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Associated Press
01-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Seven HKTDC Mega Events Attract Some 100,000 Global Buyers
Lifestyle and licensing trade fairs foster cross-sector business opportunities strengthen resilience and expand market horizons HONG KONG - April 30, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The seven large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending for on-site purchasing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers, Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong's influence as an international trade platform. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: 'The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.' Nearly half of respondents forecast sales growth To gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. Key market overview and product trends include: - Nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified were growing protectionist measures (45.7%), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3%) and the impact of inflation (32.0%). - Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in Mainland China (77.3%), India (74.2%), Taiwan (67.6%), Republic of Korea (66.4%) and ASEAN countries (65.8%). - The following are the markets that the respondents are actively exploring: Europe (30.5%), ASEAN countries (17.2%), Japan (13.1%), North America (12.3%) and Republic of Korea (9.5%). - In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential. - In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21.0%), designer furniture and houseware products (17.0%) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7%) were considered to have the most growth potential. - Respondents identified womenswear (40.3%), urban clothing (39.1%), and fashion accessories (32.0%) as having the most growth potential in the fashion market. Concurrent mega events create synergies and promote new market opportunities The seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers. Jimmy Lo, Business Strategy Manager of Homelover Products Limited, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said: 'The number of new buyers visiting our booth has doubled over last year, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America. The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children's product exhibitor's interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware. It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.' A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: 'I sourced products from India, Vietnam and Bangladesh as souvenirs and giveaways for the European football league. Additionally, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of approximately US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I am also highly interested in the licensed animated characters from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of up to US$600,000.' In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors are prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products. The company's Marketing & Ecommerce Manager, Charlotte Chui, said: 'The new US tariff policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage. The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.' Fairs drive the development of high-value cultural and creative industries Cultural and creative products that combine design and functionality are attracting significant attention from buyers. Stanley Kwok, Director of KnitWarm Ltd, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said 'We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion. Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.' Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, said: 'I was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone. I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year. I'm particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.' Global new materials at Fashion InStyle drive cross-sector interest This year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone's ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL). Mr Tsen said: 'I am very interested in the company's mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process. This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.' Mary Ma, owner-principal of Textile Library, a mainland exhibitor at Fashion InStyle, expressed keen interest in leveraging the exhibition to explore establishing a base in Hong Kong. She said: 'Hong Kong is a vibrant crossroads where eastern and western cultures meet. It connects factories across Southeast Asia and attracts European and American buyers.' Chinamind Next Interculture Group, the parent company of renowned fashion industry publication WWD China, also recognised the strategic advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the mainland with the world, signing a memorandum of understanding with the HKTDC during the fair. Diverse creativity unlocks new licensing opportunities Chengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development Co Ltd, one of the exhibitors at the HKILS, signed a cooperation agreement with Sureka.Z Limited worth RMB2 million during the show. The former granted Sureka.Z Limited the performance rights for 10 shows of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ALC, meanwhile, leaders from the industry shared their insights on the trends and opportunities in the creative industry. Gabriel Kwong, Panda IP Creator, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Co-Founder of Air World Limited said: 'Our edge is being able to see the world from a panda's perspective, and as a park that raises pandas we can immediately gather real-life materials and transform them into IP content. The interplay between reality and virtual elements makes our IP increasingly entertaining.' The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: 'The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging. I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and am optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.' Seamless online-offline integration drives business engagement The seven events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event. Photo download: Websites HKTDC Media Room: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: Home InStyle: Fashion InStyle: Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: 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 over 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:
