23 August 2016
One-stop trading platform for the Middle East enterprises

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today that ten international trade fairs covering watches and clocks, fashion, electronics products, building materials, green products, lighting products, spectacles as well as wine and spirits will be held in Hong Kong in the coming September, October and November, which serve as a one-stop trading platform for exhibitors to meet with quality buyers and to tap into new markets.

The fairs are as below:

-      HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair

-      CENTRESTAGE

-      HKTDC Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)

-      electronicAsia

-      HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair

-      Eco Expo Asia

-      HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)

-      HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo

-      HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair

-      HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair

The UAE is Hong Kong's 13th largest trading partner. In the first half of 2016, the total trade value between the two places reached USD5.5 billion, with Hong Kong's total export to UAE reaching USD3.5 billion, and import value from UAE over USD 2 billion. The UAE and Middle East enterprises may utilise Hong Kong's exhibitions as an international platform to explore new opportunities.

Mr. Abdul Aziz Nasser, Deputy Director, Middle East, HKTDC said, 'From April 2015 to March 2016, the HKTDC's fairs welcomed more than 37,000 exhibitors and over 764,000 trade buyers from around the world. Among them, over 280 exhibitors and 12,500 buyers were from the Middle East. We look forward to seeing more UAE as well as Middle East corporations tap into the worldwide markets through HKTDC exhibitions.'

'The Chinese mainland has announced the "Belt and Road Initiative", which has been designed to enhance the orderly free-flow of economic factors and the efficient allocation of resources. UAE and the Middle East countries are included in the Belt and Road Initiative, implying more cross-over business opportunities to be uncovered. The HKTDC is devoted to boosting trade and strengthening the bilateral relation. With our concerted effort, I'm sure more trade opportunities will continuously be developed between Hong Kong and UAE.' said Abdul.

Each year, HKTDC organises more than 30 exhibitions in Hong Kong, from which form the 6 largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia; 5 are the largest in the world, namely the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show cum the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show; Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair; Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) cum electronicAsia; and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) cum Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.

Supported by a combination of international quality exhibitors and buyers, our world-class trade fairs, together with the small-order zone which allows buyers to source in smaller lots, offer one-stop marketing and sourcing platforms, and represent prime opportunities for traders from UAE and the Middle East to gather the latest market intelligence, and to form partnerships and develop their business through Hong Kong.

Portfolio of the autumn fairs

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair
Salon de TE
6 - 10 / 9 / 2016
www.hktdc.com/hkwatchfair
http://www.hktdc.com/hkwatchfair/te

The 35th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will be open from September 6-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, expecting over 800 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions. The fair is the world's flagship event of its kind. The concurrent Salon de TE is an exquisite event highlighting all distinguished watch brands and this year there are around 150 prestigious brands and designer collections from around the world.

At Salon de TE, the Renaissance Moment zone features spectacular timepieces from Europe under Swiss Eminence and the Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion, while the classic World Brand Piazza showcases 13 prestigious brands. In light of the growing demand for smart watches, the OEM Smart Watches zone will make its debut at the Watch & Clock Fair this year, displaying versatile designs with latest technologies.

In addition to showcasing spectacular timepieces from around the world, the fair stages two important trade conferences. The Hong Kong International Watch Forum (September 6) invites speakers from watch associations of Switzerland, France, Japan, Korea, the Chinese mainland and Taiwan to discuss industry developments and latest market trends. The Asian Watch Conference (September 7) will gather representatives from the watch and information technology sectors to explore future prospects of smart watches as well as online crowd funding.

CENTRESTAGE
7 - 10 September 2016
http://www.centrestage.com.hk/en/index.php

CENTRESTAGE, a brand new international fashion event will be held from 7-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. CENTRESTAGE is a platform for international, especially Asian, fashion brands and designers to promote their brands and launch their collections. Fashion brands can leverage the show to reach buyers, particularly select shops, department stores and e-retailers, as well as fashion media and fashion influencers in the region.

This fair will showcase about 200 brands including anagram, Aquascutum, ANTEPRIMA, ATSURO TAYAMA, Dorian Ho, HARRISON WONG, Hidy Ng, i.t, JNBY, Lu Lu Cheung. A opening gala fashion show entitled CENTRESTAGE ELITES will be staged on the first day of the event (7 September). Top models will showcase the latest fashion collections from four of the hottest design units in Asia, namely Mim Mak from Hong Kong, Simon Gao from the Chinese mainland, Ko Taeyong from Korea and Thai designer duo Pongsak Suprratccheep and Thita Kamonnetsawat, for what promises to be a spectacular fashion extravaganza.

