HK expo industry remains optimistic

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-23 10:11

HONG KONG -- Despite falling consumer spending worldwide, Hong Kong exhibition industry remains optimistic, as there are still many international buyers planning to increase imports this year, particularly from the Chinese mainland, said CEO of Asia World-Expo, a Hong Kong based convention and exhibition center, on Wednesday.

The three fairs running in Asia World-Expo now showcase a total of 1,500 booths from nine countries and regions, with exhibitors "more than expected", said Allen Ha, chief executive officer of Asia World-Expo.

"Amid the deepening global financial crisis, many believe that the centre of the world's economic stage has shifted eastward to the Asian region," said Ha, stating that Hong Kong's exhibition industry will benefit from the continuous growth of China's economy and the increasingly economic integration between Hong Kong and the mainland.

This is echoed by Sarah Benecke, executive director of Global Sources, which is the organizer of the ongoing three fairs in Asia World-Expo: China Sourcing Fair: Home Products, India Sourcing Fair and China Sourcing Fair: Baby & Children's Products.

Bernecke said buyers still need to replenish their inventories and source products that sell in today's market, although consumer behavior may have changed and buyers are modifying their sourcing strategies.

In fact, these changes create more opportunities for China's enterprises to strengthen China's position in the global economy by establishing a closer connection with international business and trade partners, she added.