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
HKTDC's April Lifestyle Fairs Open Today
Showcasing Cultural and Creative Design Excellence for Gifts and Home Products and Sustainable Trends in the Fashion and Packaging Sectors HONG KONG - April 28, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) launches its diverse lineup of lifestyle exhibitions today, with the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle opening at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong beginning at AsiaWorld-Expo. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: 'Hong Kong's exports of gifts, home products, fashion items and packaging solutions are increasingly targeting the mid-to-high-end market, transitioning from original equipment manufacturing to original design. The HKTDC remains committed to supporting exhibitors' needs to help them upgrade and transform their businesses, while enhancing the overall quality of our exhibitions to provide a premier platform for cultural and creative design that can reinforce Hong Kong's position as a leading regional creative hub. This year's lifestyle fairs are being held together in late April to offer buyers a one-stop, diverse sourcing experience, helping industry players explore cross-sector and cross-disciplinary business opportunities and creating synergies.' The 2025 lifestyle fairs and conferences have attracted some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand from the Asia-Pacific region, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United States from the European and North American regions. Fashion InStyle will welcome first-time exhibitors from Austria and the UK, while the Printing & Packaging Fair will feature a new participant from Cambodia, reflecting the global business community's confidence in Hong Kong's exhibition platform. Creative designs unlock business opportunities, Gifts Fair embraces blind box trend The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair marks its 40th edition in 2025 with the theme 'Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder', showcasing products that blend functionality with creative design. This year, some exhibitors are tapping into the popular blind box trend. The Jiangxi Province Jingdezhen Pavilion introduces ceramic works that use the blind box model to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans. Hong Kong exhibitor Soap Studio Company Limited showcases blind boxes featuring the popular Japanese character SHO-CHAN and Disney's Toy Story character Aliens (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E03). Another Hong Kong exhibitor, Star Industrial Co Ltd, presents blind boxes from its Red A brand (Booth: HKCEC 1C-G03). To showcase Hong Kong's original design talent to the world, 65 award-winning works from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Exporters' Association, are on display at the Gifts & Premium Fair (Booth: HKCEC 5C-C02). In addition, Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company with 85 years of heritage, is leveraging the fair to expand its flagship Camel-brand glass flasks into overseas markets (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E02). The Cultural and Creative Avenue at Home InStyle has been upgraded and expanded this year, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from nine countries and regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and the UK. First-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic are showcasing Bohemian crystal glassware, home fragrances and incense (Booth: HKCEC 5E-M07, M09), while Hong Kong exhibitor Canalside Studio presents its innovative 'Ball Bearing Bench' that combines a doughnut-inspired design with a roller structure, allowing users to rotate while seated and enjoy a more interactive experience. New Gerontech Living Pavilion targets the silver economy To support the growing silver economy in Hong Kong, Home InStyle, with funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission, is launching the Gerontech Living Pavilion (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08) at this year's fair. The pavilion is divided into four areas – bedroom, living room, bathroom and games room – to showcase innovative gerontechnology products from over 10 local companies, including social robots, smart mobile toilets and smart walking sticks. The Hong Kong Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre is staging the Age-Friendly Home Living Lab and organising the Experiential Empathy Workshop that allows visitors to better understand the needs of the elderly (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A02). In addition, the Hong Kong Productivity Council introduces mixed-reality (MR) games that integrate hand-eye coordination with floral arrangements to stimulate muscular and brain functions (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08). Home InStyle and the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will together host a seminar featuring a representative from Venture Global Limited, a developer of wireless elderly home care products, alongside a scholar from Lingnan University to discuss emerging trends in healthcare and the silver economy. The seminar will focus on the development of smart wearable technologies and innovative gerontechnology products, assessing strategies that can effectively meet the needs of the silver demographic. NEXT@Fashion InStyle becomes the new focus The 2025 edition of Fashion InStyle sees the launch of NEXT@ Fashion InStyle (NEXT), a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Thailand is the Strategic Partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and The National Soft Power Development Committee who have brought some 30 Thai exhibitors to showcase fashion materials that blend Thai culture with sustainability and innovative technologies. In addition to Thai exhibitors, the NEXT zone has