ENG-1997 — Page 151

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is the SAR's statutory body responsible for promoting and expanding Hong Kong's trade with the world, as well as promoting Hong Kong's image as a business partner.

The TDC has a world-wide network of 51 offices in 34 countries and regions, effectively serving as the international marketing arm for the SAR's manufacturers and service providers.

During 1997, the TDC supervised for the government the on-time completion of the Extension to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which became the site for the handover ceremonies. It was also the venue for the 1997 annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. The Extension has more than doubled the space available at the Convention Centre for fairs and trade events and helped consolidate the HKSAR's position as the trade fair capital of Asia. The TDC organises some 300 promotional events world wide each year, providing cost-effective channels for local manufacturers and traders to reach international buyers.

In 1996-97, these events attracted participation from 12 000 Hong Kong companies. Of the 20 international trade fairs and exhibitions organised by the TDC in Hong Kong, six were the largest in Asia. These fairs attracted more than 7 800 exhibitors and 1.2 million visitors to Hong Kong.

In 1997, the TDC launched three new fairs in Hong Kong: FILMART, electronicAsia, and the Hong Kong International Hardware Show.

During 1996-97, many of the 300 promotional events were in new markets. South America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, were designated as target areas for promotional efforts, identifying new business opportunities and promoting Hong Kong as a reliable source of quality products and sophisticated services. One of the biggest efforts was a promotion at the Galerias Pacifico Mall in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the established markets of North America and Europe, the TDC continued to help Hong Kong companies meet the challenges of increasing competition by expanding and upgrading their presence at the world's largest fairs.

The TDC also continued to promote Hong Kong's economic image by arranging incoming and outgoing business missions and through their network of high-level business and media contacts.

In 1997, the Hong Kong/Europe and Europe/Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Committees were formed with the assistance of the TDC. These committees joined existing ones involving the United States and Japan in fostering and supporting business ties between Hong Kong and these important trading partners.

During 1996-97, the TDC continued to upgrade its information resources, making it easier for traders to access its services, and its databank of business contacts was expanded to over 624 000 entries. Its trade enquiry service went on-line globally in January 1997 with the launch of TDC-LINK Internet.

The TDC also expanded its trade publications, launching Hong Kong Construction, Hong Kong Footwear, Hong Kong Financial Services, Hong Kong Printing and

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