Hong Kong: An ideal trading hub for Indian businesses

Johnny Wan, Director of Exhibitions Market Development, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), highlighted opportunities for Indian companies at the HKTDC’s world-class trade fairs during a press briefing in New Delhi recently. Wan underscored the robust bilateral trade relations between Hong Kong and India, adding that the Council’s trade fairs offered a good platform to boost business.

“India and Hong Kong have enjoyed close business relationship over the years. While Hong Kong is well-positioned to help enhance India’s external trade in global markets, the HKTDC plays an important role in boosting trade and strengthening bilateral links between India and Hong Kong,” said Wan.

India is Hong Kong’s seventh largest trading partner. In 2016, the value of bilateral trade reached around $26.9 billion, an impressive increase of 13 per cent over 2015. The trade relationship is particularly strong in pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, telecommunications equipment and parts, as well as finished jewellery.

In Hong Kong, the HKTDC organises more than 30 fairs annually, forming 11 largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia, with jewellery, gifts, watches and clocks, electronics and lighting being the largest of their kind in the world. HKTDC fairs attracted more than 36,000 exhibitors and over 7,11,000 buyers in 2016, affirming the city’s reputation as Asia’s trade fair capital. In 2016, more than 730 exhibitors and over 13,000 buyers from India participated in various HKTDC fairs.

HKTDC trade fairs will continue to serve the needs of global traders and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier hub for business and trade. Wan highlighted major fairs to open this April covering lighting, electronics and ICT, houseware, home textiles and furnishings, gifts and premium, as well as printing and packaging, which offer ideal platforms for Indian traders, especially the SMEs and start-up companies, to expand their business. “Hong Kong serves as the best springboard for Indian enterprises to tap into global markets,” Wan added.

Supported by a combination of international quality exhibitors and buyers, and complemented by the HKTDC Product Magazines and Supplements, HKTDC Online Marketplace, HKTDC Small Orders and the HKTDC Marketplace App, the fairs offer one-stop marketing and sourcing platforms and present prime opportunities for global traders to gather the latest market intelligence, and to form partnerships and develop their business through Hong Kong.

Established in 1966, HKTDC is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world.