brought together more than 60 exhibitors from Mainland China, Europe, the Americas, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, among others, presenting cutting-edge materials to create an international platform for shaping future fashion trends. Notably, the Hangzhou New Concept Fabric Creative Centre Textile Library has established an innovation hub within NEXT, featuring products that integrate traditional Chinese crafts such as Badu Linen Embroidery, beam printing and tie-dye techniques with advanced materials. (Booth: HKCEC 3F-G11) The NEXT zone has facilitated collaborations between leading advanced material brands and five local designers, with Han Chong, founder of internationally acclaimed fashion brand Self-Portrait, joining as ambassador to share insights and mentor the designers. Participants include designer Jason Ying, a former intern at the Self-Portrait studio, who draws inspiration from vintage military uniforms to reimagine classics using innovative materials (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H16). Another designer, Kinyan Lam, employs Gambiered Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage textile from Guangdong that goes back more than 1,000 years, leveraging its lightweight and soft texture to create streamlined silhouettes and flowing hemlines, blending cultural heritage with contemporary design (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H12). Two packaging fairs highlight sustainability and luxury design Jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, the 20th edition of the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and the concurrent DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong bring together a diverse range of printing and packaging solutions. The Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone at the Printing & Packaging Fair features innovative offerings, including gift bags from Vietnam's Intbox Intelligent Packaging Corporation made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable materials (Booth: AWE 3-G01), and Hong Kong's Complacent Industrial (H.K.) Limited's recycled yarn woven ribbons crafted from repurposed plastic bottles and other recycled plastics (Booth: AWE 3-E06). In the Packaging Services and Solutions Zone, Shanghai Forests Packaging Group Co., Ltd. exhibits eco-friendly paper bags and boxes made from recycled kraft paper and biodegradable coatings (Booth: AWE 6-C17). DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, which focuses on premium packaging for fine wines, cosmetics and jewellery, also presents an array of sustainable packaging solutions. Hong Kong exhibitor Man Sang Envelope Manufacturing Factory Co Ltd features FSC-certified paper and meticulous craftsmanship in its advent calendar packaging boxes, seamlessly blending environmental sustainability with luxurious design (Booth: AWE 3-A06). Industry seminars unlock new market opportunities The April lifestyle events are featuring approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry developments, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability. At Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair, distinguished speakers will share insights on sustainable consumption trends in the gift and houseware markets and address issues such as how SMEs can navigate the European Union's latest Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The speakers include Steven Baumgaertner, Chairman of the European Associations Cooperation, Steven Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Green Council, and representatives from the Gold Award winner of the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions (AEII), the Hong Kong Accreditation Service of the Innovation and Technology Commission, and TÜV Rheinland. Meanwhile, the Printing & Packaging Fair, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Digital Printing Association, will host a seminar featuring industry leaders such as William Ho, the Association's Honorary Chairman, and representatives from Kanghong Digital Image (hk) Ltd. and eprint Group Limited, to explore how the printing industry can address the dual challenges of competitiveness and innovation. Running concurrently with the five April trade fairs will be the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference, which start tomorrow and run for three days at the HKCEC. EXHIBITION+ model extends business opportunities for participants The HKTDC continues to employ its EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model for the fairs, allowing exhibitors to leverage the AI-powered Click2Match business matching platform, Sourcing platform and the Intelligence Hub to extend physical exhibition interactions onto online platforms. Buyers can use the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitor and product showcase QR codes, record favourite exhibitors, browse product information and make enquiries, allowing discussions to continue online during and after the exhibition. Starting this month, the online promotion period for exhibitors will be extended to one year. For convenience, buyers can register on the HKTDC Marketplace App and download free eBadges for direct venue entry. Photo download: Event details: Websites HKTDC Media Room: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: Home InStyle: Fashion InStyle: Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: 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 over 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:
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair Attract Some 88,000 Global Buyers
