Picture shows (from left to right) Mr. Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of Fair Organising Committee of Hong Kong Houseware Fair, Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Summer Sourcing Show for Gifts, Houseware & Toys 2004, JP Chairman of Panel on Commerce and Industry Legislative Council of HKSAR Government, Mr. Kenneth Ting and TDC's Executive Director, Mr. Michael CC Sze pouring their goodwill at the Opening Ceremony.

Over 2000 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions joined the Trade Development Council's (TDC) Hong Kong Houseware Fair, which opened today (April 21). The Fair is the largest of its kind in Asia.

Among the exhibitors are newcomers from the British Virgin Islands, Latvia and Denmark - while 14 of them are hosting group pavilions, namely Australia, Chinese mainland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, US and Vietnam.

Chairman of Panel on Commerce and Industry, Legislative Council, the Hon. Kenneth Ting said: "Over the years, Hong Kong household products have evolved from price-competitive products to up-market merchandise.

"This has been a result of significant quality enhancements and the addition of a range of value-added elements. These include innovative designs, attractive packaging, reliable delivery, professional marketing, stringent logistics control, and excellent customer service."

The Fair this year welcomes 18 exhibitors to the Hall of Elegance, an exclusive arena dedicated to branded goods and designer collections. The emphasis is on creativity and top-notch design.

The Hong Kong Houseware Fair is more than just a display of goods and services: it is also an important information-exchange platform. A series of seminars are to be held today and tomorrow, covering topical market and business issues.

Seminar on the Latest Trend of Home Decoration (April 21, 2004) ?GTraders would be interested in knowing more about the house decor trends, which will complement with their sourcing strategies. Carlin International - a trend consultant will have its representative to discuss various social factors and movement governing the world design trends for home products. The speaker will also present the latest trend outlook of major houseware products markets.

Seminar on Marketing & Sourcing Strategies of Major Houseware Department Stores in the Chinese Mainland (April 22, 2004): The other seminar at the Houseware Fair is on Marketing & Sourcing Strategies of Major Houseware Department Stores in the Chinese mainland. Given the rising living standards, the market potential in the Chinese mainland is huge. In order to tap into this burgeoning market, getting to know more marketing and sourcing strategies of mainland houseware stores is crucial. Two speakers from Chengdu Ito-Yokado Co Ltd and Shenzhen Sundan (Chain-Stores) Stock Co., Ltd will share their import strategies and product preference of the mainland consumers.

2003 was a tough year for Hong Kong in many ways. However, even at the most difficult times, the dynamic houseware industry maintained a strong momentum of growth. Exports of household goods in 2003 grew by a respectable 6% over 2002, with a total value of nearly USD 20billion.

Official website of the Hong Kong Houseware Fair 2004: http://www.hkhousewarefair.com

Profile of Hong Kong's houseware industry: http://www.tdctrade.com/main/industries/t2_2_44.htm

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