Email this article news.gov.hk
Speech by CS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC's HK Toys & Games Fair, HK Baby Products Fair and HK International Licensing Show (Eng only) (with photos/video)
************************************************************

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)'s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2016, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair 2016 and Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2016 this morning (January 11):

Mr Yeung (Chi-kong) (Chairman of the HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee), Mr Li (Jiangang) (Deputy Director General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture), Mr Tommy Li (Chairman of the HKTDC Design, Marketing and Licensing Services Advisory Committee), Margaret (Fong) (Executive Director of the HKTDC), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all here today at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2016, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair 2016 and Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2016. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, may I extend our warmest welcome to all of you, especially to the guests coming from overseas and from the Mainland to attend the three concurrent trade fairs.

     Hong Kong has developed into a premier convention and exhibition centre in the region. As a free port with superb connectivity at the heart of Asia, exhibitors and their products as well as visitors can move into Hong Kong conveniently, making the territory a preferred location in staging international conventions and exhibitions. Located alongside many of the region's most exciting business markets, we are well positioned to serve as a "super-connector" for global businesses interested in doing business with China and other Asian economies.

     Entering its 42nd edition this year, the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair has established itself as Asia's largest fair of its kind and the second largest in the world. The seventh HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 14th Hong Kong International Licensing Show concurrently held under the same roof have also evolved, respectively, as one of the leading baby products events in Asia and the largest licensing platform in the region.

     Indeed, aside from being the hub of toy production, Asia is also set to become a market of huge potential for toys and baby products, particularly in the light of China's two-child policy and the growing purchasing power in emerging markets in Asia. The Fairs opened today provide a valuable occasion for buyers and sellers across the world to exchange market insights and understand new trends, to expand business contacts and build partnership across sectors, as well as to explore new opportunities in Asia and traditional markets.

     The Fairs also provide a golden opportunity for our local toys industry to showcase their high-quality products and outstanding services in product design, production planning, marketing and management. For many years, the Hong Kong toy industry has been exporting our creativity across the globe, sharing our innovation as well as bringing happiness and fun to children here and everywhere. From January to October last year, our total exports of toys, dolls and games amounted to HK$40.3 billion, and achieved an encouraging growth in exports in a number of markets, including India, Germany, Canada, the United States and the Philippines.

     I am excited to learn that nearly 2,800 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions all over the world have brought their latest collections to display in the Fairs this year, making it a new record. I am confident that, in the year ahead, visitors will benefit from the ample business opportunities brought about by the concurrent Fairs.

     May I wish the trade fairs a resounding success. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year, and for the participants from overseas, a very fruitful and enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Monday, January 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:29

NNNN

Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo
Print this page