Low-altitude economic solutions highly popular with many industries actively exploring business opportunities - The 3rd InnoEX and 21st Spring Electronics Fair concluded successfully today, attracting some 88,000 buyers from 148 countries and regions. - One of the highlights of this year's InnoEX were the low-altitude economic solutions, which generated significant interest and attracted enquiries and business discussions from global buyers, including those from emerging markets. - Over half of InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair respondents intend to expand into emerging markets, including ASEAN, Mainland China and the Middle East. - 40% survey respondents at the Spring Electronics Fair expect their overall sales to increase in the next one to two years, while half of all respondents are confident that they can maintain the current level. HONG KONG - April 18, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The 3rd InnoEX, co-organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), alongside the 21st HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), concluded successfully today. The four-day exhibitions attracted some 88,000 buyers from 148 countries and regions. Apart from local visitors, the fairs welcomed buyers mainly from Mainland China, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said, 'As the two core events of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week), InnoEX and the Spring Electronics Fair attracted some 88,000 visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas. By showcasing the latest smart solutions and R&D achievements to international buyers, exhibitors initiated numerous regional business collaborations and discussions, while exploring new markets successfully. The exhibitions further advanced Hong Kong's development as an international I&T hub and reinforced its status as a global trade centre, demonstrating Hong Kong's advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the world.' This year's InnoEX focused on five major technology areas, namely the low-altitude economy, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and smart mobility, aiming to address pain points for both large and small and medium-sized enterprises and bring new development opportunities for them. Among the technology solutions, the low-altitude economy was particularly popular, attracting the attention of many buyers. InnoEX brought together the latest innovative R&D and solutions from around the world. The Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, set up by the Digital Policy Office, had over a hundred I&T achievements closely related to the lives of citizens, including I&T solutions from 20 government bureaux and departments, and award-winning solutions from multiple I&T competitions. In addition, there were multiple local pavilions, 17 pavilions from 16 provinces and municipalities in the Mainland, and overseas pavilions, including from Canada and the United Kingdom, the French 'So French So Innovative' pavilion, and the Smart Cities Council from Australia. The fair also attracted tertiary institutions and big companies which participated as independent exhibitors, including China Mobile Hong Kong, Huawei, IBM, and more. The exhibitors showcased their technological solutions in different fields and successfully attracted many buyers to discuss cooperation. Exhibitors expand into new markets while buyers actively source Zeng Quanhong, Manager of Marketing Department, Vertaxi, stated that the company showcased its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at InnoEX, establishing relationships with some 30 potential buyers from ASEAN, Canada, Europe, India, UAE, and Hong Kong. 'InnoEX is a quality platform with high foot traffic which has broadened our horizons. For example, after communicating with buyers from Thailand, we learned that the aircraft could be applied to local tourism services in Thailand, helping us explore new markets. Our participation this year was very successful, and we will definitely return next year.' Australian buyer Spacious Property Development Group (Spacious) looked for technologies that can help reduce hotel operating costs at InnoEX, and was particularly interested in automated delivery robots, cleaning robots, and vending machines offered by exhibitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong respectively. Angela Liang, Managing Director of Spacious, said, 'InnoEX provided us with an excellent opportunity to introduce innovative technologies to the Australian market, especially now that the United States has increased tariffs, prompting suppliers around the world to actively explore other new markets.' In addition, some exhibitors successfully established important partnerships through InnoEX. Among them, Philippine buyer Digital Pilipinas and International Digital Economies Association signed a distribution agreement with the United Kingdom's exhibitor to introduce smart card system for buildings to the Philippines, with hopes of expanding into other emerging markets in the future. Xi'an Meinan Biotechnology Co. Ltd also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with H & Y Building Decoration Electrical Engineering (HK). The partnership aims to enhance the quality of construction projects in Hong Kong and internationally by utilising Meinan's waterproof mortar technology, promoting sustainable development. The Spring Electronics Fair showcased a variety of products, focusing on products and solutions in the fields of smart home, health tech and wearable devices and the exhibition attracted buyers from around the world and helped exhibitors expand into new markets. Many companies launched new products at the Electronics Fair, including Guangzhou's Havit Technology, which introduced a hat with headphone functionality utilising air conduction technology and a patented design. Qingdao's Thunderobot Technology, a subsidiary of Haier Group, made its debut in Asia outside of Mainland China with its smart glasses. At the fair, Shenzhen Antop Technology Co. from Mainland China, showcased air purifiers designed for households with pets. The company's International Business Development Manager, Bojia Yang, said, 'In the past, the US market accounted for over 80% of our business. With the increase in US tariffs, we are actively expanding our global operations and exploring new markets, targeting Asia, Europe, and South America. We have made contact with many potential buyers from India and South America at the exhibition, and in the first two days, we received about 50 potential leads, with at least one third showing significant collaboration potential.' The company is also discussing a contract for an order valued at approximately USD2.5 million. Additionally, Hong Kong medical technology exhibitor CYBERMED, is currently