Hong Kong's largest ever Middle East trade fair opens in Dubai

'Hong Kong in Style', the largest ever trade fair of Hong Kong products in the Middle East, was officially opened today by His Excellency Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information Department, Government of Dubai and Fred Lam, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

More than 200 Hong Kong companies have travelled to the Middle East to display a broad range of quality, award-winning products covering electronics, jewellery, toys and games, watches and clocks and garments. The five-day event, which is taking place from 12 - 16 December 2004, at halls 4 and 5A the Dubai International Exhibition Centre is running concurrently to its partner show, The International Autumn Trade Fair.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lam commented; "This is a groundbreaking event for us. It is the first time that we have brought such a large delegation to the Middle East and a clear indication of the importance Hong Kong companies attrribute to doing business in the region."

"Many of these companies are market leaders in the US and Europe, but for more than two-thirds of the companies who are present at the expo, this is the first time they have exhibited in the Middle East," added Lam. 

Breifing the media after touring the fair with His Excellency Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Lam said; "Buying groups from as far afield as Russia and West Africa have registered to attend. We know the exhibitors are very excited to be meeting such a wide range of potential customers. Previously buyers had to come to our major fairs in Hong Kong to see such an extensive range of products. With 'Hong Kong in Style' we are bringing the companies to the Middle East."

The five-day programme aims to step up business between two regions 'Hong Kong in Style' is the main event in a five-day programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote greater business ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Other events include a 'Hong Kong Extravaganza' gala dinner for almost 500 members of the Hong Kong and UAE business community. The Hong Kong-themed evening brings the flavour and style of Hong Kong to Dubai with a Hong Kong chef, interior designer, fashion designers and models being flown in for the evening. The highlight of the celebration is a catwalk show of stylish and contemporary Hong Kong fashion, modelled by some of Hong Kong's most famous models.

Lam and a select delegation of VIP exhibitors will also hold a business-focused media roundtable to highlight Hong Kong's role in capturing business opportunities in China and the wider Asia region.