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Speech by CS at the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair opening ceremony (English only)(with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (27 April):

Jeffrey (Lam) (Chairman of the Fair Organising Committee), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     Good Morning.

     Each year, the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair brings together people, products and new innovations from around the world in a dynamic and vibrant location.  A warm welcome to you all.

     This is the 24th Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair. During its long history the Fair has been a magnet for people with bright and fresh ideas looking to access new markets and source new products.  It has consistently expanded, upgraded and reached out to markets in different corners of the globe.

     This year is no different.

     As Jeffery has just mentioned, last year the Fair became the largest of its kind in the world and this year it is even bigger, with close to 4,000 exhibitors from around the globe.

     Hong Kong has long been a premiere regional and global sourcing hub for gifts and premium.  In 2008 alone, we exported US$ 21.8 billion (HK$ 167 billion) of gift and premium products to the world, offering everything from basic to high value, innovative merchandise.

     Over the past years, our industry has been moving up the value chain rapidly and has taken great strides in designs and creating their own brands.  As you walk around the exhibition hall today, you will notice an increasing number of products emphasising style and creativity.  In particular, we see a new zone added for the 2009 Fair - "World of Inspiration", showcasing an exciting variety of items with fabulous styles and designs.

     I am also delighted to see the new exhibition space and facilities being put to good use so quickly.  The Atrium Link Extension project was completed only a couple of weeks ago. This has increased total exhibition space by more than 40 per cent to 66 000 square metres. Only in Hong Kong can we get something up so quickly and use it right away.

     In this case, size really does matter because the additional space, equivalent to 1 000 booths, opens the door to thousands of small and medium enterprises to take part in our over-subscribed trade shows.

     The Government has fully supported this Extension project. We have been working closely with the Trade Development Council throughout the planning and construction phases. Incredibly it took less than three years to complete the Atrium Link Extension.  The Government will continue to play a role in ensuring high-quality facilities for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions, or what is generally referred to as the MICE sector.

     During this difficult time for our economies, Hong Kong is taking full advantage of our closer integration with the mainland of China.  Being just one-step away from the 1.3 billion population, imagine what just a slice of the huge Mainland consumer market can do for you.  

     That's why we are strengthening cross-boundary links and breaking down barriers to trade and investment with the Mainland.  This will help to open up new opportunities for buyers and suppliers in the gifts and premium sector and further enhance this Fair's reputation as a must-attend event.

     I wish you all an enjoyable and fruitful Gifts and Premium Fair and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia's world city.

     Thank you.

Ends/Monday, April 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:58

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