ENG-1994 — Page 146

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

To help Hong Kong companies diversify and develop new markets, the TDC mounted 306 promotions worldwide in 1993-94, with more than 60 per cent of them held in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Russia, South Africa and India. A total of 9 160 companies participated in these events, generating total business worth $33 billion.

Hong Kong's most important emerging market is in China, where trade liberalisation and a growing consumer market have seen quick growth. More than 1300 Hong Kong companies joined the TDC's 76 China projects during the year, which included four international trade fairs in Shenzhen and six 'Hong Kong Showcase' promotions in leading mainland department stores.

The TDC's research department contributed to the council's diversification drive by providing market intelligence on a wide range of countries and sectors, to enable local companies to respond strategically to changing markets and new opportunities. It produced 80 reports on countries including Vietnam and Colombia; on cities such as Miami and Shanghai; and on topical trade issues involving, among other things, sporting equipment in Japan and the impact of China's taxation reforms. Over 270 000 copies were circulated during the year. More than 60 000 manufacturers and traders visited the TDC's business library and more than 10 000 attended the 125 workshops, business seminars and training courses organised by the council.

In its efforts to ensure that Hong Kong products can compete effectively in world markets, the TDC works intensively with the territory's companies to upgrade the quality and design of their products. The TDC's Design Gallery featured 18 000 products over the year, and sent 1 800 outstanding products to international trade fairs and exhibitions. At the same time, it promoted more than 1 000 individual fashion designers and labels, and staged 37 fashion shows before 45 000 international and local buyers. The TDC's new specialised library for fashion design was used by more than 2 000 professional and student designers. Trade publications are a vital promotional tool for the TDC in opening, and further penetrating, markets for Hong Kong companies. The council's 13 product magazines are particularly valuable in reaching buyers in new markets where there are few established trade fairs or where connections with Hong Kong suppliers are not yet strong. For overseas buyers, the council's magazines facilitate easy and convenient sourcing from Hong Kong. More than 1.7 million copies of the TDC's product magazines are circulated worldwide, ranging from the flagship Hong Kong Enterprise, to stalwart magazines such as Hong Kong Apparel, Hong Kong Toys and Hong Kong Leather Goods and Bags. The TDC also publishes product magazines in Chinese, specifically for the mainland market.

To promote a positive image and environment for trade and to build a solid foundation for Hong Kong's business interests in international markets, the council maintains contacts with business leaders, economic policy-makers and the media around the world. It organises and participates in business seminars and conferences at international, regional and local levels. Highlights of the TDC's international networking efforts during 1993-94 included meetings of the Hong Kong/Japan Business Co-operation Committees and the Hong Kong/ United States Economic Co-operation Committees, and the hosting in Hong Kong of the 2nd Europe/East Asia Economic Forum in partnership with the Geneva-based World Economic Forum. The council formed two more Hong Kong business associations in overseas markets, bringing the total to 21 with 7 400 members. More than 150 overseas journalists were assisted on visits to the territory.

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