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2016 (YDC), to be held on 10 September, will be another highlight of CENTRESTAGE. YDC is an invaluable platform for fashion designers who aspire to launch their own labels to showcase their works and creativity. CENTRESTAGE will feature some 30 fashion shows and brand showcases which provide an ideal platform for international labels to promote their latest collections.

The HKTDC will also organise networking events and trend seminars during the show, and invite seasoned industry professionals and experts to analyse the latest market trends in fashion. On the last day of the event (10 September), CENTRESTAGE will transform into OPENSTAGE, and visitors aged 12 or above will be admitted free of charge. OPENSTAGE will provide the public with the opportunity to experience a trendsetting fashion event, look up-close at the latest collections and connect personally with the designers who created them.

HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)

13 - 16 October 2016

http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkelectronicsfairae-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Electronics-Fair-Autumn-Edition.html

electronicAsia
13 - 16 October 2016

http://www.hktdc.com/fair/electronicasia-en/electronicAsia.html

The 36th HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 20th electronicAsia will be held concurrently from 13 to 16 October 2016 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As the world's largest electronics marketplace, the two fairs are expecting over 4,100 exhibitors this year. In the 2015 editions, the two fairs attracted a total of around 96,000 visitors from some 150 countries and regions.

A new zone on Virtual Reality (VR) will be launched at the Electronics Fair this year, featuring a variety of VR equipment and applications. Another new highlight is the debut Innovation & Start-up Zone, which offers an ideal platform for start-ups to showcase their innovative ideas to international buyers.

The two new zones introduced last year, Smart Tech and Robotics and Unmanned Tech, will return with more Internet of Things (IoT) applications, robotics and drones respectively. The Hall of Fame will continue to be a spotlight of the fair, featuring stylish products from over 520 renowned brand names such as Binatone, Fujikon, Haier, Intel and VTech. Other highlighted product zones include 3D Printing, i-World and Wearable Electronics.

Jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, electronicAsia creates an unrivalled platform for suppliers of electronic components and production technologies such as PCBs, assemblies, display technologies and solar photovoltaic technologies. A new zone Integrated Circuit will be launched this year, together with other themed zones including Keyboards & Switches, Printed Circuit Board, World of Display Technology, Key Components for Smart Devices and Solar & Photovoltaic Energy, among others.

HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair
26 - 29 October 2016

http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkbdh-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-International-Building-and-Hardware-Fair.html

The 11th edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair will open its door from 26-29 October 2016 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Building on a foundation of diversified exhibits, professional organisations and strong marketing to international buyers, more than 140 exhibitors are expected to gather at the show this year.

Buyers from both public institutions and private enterprises represent a broad spectrum of interests from engineering, construction and property development. Global traders in building materials and hardware, architects, contractors, interior designers and town planners will all gather at the fair to uncover a wide spectrum of exhibits. Last year, more than 11,000 buyers from 98 countries and regions visited the fair.

Responding to one of the key and popular topics in the industry, the Building Performance and BIM zone at the fair features BIM (Building Information Modeling) object, cloud-based collaboration platform as well as software and consultancy service. In view of the surging demand for green building, Green Building Materials zone will present the products with elements from sustainable sources or which are energy-efficient.

Eco Expo Asia

26 - 29 October 2016

http://www.hktdc.com/fair/ecoexpoasia-en/Eco-Expo-Asia-International-Trade-Fair-on-Environmental-Protection.html

Celebrating its 11th edition this year, Eco Expo Asia, the preeminent trading platform for green businesses and gateway to the growing green market in Asia, will gather over 300 industry experts and leading-edge products and solutions providers at AsiaWorld-Expo from 26 to 29 October 2016. The annual show is organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised with the Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. It is widely recognised by the Hong Kong, Chinese mainland and various international government bodies as well as trade associations.

In response to the notable Paris Agreement adopted in 2015, this year's expo will open with the new theme "Green Solutions for a Changing Climate". The fair will provide green solutions to governments and the industry to help them achieve their sustainability goals.

The fair will again feature the "Theme Day" concept in which each day will be complemented by corresponding business events, conferences and workshops of a specific topic. The concept aims to highlight related products and solutions to facilitate effective sourcing. The themes to be covered this year include "Global Innovations for Climate Change", "Waste Management", "Sustainable Energies and Buildings" and "Green Living".

HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo

26 - 29 October 2016

www.hktdc.com/hkotlexpo

HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)

27 - 30 October 2016

www.hktdc.com/hklightingfairae

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will see its 18th edition from 27-30 October 2016 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Showcasing cutting-edge lighting products, solutions and services, this spectacular occasion will be the ideal business platform for industry leaders and buyers alike. Last year, the fair featured 2,555 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions.

