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| Mr. Stephen Ip,
Secretary for Economic Development and Labour plays with soap bubbles at
his visit to the 32nd edition of Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair today (Jan
10, 2006). The fair was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. |
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| Accompanied by TDC
Executive Director Mr. Fred Lam (left) and Chairman of TDC's Toys
Advisory Committee Mr. Jeffrey Lam (right), Mr. Stephen Ip
touring around the Hong Kong Toys & Games fair & Hong Kong International
Stationery Fair, which are being held concurrently at the Hong Kong
Convention & Exhibition Centre. They are pictured showing a keen interest
in the toy tanks. |
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| Mr. Jeffrey Lam
takes pleasures in riding on a toy motorcycle. |
The world's second largest toys fair is now being held at the Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Centre till this Friday (January 13). The Hong Kong Toys and
Games Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC),
features a wide range of toys and games from over 1,930 exhibitors.
The exhibitors come from 37 countries and regions, including group pavilions
from the Chinese mainland, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand,
and new suppliers from British Virgin Island, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Macedonia,
the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.
Mr. Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of TDC's Toys Advisory Committee, said that
despite stiff competition, thinning profit margins, ever-growing production
costs and other challenges, the Hong Kong toys industry has managed to diversify
its business with innovation and flexibility.
Licensed and baby toys are rising stars
"Toy manufacturers here are known not only for the quality of their toys,
but also for their expertise in design, engineering, modelling and tooling.
"Many have entered into partnerships with fast-food chains and movie studios
to promote licensed characters," said Mr. Lam at the opening ceremony.
Although traditional toys have become less popular, the demand for video games,
intellectual and electronic toys are growing in Europe and US. Hence, Hong Kong's
toys exports increased by 4% to around US$9.5 billion in the first 11 months
in 2005, with major markets including Japan, Germany and Italy showing double-digit
growth.
This year, two product zones - Candy Toys and Paper Toys - have
been newly introduced at the fair to meet changing patterns of demand. They
also create opportunities for Hong Kong traders to expand their businesses in
those areas.
Baby toys are increasingly well received by markets worldwide as consumers
spend more on their children. Over 120 companies, an increase of 15% over last
year, are exhibiting at the Baby Toys and Products Section.
Also expanding are the Magic Section, Hobby Goods Section, and the Outdoor
& Sporting Items Section. These unique sectors continue to showcase
specialty items and products geared to buyers with different interests. For
example, the Hobby Goods Section features toys and games targeting adult
consumers, such as chess games, puzzles, miniatures and collectibles.
A series of seminars covering a range of topics will be held during the fair
period. Industry experts will share their insights on "Care Process",
"Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism", "Toys Market in
Poland & Russia", "Stationery Market & Colour Trends"
as well as "Credit Management".
6th International Stationery Fair
The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is taking place concurrently at
the HKCEC. Jointly organised by TDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the fair brings
together over 260 exhibitors of stationery and office equipment from 13 countries
and regions, including pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Korea, Taiwan and
Thailand.
TDC has organised around 100 buying missions and invited over 3,600 key buyers
from Europe, America, Asia- Pacific and various emerging markets to visit the
two fairs. TDC offers tailor-made business matching services, helping buyers
to find the right suppliers and partners.
Present at the joint opening ceremony were Mr. Stephen Ip, Secretary
for Economic Development and Labour; Mr. Fred Lam, TDC
Executive Director, Mr. Benjamin Chau, TDC Assistant Executive
Director; Mr. Jason Cao, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai)
Co Ltd; and other industry leaders and major buyers from the Chinese mainland
and overseas.
Further reference:
Hong Kong Toys Fair website: http://www.hktoyfair.com
Hong Kong International Stationery Fair website: http://www.hkstationeryfair.com
tdctrade.com vertical portal on toys industry: http://toys.tdctrade.com
Toys industry profile: http://www.tdctrade.com/main/industries/t2_2_39.htm
Statistics on HK toys & stationery industry: http://stat.tdctrade.com/monthly/prodt_c.htm
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For press enquires, please contact TDC Corporate Communication Department at
2584 4333.
