31
17. We further recommend that organised business associations in the Colony should bring to the notice of their members the desirability of exhibiting at the British Industries Fair. The Committee is not convinced that there is no room for an ordinary Import and Export firm at the Exhibition. While it might be difficult to show any particular object, it ought to be possible for such firms to present an attractive display card showing the lines in which they are interested, and perhaps the agencies which they represent. It should be noted in this connection that buyers at the Fair are looking for exporters of produce, not necessarily the actual producers, and exhibitors elsewhere in the Fair may be looking for agents to show their wares in new markets.
18. To exhibitors of actual commodities we would recommend that exhibits should not exceed one of each particular item. The British Customs officials levy purchase tax and customs duty on any articles which are given away as samples and it is unwise to distribute such samples at the Fair. Moreover, it adds to packing costs, and makes storage difficult in the limited space available at the Fair.
19. Therefore, while a limited number of actual exhibits are desirable so that buyers can see the quality of the producers' goods, it is much more important that exhibitors should have available well illustrated catalogues of their products giving all information available to potential buyers. In particular, the description of each com- modity should be comprehensive, designed to anticipate any question which a buyer might ask about it. Prices should be quoted f.o.b. Hong Kong and c.i.f. the principal ports of Europe and Africa. In addition, information should be included as to the terms on which the seller will conduct business, the name of his Bankers and, where possible, his cable address. Catalogues should be in clear and attractive printing and details expressed in good English. Buyers attending the British Industries Fair are mostly air travellers and advertising literature should not, therefore, be bulky. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 copies of booklets for each exporter should be sufficient. We would also recommend to future exhibitors that their exhibits and literature should be packed together in cases which can be easily handled, and that all if possible be despatched so as to reach the United Kingdom in one consignment. A considerable amount of expense and official time can be saved if the various exhibits are handled together. We have given considerable attention to the desirability of training two or three persons who would be sent to London and would be on permanent duty through- out the exhibition answering all the enquiries of potential buyers, and even making firm offers on behalf of Hong Kong firms. We are not prepared to make any recom- mendations on this particular point for while we appreciate the advantages of such a proposal, nevertheless, we are aware that it will require considerable expense and the proposal might be better dealt with by the incoming Committee. It should be pointed out that the most telling exhibit is not that which displays the largest number of articles but that which can attract the attention of the purchaser on to the article in question. All goods should have, in addition, comprehensive price tickets, i.e. showing the price, quantity, and c.i.f. the more important ports in the world.
20. We also recommend that a commercial Guide to Hong Kong should be published. This would contain in some detail the various shipping, storage, banking and Insurance facilities which are available in Hong Kong and some account of Hong Kong's industries. In addition, it would give the official requirements governing factory operation, labour laws, import duties and import and export regulations. Statistics showing the movement of trade should be included.
21. In conclusion, we would state that this first venture at the British Industries Fair had been well worth while. We feel, however, that the potential value of the Fair has not been exploited to the full. As our experience at the British Industries Fair widens, it should be possible to utilise the Fair to show to the world the value of Hong Kong as a productive. and distributing centre for the Far East and we believe