Hong Kong optical industry transformed by product design

Hong Kong is the largest exporter of optical frames in Asia, second only to Italy on a worldwide basis, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, said today (November 6).

Last year, Hong Kong's total exports of optical frames and related accessories amounted to HK$6.76 billion.

"Our optical products, including many carrying designer brand names, are known for their excellent quality and innovative design, and have won the hearts of consumers and buyers the world over," Mr Tang told guests at the Hong Kong Optical Fair dinner.

He said the relentless efforts of the optical industry to improve product design and comfort, had successfully transformed the image of optical products from a sight-corrective tool to an 'exquisite accessory' reflecting personal taste and character.

Mr Tang described as 'amazing' the optical industry's ability to withstand challenges and to continue as an industry Hong Kong could look on with pride.

In the '70s, the growing popularity of contact lens gave rise to doubts as to whether the traditional spectacles could survive. But they did. Similarly, the introduction of optical laser treatment in recent years has also not hampered the development of the optical industry.

Mr Tang said the resilience of the industry had much to do with the efforts of the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association in upgrading product design.

The annual Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition goes a long way towards assisting the long-term development of the local optical industry by promoting creativity in eyewear design, nurturing design talents and upgrading design standards in Hong Kong, Mr Tang said.

Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2002