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represented the biggest international trade fairs in the region. These events attracted more than 25 000 exhibitors and over half a million trade visitors, including some 270 000 from overseas. Reflected in TDC's exhibitions was the council's new initiative to promote Hong Kong as a technology marketplace.
The TDC continued to seek opportunities, particularly for SMEs, on the Mainland and in both established and emerging overseas markets. On the Mainland, the focus was on promoting Hong Kong as a professional, creative and financial services platform, a logistics hub, a partner for Mainland businesses seeking global opportunities and a prime supplier of fashionable and lifestyle products. In mature markets, TDC stepped up efforts to differentiate Hong Kong merchandise by highlighting reliable quality, stylish designs and adherence to stringent green and safety standards. Targeting emerging markets, TDC's role focused primarily on pathfinding and image-building to identify business opportunities for Hong Kong's SMEs.
In 2006, the TDC maintained a global databank of about 700 000 business contacts, facilitating worldwide users in locating business partners. It also published various trade magazines, research reports and practical guidebooks. Its online business newspaper Hong Kong Trader was read by over 500 000 senior corporate executives and decision-makers. The online publication CEO Express, targeting Mainland senior management, also helped strengthen TDC's advocacy of Hong Kong.
The TDC serviced six high-level bilateral business committees to help foster stronger economic ties between Hong Kong, the US, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, France and Korea. To facilitate partnerships between Hong Kong and overseas SMEs, the TDC maintained close liaison with the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, which provided more than 10 000 SMEs around the world with links to Hong Kong.
To achieve its goals, the council organises international exhibitions, seminars and workshops, sector-specific networking events as well as outreach programmes. It also provides information support and personalised business advisory services to the trade. In 2006, the TDC organised more than 550 promotional events in and outside Hong Kong. In addition to its pathfinding efforts, TDC's website tdctrade.com serves as a global trading platform for Hong Kong SMEs to facilitate business opportunities. The website offers insightful market information, multi-media broadcast content and business tools. It also provides an online trading platform for Hong Kong companies and overseas buyers.
Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) was created by statute in 1966 to provide export credit insurance facilities for Hong Kong exporters of goods and services against non-payment risks arising from commercial and political events. The ECIC is wholly owned by the HKSAR Government, which also guarantees its maximum contingent liability, currently standing at $15 billion.
The ECIC provides a wide range of insurance facilities to Hong Kong exporters of goods and services for payments on credit terms. The Comprehensive Cover Policy,
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