include Smart-Tech Toys (featuring high-tech toys with AR/VR/MR), STEAM Toys, Pet Toys, Fireworks, Kidult World (hobby items for adults), and the Brand Name Gallery with over 220 premium brands. Six group pavilions, including Korea, China, and the World of Toys pavilion (mainly European exhibitors), will be featured. A conference on January 9 will share industry trends.
The 9th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will host about 570 global exhibitors. The 2017 edition attracted over 30,000 buyers. Highlight zones include the Brand Name Gallery (featuring 50 brands from 16 countries), a new Hong Kong Baby Industry Association (HKCBMIA) pavilion, a Singapore pavilion, and a Korean pavilion with over 30 companies. A new “World of Stroller & Gear II” zone will showcase high-quality strollers and car seats.
The 49th Hong Kong Fashion Week will feature around 1,400 exhibitors showcasing apparel, designer collections, accessories, fabrics, and fashion services. The 2017 edition attracted 15,000 buyers from 77 countries. New for 2018 is a Corporate Fashion/Uniform zone. Other zones include World of Fashion Accessories, Fashionable Sportswear, Urban Clothing, and the International Fashion Designers’ Showcase. Fashion shows, seminars, and networking events will be held.
The 5th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show (Feb 27 – Mar 3) will feature loose stones. The 35th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (Mar 1-5) will feature finished jewellery. In 2017, these concurrent shows formed the world’s largest jewellery marketplace with 4,480 exhibitors and over 85,000 buyers from 144 countries. Highlight zones include the Hall of Extraordinary, Hall of Fame (famous brands), Designer Galleria, and a new “IT Solution for Jewellery” zone. The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features zones like Hall of Fine Diamonds and Treasures of Nature. Seminars, forums, and a gala dinner will be held, with TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting presenting trends.