The famed Hall of Aurora brings top-notch branded collections of lighting accessories and applications under one roof. Leading brands include BJB, Citizen, EGLO, Ford, Lumileds, Neo-Neon, Ledus and Megaman. The popular LED & Green Lighting zone displays a wide array of energy-efficient lighting for commercial and residential uses. Last year, this zone was the biggest in the fair with over 1,000 exhibitors. Eyeing on a smarter future, the lighting industry is developing such high-tech devices for domestic, installed and mobile uses as well. At the Smart Lighting & Solutions zone, state-of-the-art lighting design services, software, management systems and control panels will be on display.

Building on the success of the Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) as well as the World of Outdoor Lighting & Lighting Accessories 2015, this year the HKTDC will expand the scale of the previous World of Outdoor Lighting & Lighting Accessories, renaming it to HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor & Tech Light Expo. Staged during 26-29 October 2016 alongside the HKTDC International Building and Hardware Fair and the Eco Expo Asia at the AsiaWorld-Expo, this new fair will showcase lighting for outdoor, professional, industrial and advertising uses, as well as lighting accessories, parts and components.

Since lighting products and fixtures are closely associated with the building materials and green industry, these concurrent events will facilitate cross-sector collaboration, maximise sourcing opportunities and promote mutual growth for exhibitors.

HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair
9 - 11 November 2016
http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkopticalfair-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Optical-Fair.html

As Asia's premier sourcing platform for the industry, the 24th HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair, welcoming over 760 exhibitors from all over the world, will feature the latest global trends in fashionable optical industry.

A showcase for leading international players, the popular Brand Name Gallery will welcome over 200 well-known brands from around the world, such as Evisu (Japan), ic! berlin (Germany), Italia Independent (Italy), L.G.R. (Italy), Mykita (Germany), Markus-t (Germany), CONVERSE (US), Jaeger (UK). An exciting line-up of eyewear parades will be staged at the Gallery. The fair will also display the latest styles of frames, spectacles and related products in over a dozen product zones, ranging from kids' eyewear to optometric instruments, equipment and machinery.

Various industry events will explore new trends and innovations in the optical industry. The 14th Hong Kong Optometric Conference will feature experts from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the US to share their insights on Advancement in Ophthalmic Treatments. Jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the 18th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme of "Uniqueness" aims to foster local creativity and innovation. Designs of the finalists will be on display during the fair period, showcasing the local originality and energy to international players.

HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair
10 - 12 November 2016
http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwinefair-en/HKTDC-Hong-Kong-International-Wine-and-Spirits-Fair.html

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Wine & Spirits Fair) presents its 9th edition on 10-12 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 1,000 exhibitors are expected to join the fair this year. It serves as an effective platform for exhibitors to promote their products to quality buyers in the region. Fuelled by booming market demand and an established reputation for excellence, the fair in 2015 attracted over 20,000 visitors from 75 countries and regions attending the event.

Pavilions from various countries and regions, as well as trade organisations will take part in Wine & Spirits Fair this year, including: Argentina Pavilion, Austrian Wine Marketing Board, Canadian Food Exporters Association, Sopexa and Bettane + Desseauve, Veronafiere, Japan External Trade Organization and Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade etc.

A panoply of events will take place during the three-day fair, including grand tastings, master classes, wine tastings, cocktail demonstration and seminars. It will be an excellent opportunity for buyers to soak up the latest market intelligence and product and marketing developments in the wine industry. Over 70 events were featured at the 2015 edition. Every year, the Wine Industry Conference attracts hundreds of wine professionals. This year, Asia's first Master of Wine, Debra Meiburg MW, will again serve as the Conference's advisor and moderator and share the latest industry updates with the audience.

Small-Order Zone: An alternative sourcing choice

Nowadays, buyers prefer to purchase in small orders with quick turnaround time to reduce stock and save operational costs. In view of this, HKTDC will continue to set up Small-Order Zone at Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair, Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) to serve as the convenient platform for buyers to source in smaller lots ranging from 5 to 1,000 pieces.

The Small-Order Zone also goes online, at smallorder.hktdc.com, with instant payment via PayPal and shipping arrangements available for select products.

Small-Order Zone was awarded the UFI Marketing Award 2013, which recognises the Zone's effectiveness in connecting global distributors and buyers.

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on  Google+  Twitter @hktdc  

Media Enquiries:
Please contact the HKTDC Dubai Office:
Sasidharan Sudheesh
Marketing Executive
Tel: +971-4-3298915
E-mail: sudheesh.s@hktdc.org

© Press Release 2016