discussing business deals with two buyers from Mainland China and the Middle East, with each order valued at approximately USD200,000. American buyer DeWalt Mobile Solutions, which produces and sells mobile phone accessories, sourced products at Spring Electronics Fair. Its Director of International Operation, Danny Lo, said, 'We are a leading brand in the US and plan to purchase products worth USD500,000 to USD1 million at the electronics fair. Face-to-face communication with suppliers during this crucial sourcing time and discuss business in response to the tariff situations with them was especially important for us.' Four thematic days to explore the latest industry developments, with industry leaders sharing their insights During InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair, several conferences and seminars focused on hot technology topics were held, including the Tech-Driven Industry and Economy Conference, powered by the HKSAR Government's Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, which brought together government officials from various countries and regions to discuss how policy measures can promote industrial development. Participants also shared successful policy measures and emerging trends in various countries. Talent is crucial to promoting the development of the I&T ecosystem and, this year, InnoEX and the Spring Electronics Fair jointly hosted 'Exhibitors Meet Talents' to assist exhibitors in recruiting professionals and attract people who were interested in exploring job opportunities and engage with employers in the I&T industry. Half of respondents intend to expand into emerging markets To further understand the development trends of the I&T and electronics industries, HKTDC appointed an independent survey agency to interview 315 InnoEX and 642 Spring Electronics Fair exhibitors and buyers during the exhibitions. The key results are as follows: InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair - 50.7% of respondents from InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair expressed their intention to expand into emerging markets, including ASEAN countries, Mainland China and the Middle East. InnoEX - 33% of respondents believe that the greatest strength of Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector is its unique position as an intermediary between the world and Mainland China. This s followed by having a highly skilled and multicultural talent pool (25.1%) and a robust and efficient financial market (24.6%). - 68.8% of surveyed Hong Kong exhibitors believe that FinTech is the strongest and most advantageous field of I&T in Hong Kong, followed by Smart Cities (18.2%). Spring Electronics Fair - 40% of respondents expect their companies' overall sales to increase in the next one to two years. Additionally, 50.5% expect to maintain the current overall sales figures, while less than 10% anticipate a decline. - Nearly 30% of respondents believe that compared to traditional electronic products and household appliances, consumers are willing to pay a premium of 21% to 30% more for products that are compatible with smart home or AI applications. In addition, the 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference brought together top experts, including Nobel Prize winning scholars, to discuss various innovation and science fields. The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, held in Hong Kong for the first time, also attracted nearly a thousand participants from all over the world to discuss the latest trends in areas such as AI, digital finance, digital government and smart living, creating synergies with BIT Week events. Photo download: Websites InnoEX: Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition): Media enquiries Yuan Tung Financial Relations: HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: 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 over 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:
Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Seven HKTDC Mega Events Showcase Asia's Creative Hub
Fashion InStyle Unveils Future Materials While Home InStyle Targets Fast-growing Silver Market - The HKTDC is hosting seven vibrant events spanning lifestyle products and the licensing sector in late April, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference - The seven exhibitions and conference are set to draw some 6,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions - Home InStyle introduces an innovative Gerontech Living Pavilion showcasing cutting-edge tech products for the elderly and pioneering solutions from over 10 local companies - Fashion InStyle launches the new NEXT@Fashion InStyle highlighted zone, bringing together some 60 global material suppliers to showcase advanced fashion materials and inviting five local designers to use them to create innovative fashion pieces - The Hong Kong International Licensing Show will spotlight more than 30 panda-themed IPs and welcome the first-time participation of two Egyptian museums HONG KONG - April 10, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - The immense potential of Hong Kong's creative industries is being highlighted by the HKSAR Government, which is actively developing the sector as a new economic driver and working to position Hong Kong as Asia's creative hub. