Published in March 2009

1. Hong Kong Trade Quarterly, issue no. 10 (Eng & Chi) Not only is our exporters' confidence-measuring HKTDC Export Index still bumping along at low levels across every sector, but Hong Kong SMEs with mainland operations reported a catalogue of problems in the first quarter, 2009. Their challenges include weak international demand, severe price pressures and the strong Rmb. Difficulties aside, this issue comes up with a potpourri of offerings for better business across an eclectic range of subjects: "green" opportunities, packaged food and video games. Searching for gold at end of the rainbow is the main theme this time. 2. China's Packaged Food Market (Chi) An increasing number of mainland consumers are buying more packaged food in their grocery shopping. Besides, rising income and health consciousness also stimulate demand for organic food and high quality packaged food. The purpose of this report is to gauge mainland consumers' spending pattern and characteristics on packaged food, and to assess the market opportunities for Hong Kong food brands. 3. Breaking into the Mainland Consumer Market - HKTDC's Top 30 Cities (2009 edition) As economic growth and urbanisation accelerate , more mainland Chinese cities have emerged as a promising consumer market for Hong Kong products. This report adopted an objective methodology to pick 30 best cities to break into the mainland consumer market. These cities are the top in terms of market size, consumption level and radiation to adjacent cities. The report goes on to analyse cities in Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, Bohai Region and Central and Western China. After reviewing their market development, demand for and perspectives on Hong Kong branded products. 4. Hebei Province: Logistics and Services Opportunities Update (Chi) The Hebei government has been keen to turn the province into a strong coastal province, with substantial and accelerated development in ports, transportation networks and provincial infrastructure. This should generate business opportunities for Hong Kong companies in respective sectors.

Forthcoming Titles

1. Egypt - The Largest Arab Market with New Opportunities (Eng)
With close to 80 million people, Egypt is the largest Arab market in population terms along with an expanding middle class. Rising foreign investment and light-goods manufacturing on the back of tax and tariff cuts have ignited rising demand for imports, boding positively for Hong Kong exporters of intermediate and mid-to-high end consumer goods.

2. Kazakhstan - A Rising Market in Central Asia (Eng)
Kazakhstan, which has the size of Western Europe, is expected to become one of the top five oil producers in the world by 2010. Thanks to the rise of oil price, Kazakhstan already saw an average 10% real GDP growth in the past decade, leading to the emergence of a mid-income sector. While the "new rich" get a taste of the trappings of affluence, Hong Kong products and services may be poised to make inroads into Kazakhstan.

3. Chongqing - A Maturing Market in Western China (Chi)
Since 1997, Chongqing has become one of the four provincial-level municipalities in China. Thanks to the improvement in infrastructure and accelerated development in its automobile and manufacturing industries, Chongqing saw an average annual real GDP growth of 11% from 1997-2007. To further development in western China, the State Council embarked on a new development strategy in 2008, under which advanced manufacturing industry and modern service industry will be developed in a coordinated manner. This report examines the latest development and investment opportunities in Chongqing?that are relevant to Hong Kong companies.

4. A Thriving Silver Market in Developed Economies: Implications for Hong Kong (Eng)
The world is fast aging. According to the United Nations, 10% of the inhabitants around the globe have already celebrated their 60th birthdays, and this proportion is projected to increase gradually to 22% by 2050. In particular, this aging phenomenon will be high in developed economies, which are traditionally Hong Kong's major markets. This report is aimed at helping Hong Kong exporters identify what opportunities are available in the emerging silver market.

5. Guide to Emerging Markets - Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico (Eng)
This guide provides a wealth of user-friendly practical information for SMEs interested in developing business in Latin America. It covers not only contemporary business environments, consumer profiles, distribution and import channels in major emerging markets in Latin America, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico, but also related import regulations and procedures, in a bid to facilitate market penetration of Hong Kong traders.

6. Poland: A Glimmer of Hope in Central and Eastern Europe (Eng)
Despite short-term slackening growth, Poland, supported by a sizable consumer base and generous EU funds, provides steadfast opportunities for Hong Kong companies over the medium to long term. This report provides a wealth of up-to-date information about the latest consumer market developments in the Polish market, in a bid to help Hong Kong exporters to seize the considerable opportunities while taking heed of potential challenges.

7. Changes in Consumer Behaviour in Traditional Markets and Implications for Hong Kong Exporters (Eng)
Given strong economic headwinds, the long-running consumption spree in traditional markets has subsided. Millions of consumers have made significant changes to their lifestyles and buying preferences in response to the prevailing recession. This report addresses how consumer behaviour in traditional markets is changing, what are the potential niche products likely to weather the storm better, and what steps should Hong Kong exporters take to capitalise on these emerging consumer trends.

8. Survey on Garment Shoppers in Major Chinese Cities (Eng)
This report contains the findings of a recent consumer behaviour survey conducted in 13 major Chinese cities, namely Harbin, Shenyang, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing and Ningbo. Based on the 4P (i.e. product, price, place and promotion) model, this survey attempts to find out and analyse the garment consumption habits of mainland consumers and the premium of Hong Kong brands in the mainland garment market.

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