Watch as Hong Kong shapeshifts.

Australian buyers skirting the 3,400 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, showcasing the latest technology, smart products and creative technologies at this week’s HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair, were spoilt for choice. Even this editor was impressed with the level of both software and hardware applications on show.

But one trend was evident: most paths lead back to the ubiquitous smartphone and Hong Kong’s leaders are determined to harness its remarkable powers to re-engineer the future of the territory.

The Fair which opened on Wednesday, April 13 is the largest spring electronics event in Asia, and the concurrent HKTDC International ICT Expo will run until Saturday, April 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).  Along with the connectivity story, the organisers have made it clear to delegates and media that Hong Kong is determined to emerge as a powerful electronics gateway to the lucrative Chinese manufacturing base on the mainland.

 

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The territory is presently a major global trade hub and financial centre and the 44th largest economy in the world. Along with being the world’s number one tourist destination city, the territory has been named the freest market economy. Its service economy is characterised by free trade and low taxation has been regarded as one of the world’s most laissez-faire economic policies, and the Hong Kong dollar is one of the 13th most traded currencies in the world.

In order to generate more business opportunities, HKTDC organized more than 170 buying missions to bring around 12,700 international buyers from 8,500 companies to the two fairs, including major importers and distributors in the international markets, such as Best Buy from the United States, Carrefour from France, Irmaos Muffato from Brazil, Ribeiro S.A. from Argentina, Beijing Capital Retailing Group Co., Ltd. from the Chinese mainland, Singer from Thailand, Arjuna Elektronik from Indonesia and Boulevard IT Superstore Sdn Bhd from Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the hktdc.com Small Orders display is featuring more than 300 showcases with 3,000 products, available in minimum order quantities from five to 1,000 pieces. The hktdc.com Small Orders Online Transaction Platform is also available at http://smallorders.hktdc.com for global buyers to source products and complete transactions online, featuring over 110,000 products from more than 9,000 suppliers.

The new participants at the fair hailed from from Austria, Liechtenstein and Russia. Major electronics production centres such as the Chinese mainland, Korea and Taiwan have also set up their own pavilions. The HKSAR Government’s latest Budget for 2016/17 specifically promotes smart production and research.

Read more details about the future of the Hong Kong technology industry in the Appliance Retailer May and June/July editions.