As part of a strategic plan to further build on the growth in trade with the UAE and the Middle East in general, Hong Kong has enhanced its participation at this year’s International Autumn Trade Fair 2006 (IATF06) with over 230 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products at the region’s leading consumer goods show.
Commenting on the trade growth and participation at IATF06, Mr. Jeff Ambjorn, Middle East Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) said: “Our participation at IATF06 through the annual `Style Hong Kong in Dubai’, show running concurrently , comes at a time of growth in our trade relations with the UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. The UAE is our largest trade partner in this region and Dubai is the springboard for our further trade expansion.”
He said in the first eight months of 2006 from January-August, bilateral trade between the UAE and Hong Kong was to the tune of US$2.26 billion and is set to grow further.
“We foresee tremendous potential to enhance trade with the region and our participation at IATF06 is one of the key steps we take to catalyse our economic partnership,” Mr. Ambjorn said.
IATF06 will run at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) during December 17-20. The expo will host the official national pavilions of SIX countries, occupying 80 per cent of the 18,500-square metre exhibition space.
The national pavilions at IATF06 will include 160 exhibitors from China 15 from Bangladesh, 60 from Singapore, 50 from Korea and 200 from Indonesia. Other countries participating at IATF06 at individual levels include Croatia, Italy, UAE, India, Poland, Vietnam etc.
HKTDC is participating at IATF for the third consecutive year and will showcase Hong Kong as a premier supplier of high-quality lifestyle products to trade buyers and visitors from the Middle East.
“We want to fully utilise the IATF06 to further tap the market for stylish upmarket branded products, particularly at a time when our exports to the region are growing. Our focus is to differentiate our products from the mass merchandise of Asian low-cost suppliers, reinforcing Hong Kong’s image as an international marketplace and Asia’s premier sourcing hub,” Mr. Ambjorn said.
Hong Kong’s exports to the UAE in the first eight months of this year were to the tune of US$1,227 million, up 4 per cent from the previous year’s corresponding period and imports stood at US$$949 million, up 8 per cent.
Commenting on the participation of Hong Kong, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Serivices, organisers of the show, said: “IATF is an acknowledged trade platform to further business in the regional consumer goods sector and Hong Kong in the last three years of participation has realised success in promoting trade. This year, IATF is expected to attract around 22,000 trade buyers this year compared to some 21,000 last year and this will provide better opportunity for participants to expand trade.”
'Style Hong Kong in Dubai’ will display a wide range of high quality lifestyle products in six product zones including electronics and IT products, gifts and premiums, home/interior furnishings & hotel supplies, household products, jewellery and watches & fashion accessories. For the first time, the fair will also feature a special zone on construction materials.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
