​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the opening ceremony of HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 today (September 1):
 
Sophia (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), Gary (Chairman of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr Gary Lau), SK (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Chong Sing-kai), Frankie (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Frankie Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today and officiate at the opening of the 45th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.
 
     This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Fair. Its enduring success is a testament to the dedication of the HKTDC and its co-organisers, as well as to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our watch and clock industry.
 
     Over the past 45 years, the Fair has evolved from a regional gathering into a leading international timepiece exhibition and a vital meeting point for the global industry. I am delighted that this year's Fair carries the theme "Sparkling Moments Through Time". It perfectly captures the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. The Fair showcases everything from luxury timepieces and fashion-forward creations to technological and sustainable innovations, while bringing together the entire industry value chain and connecting businesses from around the world.
 
     We are also pleased to welcome microbrands and independent watchmakers alongside established maisons that have defined elegance for generations. The participation of renowned brands from the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies, Europe and America is a further testament to the Fair's international reach and its appeal as a premier platform for the global timepiece industry.
 
     Such diversity and connectivity are Hong Kong's greatest assets. They also resonate strongly with the opportunities presented by our country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international trade centre and in playing a greater role in the country's high-standard opening up. As a "super-connector" between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, we offer a trusted, familiar and business-friendly environment for international companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, while providing Mainland brands with an ideal platform from which to expand their global presence.
 
     In line with the opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government is fully committed to reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a premier global business centre and convention and exhibition hub. In 2025, our two mega event venues, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, hosted over 360 internationally renowned events, attracting more than 9 million participants. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and enhance our policy support, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and a premier meeting place for ideas, investment and business opportunities.
 
     We welcome more large‑scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, especially with the added incentive of the Government's $100 million funding scheme to attract international exhibitions featuring new elements. The economic contribution of the exhibition sector is substantial. Our exhibition industry generated $50.2 billion in total economic output in 2024 while international exhibition visitors spent an average of over $9,300 per trip, about 70 per cent more than the average overnight tourist. These figures highlight the vital role of exhibitions in bringing high-value visitors, driving economic activity and creating new business opportunities.
 
     As we mark this significant 45-year milestone, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace the possibilities of the present, and look ahead to an even brighter future for the industry. Together, let us continue to create more "Sparkling Moments Through Time".
 
     Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and memorable Fair, and many fruitful exchanges and partnerships in the days ahead. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:43

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