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is echoing this development direction by hosting seven large-scale events, spanning lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, that will further enhance the city's reputation as a creative hotspot. The seven mega events include the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle (27-30 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HKCEC); the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong (held concurrently at AsiaWorld-Expo, 27-30 April); and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference (28-30 April at the HKCEC). The events will serve as a bridge connecting Hong Kong's creative industries with Mainland China and international markets while reinforcing the city's positioning as a regional creative hub. Speaking at a press conference held today to introduce the upcoming events, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: 'This year's seven lifestyle and licensing mega events will be gathered in the final week of April. Beyond showcasing cultural creative designs and functional products from around the world, they will specifically address emerging market trends, including silver economy solutions and sustainable products and materials. The consolidated fair period provides buyers with a diverse one-stop sourcing opportunity while facilitating cross-industry and cross-sector business connections to generate synergies.' Ms Chong added that the seven exhibitions and conference are expected to attract some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand from the Asia-Pacific region, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United States from the European and North American regions. Fashion InStyle will welcome first-time exhibitors from Austria and the UK, while the Printing & Packaging Fair will feature a new participant from Cambodia. Gifts & Premium Fair celebrates four decades of wonder This year's Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair marks its 40th edition under the theme 'Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder', showcasing products that blend functionality with creative design. The Jiangxi Province Jingdezhen City Pavilion will display ceramic works marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern design – from minimalist coffee cups and tea sets to a ceramic adoption programme that uses the popular blind box model to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans. The opening day of the fair will feature a networking reception with Home InStyle, special photo opportunities commemorating the fair's 40th edition, and complimentary exhibitor-sponsored gifts for buyers, while supplies last. New pavilion captures silver economy opportunities With the silver market growing rapidly and demand for elderly-friendly products continuing to expand, the Home InStyle event is introducing the Gerontech Living Pavilion that will showcase innovative products and solutions from more than 10 local enterprises – including AI mobile toilets, social robots and smart walking sticks – that are designed to enhance seniors' living quality and reduce the burden on caregivers. The Hong Kong Productivity Council will demonstrate mixed reality (MR) games that stimulate muscle and brain functions, while the Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre will create an Empathy Exploration Lab allowing industry players to understand elderly needs and be inspired to seize silver market opportunities. The popular Cultural and Creative Avenue has been upgraded and expanded, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from some 10 countries and regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and the UK. First-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic are bringing distinctive Bohemian crystal glassware, home fragrances and incense. Innovative fashion materials converge at Fashion InStyle The 2025 edition of Fashion InStyle sees the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government, bringing together some 60 global material suppliers to showcase advanced fashion materials. Five local designers have been specially invited to create fashion pieces using some of these innovative materials. Designer Han Chong, founder of the internationally acclaimed brand Self-Portrait, will serve as the ambassador and share insights on-site. Thailand is the Strategic Partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and National Soft Power Development Committee. They will bring some 30 Thai exhibitors showcasing fashion materials that blend Thai cultural heritage, sustainability and innovative technology. Two PrintPack fairs highlight sustainability and creative design The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, bring together diverse printing and packaging solutions. The Printing & Packaging Fair, celebrating its 20th edition this year, highlights eco-friendly products in its Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone, including biodegradable shopping bags, oil-proof and leak-proof paper tubes, recycled plastic yarn ribbons, and water-soluble packaging peanuts as an alternative to plastic fillers. The concurrent DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong focuses on premium packaging solutions for jewellery, watches, cosmetics, fine foods and wine, with exhibitors offering customised services showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and ingenious designs. The April lifestyle events will feature approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability. Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair will feature representatives from Southeast Asia's leading e-commerce platform Lazada, corporate gift specialist Matrix Promotion, and experts from international market research firm Coresight Research sharing e-commerce and brand collaboration trends. The Printing & Packaging Fair will host representatives from renowned packaging design company Wrapology and professors from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Institute of Textiles and Clothing to share insights on balancing luxury with sustainability in packaging design. Licensing Show features over 600 brands and IPs This year's Hong Kong International Licensing Show will spotlight more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) spanning arts and museum licensing, animation character licensing, brand extension licensing, lifestyle licensing and entertainment licensing. The event will showcase global brands such as Coca-Cola, Monopoly and Ultraman alongside more than 70 popular local brands including DinDong, Plastic Thing and Shibainc, plus new creations from the CCIDA-sponsored Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme. Aligning with the 'panda economy' trend, the Licensing Show will feature more than 30 panda-themed IPs, including Ocean Park's Panda Friends accessories series developed in collaboration with jewellery group and phone case brands. The exhibition also welcomes the first-time participation of two Egypt museums, the Egyptian Museum Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, to