4 December 2014 - The HKTDC World SME Expo and HKTDC Inno Design Tech (IDT) Expo opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The concurrent fairs are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and run from 4-6 December.
“These parallel events represent a tailor-made opportunity for local companies, especially start-ups and SMEs, to gain a competitive edge through networking and expertise-sharing,” said Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC. “This year the events have been expanded to include more overseas participation as well as latest inventions.”
SMEs Centre Stage
The 14th edition of the HKTDC World SME Expo, a flagship event for small and medium sized enterprises in Asia, features over 360 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions. This year’s expo includes a wide range of SME supporting services and market opportunities for entrepreneurs to explore through various networking events and discussion platforms.
Franchising Formula
Franchising takes a prominent position at the World SME Expo with the Franchising Hall featuring more than 60 brands from Hong Kong, Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom. Franchise brands represent such sectors as food and beverage, retail, business services, education and hobbies, healthcare and wellness, beauty and many other lifestyle services.
The day-long Franchising Summit tomorrow (5 Dec) includes a variety of franchising workshops and one-on-one franchise matching to help participants tap into the potential of Asia’s franchising market.
Opportunities & Solutions
As well as the Franchising Hall, the expo comprises two other dedicated zones, the Opportunities Hall and the Solutions Hall. A total of more than 30 seminars and forums are organised during the expo for industry leaders and experts from the region to share insights on topics ranging from finance and mobile commerce to China opportunities and mediation services.
Renowned speakers at the expo include Lam Wai-chun, Founder of 759 Store; Viveca Chan, Chairman & CEO at WE Marketing Group; and Chen Xiao Dong, Intime Group CEO.
International Flavour
This year’s World SME Expo has an expanded international presence with the Hong Kong Myanmar Chamber of Commerce bringing Myanmar companies to present the latest business opportunities in their country. Meanwhile, the Organisation for Small & Medium Enterprises & Regional Innovation, Japan and the Kyushu Economic Federation are highlighting Japanese opportunities.
10 Years of Innovation
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the HKTDC Inno Design Tech Expo (IDT Expo). It features over 400 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including first time exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Qatar and Serbia.
Trade & Inspiration
The IDT Expo comprises the Trade Hall and Inspiration Hall. The Trade Hall includes design, branding strategies and the latest technology such as 3D printing to help SMEs upgrade and transform their operations. IP holders, users and agencies are also catered for in the “IP Trading and R&D” area. For the first time, a “Creative & Tech Start-Ups Zone” is set up to showcase the creativity of young Hong Kong entrepreneurs.
Global Intervention
The international focus of the fair is enhanced by the presence of more than 100 new inventions from global inventors aiming to attract interest at the “Global Invention Zone” of the Trade Hall. There is also a Japan Pavilion, led by the Japan Building Materials Association, featuring Japanese interior design (Washitsu). Elsewhere, the Korean Pavilion is showcasing the newest business design solutions and apps strategies.
The expo’s Inspiration Hall is open to the public during fair period. This year, under the theme “Living Design”, Sweden, this year’s Partner Country, is presenting innovative Swedish brands and enterprises, including IKEA, Electrolux, Scania and Volvo. Schindler Group is displaying its award-winning immersive presentation technology, dubbed the “Dome of Future Cities”. The exhibition at the Polish Pavilion “What goes behind ... Contemporary Polish ceramic design” presents the achievements of contemporary Polish designers in ceramics.Global designers, creators and investors will share their insights in over 50 thematic seminars and Inno Talks during the IDT Expo this year.
Joining Hands
Tomorrow (5 Dec) the HKTDC will officially launch its Small-Order Zone Online Transaction Platform on hktdc.com (http://smallorder.hktdc.com). The HKTDC has also joined hands with Hongkong Post to offer a postage rebate to support Hong Kong’s SMEs in embracing e-Commerce and reaching out to global markets. PayPal will support the platform by providing a secure payment solution. The Small-Order Zone initiative was introduced 2012, enabling suppliers to promote quality products in small quantities ranging from 5 to 1,000 pieces. With the newly-added “online transaction” function, suppliers will be able to conduct online transactions directly with buyers to capitalise on all the benefits brought by e-sourcing and small-order trading.
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:
Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
