Hong Kong invites SMEs to trade fairs

January 10, 2012 | 15:08

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Vietnamese enterprises, particularly small- and medium-sized, are being encouraged to take part in international trade fairs in Hong Kong .

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Johnny Wan, senior exhibitions manager at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) said showcasing products in Hong Kong is a quick way to promote brands and build business links

Wan said the island enclave is Asia 's trade-fair capital, holding more than 110 events annually.

"To advertise Vietnamese goods to the world market, participation in Hong Kong 's international trade fairs is one of the fastest route," Wan said.

According to HKTDC figures, every year more than 10 trade commissions from Vietnam visited Hong Kong . Last year, 54 Vietnamese exhibitors joined Hong Kong 's fairs while the number of Vietnamese trade buyers reached nearly 2,200.

Vietnamese companies have a keen interest in exhibitions, including jewellery, stationery, houseware, gifts, fashion, toys and games, electronics, medical devices and supplies, lighting and information technology.

However, Wan said that as garments, textiles and tea are key exports from Vietnam , exporters should increase their presence in regional exhibitions.

He claimed Hong Kong is the freest economy in the world with zero tax for most products, adding that Hong Kong is the doorstep to southern China .

Hong Kong is among top 30 trade partners with Vietnam , according to HKTDC . Two-way trade value during January-November last year totalled $7.52 billion, a year-on-year increase of 33.7 per cent, it said.

Of this, Vietnam 's imports totalled $5.28 billion, while its exports fetched $2.23 billion. Re-exports were valued at $1.1 billion.

Wan encouraged the Vietnamese Government to spend more money to support SMEs to attend the fairs.