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| Picture shows (left
to right) Fair Organising Committee Chairman Jeffrey Lam, Financial
Secretary Henry Tang and TDC Executive Director Fred Lam officiating
at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Houseware Fair today (April 21). |
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| TDC supports Hong Kong
companies to develop OBM business (Original Brand Manufacturing). The sophisticated
setting at the Hall of Elegance highlights the quality of many top brand
s at the exhibition. |
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| Exhibitors are coming
from 36 countries and regions, making the fair a highly internationalized
one. Picture shows officiating guest Henry Tang visiting the booth of an
Italian company. |
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| A total of 31,000 buyers
visited last yearˇ¦s fair. TDC Assistant Executive Director Benjamin Chau
said he is confident that more buyers will come to visit the show. |
Over 2,300 companies from 36 countries and regions converged in Hong Kong to
showcase high-end houseware products at the Hong Kong Houseware Fair, which
is being held from today (April 21) to April 24 at the Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Centre.
Financial Secretary Mr. Henry Tang officiated at the opening ceremony of the
fair. The fair is orgainsed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Fair Organising Committee,
Mr. Jeffrey Lam, said Hong Kong's role in the vibrant houseware industry continues
to prosper.
"We continue to emphasise original design and creative thinking with many
companies launching their own brands and others providing premium design services
to international clients," said Mr. Lam.
"The trend towards licensing in houseware products has been a good one,
as we can capitalise on our strong track record in protecting intellectual property
rights," Mr. Lam added.
Hong Kong's Houseware exports to the world totalled US $22 billion in 2005.
Major markets include the US, the Chinese mainland, Japan, Germany and the UK.
This year the fair has expanded its scale and product variety to meet the growing
demand of high-end houseware products.
Upmarket collections with unique designs from 27 exhibitors are on show at
the Hall of Elegance. The sophisticated setting at the Hall highlights
the brand images of exhibitors from Hong Kong, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany,
Spain, UAE, Chinese mainland and Taiwan.
The Central Display Area at Atrium One is dedicated to displaying the
best and finest Hong Kong houseware products. The theme of the display is "Hong
Kong - Where Good Ideas Turn to Reality". Products are lined up under four
themes, namely True Blue, Innocent Pleasures, Natural World and Tradition
of Luxury.
Other exhibit categories include small electrical appliances, kitchenware and
gadgets, health & personal care items, hardware & DIY products, artificial
flowers, bathroom accessories, cleaning & supplies, furniture, home decorations,
household textile, lighting etc.
TDC has organised 70 buying missions to Hong Kong. About 1,500 companies or
2,600 VIP buyers from 31 countries and regions are invited to visit the Hong
Kong Houseware fair.
These include Sharper Image, Sur La Table, National Wholesale Liquidator and
Z Gallerie from the US, Cantire in Canada, Metro from Germany, Red Cats from
France, General Trade Spa from Italy, Jumbo SA from Greece, Nitori, Imamu Corp
and Entrex from Japan.
Mainland buying offices for Walmart, Carrefour, B&Q, Home Depot, as well
as major chain stores and online shops have sent representatives to the fair.
Additional services are offered for buyers. Shuttle buses will be running from
the Hong Kong International Airport to the exhibition venue and major hotels
in Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Tsimshatsui every 15 minutes.
Lucky draws are held throughout the fair period. Lucky buyers could
bring home gift vouchers, jewellery and many others. Local buyers also have
the opportunity to win a prize of an air-ticket to visit a trade show in Germany.
Buyers who join the fair's Wheel of Fortune game will be able to win
a free cup of cappuccino, a glass of sparkling wine or special gourmet dishes
of the day from renowned restaurants in Hong Kong. Delicacies include roast
goose from Yung Kee Restaurant, wonton noodles from Mak's, pastries from the
Four Seasons Hotel or egg tarts from Golden Bauhinia Restaurant.
Other highlights of the fair include:
Seminars - Industry experts will share their insight on "Colour
& Home Decoration Trends" and "Keys to Enhancing Product Competitiveness
through an Effective Quality Management System"
Industry Survey - Buyers and exhibitors are interviewed on product and
market trends. Findings will be announced on the last day (April 24).
Sponsors of the Hong Kong Houseware Fair are Federation of Hong Kong Industries,
Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce,
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Exporters'
Association, The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong and Trade and Industry
Department, HKSAR Government.
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References:
Fair website - www.hkhousewarefair.com/chi/
HK Houseware Industry Profile - www.tdctrade.com/main/industries/t2_2_44.htm
For press enquiries, please contact Mr. Lawrence Yau or Miss Beatrice Lam
at 2584 4510 / 2584 4049