showcase Egyptian culture and related IPs. The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference will bring together industry leaders to explore key topics including the latest developments in global licensing, how historical IPs balances their rich heritage in a changing market, technology applications in immersive art, and sustainable licensing, with special insights from Peanuts comics representatives on maintaining cross-generational appeal as the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary. EXHIBITION+ model extends business opportunities The HKTDC will continue employing its EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model for the fairs, allowing exhibitors to leverage the AI-powered Click2Match business matching platform, Sourcing platform and the Intelligence Hub to extend physical exhibition interactions onto online platforms. Buyers can use the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitor and product showcase QR codes, record favourite exhibitors, browse product information and make inquiries, allowing discussions to continue online during and after the exhibition. Starting this month, the online promotion period for exhibitors will be extended to one year. For convenience, buyers can register on the HKTDC Marketplace App and download free eBadges for direct venue entry. Events details: Websites Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: About HKTDC
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Seven HKTDC Mega Events Showcase Asia's Creative Hub
Fashion InStyle Unveils Future Materials While Home InStyle Targets Fast-growing Silver Market - The HKTDC is hosting seven vibrant events spanning lifestyle products and the licensing sector in late April, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference- The seven exhibitions and conference are set to draw some 6,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions- Home InStyle introduces an innovative Gerontech Living Pavilion showcasing cutting-edge tech products for the elderly and pioneering solutions from over 10 local companies- Fashion InStyle launches the new NEXT@Fashion InStyle highlighted zone, bringing together some 60 global material suppliers to showcase advanced fashion materials and inviting five local designers to use them to create innovative fashion pieces- The Hong Kong International Licensing Show will spotlight more than 30 panda-themed IPs and welcome the first-time participation of two Egyptian museums HONG KONG - April 10, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - The immense potential of Hong Kong's creative industries is being highlighted by the HKSAR Government, which is actively developing the sector as a new economic driver and working to position Hong Kong as Asia's creative hub. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is echoing this development direction by hosting seven large-scale events, spanning lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, that will further enhance the city's reputation as a creative hotspot. The seven mega events include the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle (27-30 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HKCEC); the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong (held concurrently at AsiaWorld-Expo, 27-30 April); and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference (28-30 April at the HKCEC). The events will serve as a bridge connecting Hong Kong's creative industries with Mainland China and international markets while reinforcing the city's positioning as a regional creative hub. Speaking at a press conference held today to introduce the upcoming events, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: "This year's seven lifestyle and licensing mega events will be gathered in the final week of April. Beyond showcasing cultural creative designs and functional products from around the world, they will specifically address emerging market trends, including silver economy solutions and sustainable products and materials. The consolidated fair period provides buyers with a diverse one-stop sourcing opportunity while facilitating cross-industry and cross-sector business connections to generate synergies." Ms Chong added that the seven exhibitions and conference are expected to attract some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand from the Asia-Pacific region, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United States from the European and North American regions. Fashion InStyle will welcome first-time exhibitors from Austria and the UK, while the Printing & Packaging Fair will feature a new participant from Cambodia. Gifts & Premium Fair celebrates four decades of wonder This year's Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair marks its 40th edition under the theme "Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder", showcasing products that blend functionality with creative design. The Jiangxi Province Jingdezhen City Pavilion will display ceramic works marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern design from minimalist coffee cups and tea sets to a ceramic adoption programme that uses the popular blind box model to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans. The opening day of the fair will feature a networking reception with Home InStyle, special photo opportunities commemorating the fair's 40th edition, and complimentary exhibitor-sponsored gifts for buyers, while supplies last. New pavilion captures silver economy opportunities With the silver market growing rapidly and demand for elderly-friendly products continuing to expand, the Home InStyle event is introducing the Gerontech Living Pavilion that will showcase innovative products and solutions from more than 10 local enterprises including AI mobile toilets, social robots and smart walking sticks that are designed to enhance seniors' living quality and reduce the burden on caregivers. The Hong Kong Productivity Council will demonstrate mixed reality (MR) games that stimulate muscle and brain functions, while the Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre will create an Empathy Exploration Lab allowing industry players to