SCIT's speech at opening ceremony of China Sourcing Fairs: Electronics & Components (English only)
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    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, at the opening ceremony of the China Sourcing Fairs: Electronics & Components at AsiaWorld-Expo today (April 12): (English only)

Mr (Merle) Hinrichs, Mr (Nicholas) Borit, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to attend the Opening Ceremony of the China Sourcing Fairs: Electronics & Components 2007. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I extend a very warm welcome to all the exhibitors, buyers and visitors, especially those of you who have come from the Mainland and overseas to attend this event. I would also like to thank Global Sources for holding this large-scale international event in Hong Kong.

     Since it was first held at AsiaWorld-Expo a year ago, the China Sourcing Fairs have achieved tremendous success. In October last year, the event attracted more than 47,000 buyers from more than 150 countries. With increasing number of exhibitor and buyer attendance, the China Sourcing Fairs have proven to be one of the most effective sourcing platforms for two-way trade between greater China and the rest of the world. We are therefore pleased to know that Global Sources has renewed its contracts with AsiaWorld-Expo to host China Sourcing Fairs and a new event at AsiaWorld-Expo from 2009 through 2012.

     Hong Kong has become a premier trade fair capital and a popular city for international conferences and exhibitions in Asia Pacific. Our success owes to a large measure to Hong Kong's strategic location in the region which offers ready access to the vast markets such as the Mainland, Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea.

     Moreover, our first-class convention and exhibition facilities, efficient transport network, proximity to and wealth of experience in doing business in the Mainland market, meticulous professional and hospitality services and superb organisation ability are all our competitive advantages. We strive to improve upon our strengths and stay ahead of our competitors in the region. Indeed, we have showcased Hong Kong's capabilities of hosting mega international conferences and exhibitions to the world through a good track record of numerous successful events. For example, the ITU Telecom World 2006, the ˇ§Olympics of the telecommunications industryˇ¨ was successfully held at AsiaWorld-Expo last year.  

     Premier Wen Jiabao recently pledged support for Hong Kong to position itself as a centre for international conventions and exhibitions for the whole of China.

     On the part of HKSAR Government, we have been making significant strategic investments in high-quality convention and exhibition infrastructures. For example, we are actively discussing with AsiaWorld-Expo for an early commencement of its Phase 2 expansion project, increasing its total exhibition space from 66,000 to 100,000 square metres.  

     In closing, I wish you all a successful exhibition and look forward to welcoming you back again and again in the future.  

     Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, April 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:44

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