understand elderly needs and be inspired to seize silver market opportunities. The popular Cultural and Creative Avenue has been upgraded and expanded, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from some 10 countries and regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and the UK. First-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic are bringing distinctive Bohemian crystal glassware, home fragrances and incense. Innovative fashion materials converge at Fashion InStyle The 2025 edition of Fashion InStyle sees the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government, bringing together some 60 global material suppliers to showcase advanced fashion materials. Five local designers have been specially invited to create fashion pieces using some of these innovative materials. Designer Han Chong, founder of the internationally acclaimed brand Self-Portrait, will serve as the ambassador and share insights on-site. Thailand is the Strategic Partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and National Soft Power Development Committee. They will bring some 30 Thai exhibitors showcasing fashion materials that blend Thai cultural heritage, sustainability and innovative technology. Two PrintPack fairs highlight sustainability and creative design The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, bring together diverse printing and packaging solutions. The Printing & Packaging Fair, celebrating its 20th edition this year, highlights eco-friendly products in its Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone, including biodegradable shopping bags, oil-proof and leak-proof paper tubes, recycled plastic yarn ribbons, and water-soluble packaging peanuts as an alternative to plastic fillers. The concurrent DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong focuses on premium packaging solutions for jewellery, watches, cosmetics, fine foods and wine, with exhibitors offering customised services showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and ingenious designs. The April lifestyle events will feature approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability. Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair will feature representatives from Southeast Asia's leading e-commerce platform Lazada, corporate gift specialist Matrix Promotion, and experts from international market research firm Coresight Research sharing e-commerce and brand collaboration trends. The Printing & Packaging Fair will host representatives from renowned packaging design company Wrapology and professors from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Institute of Textiles and Clothing to share insights on balancing luxury with sustainability in packaging design. Licensing Show features over 600 brands and IPs This year's Hong Kong International Licensing Show will spotlight more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) spanning arts and museum licensing, animation character licensing, brand extension licensing, lifestyle licensing and entertainment licensing. The event will showcase global brands such as Coca-Cola, Monopoly and Ultraman alongside more than 70 popular local brands including DinDong, Plastic Thing and Shibainc, plus new creations from the CCIDA-sponsored Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme. Aligning with the "panda economy" trend, the Licensing Show will feature more than 30 panda-themed IPs, including Ocean Park's Panda Friends accessories series developed in collaboration with jewellery group and phone case brands. The exhibition also welcomes the first-time participation of two Egypt museums, the Egyptian Museum Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, to showcase Egyptian culture and related IPs. The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference will bring together industry leaders to explore key topics including the latest developments in global licensing, how historical IPs balances their rich heritage in a changing market, technology applications in immersive art, and sustainable licensing, with special insights from Peanuts comics representatives on maintaining cross-generational appeal as the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary. EXHIBITION+ model extends business opportunities The HKTDC will continue employing its EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model for the fairs, allowing exhibitors to leverage the AI-powered Click2Match business matching platform, Sourcing platform and the Intelligence Hub to extend physical exhibition interactions onto online platforms. Buyers can use the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitor and product showcase QR codes, record favourite exhibitors, browse product information and make inquiries, allowing discussions to continue online during and after the exhibition. Starting this month, the online promotion period for exhibitors will be extended to one year. For convenience, buyers can register on the HKTDC Marketplace App and download free eBadges for direct venue entry. Photo download: Events details: Events Event date Opening hours Venue Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 27-29 Apr(Sun-Tue) 30 Apr (Wed) 9:30am-6:30pm9:30am-5pm HKCEC Home InStyle Fashion InStyle Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair 27 Apr (Sun) 28-29 Apr(Mon-Tue) 30 Apr (Wed) 10:30am-:30pm 9:30am-5:30pm 9:30am-3:30pm AsiaWorld-Expo DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong Hong Kong International Licensing Show 28-29 Apr(Mon-Tue) 30 Apr (Wed) 9:30am-6:30pm 9:30am-5pm HKCEC Asian Licensing Conference Websites HKTDC Media Room: Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: InStyle: InStyle: Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: PrintPack Hong Kong: Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Home InStyle Fraser Li Tel: (852) 2584 4369 Email: Fashion InStyle Serena Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4272 Email: HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong Winnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: 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 over 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: Sign in to access your portfolio
