Over 2,000 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions joined the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (TDC) Hong Kong Houseware fair, the largest of its kind in Asia, which opened Hong Kong on Wednesday.

On show at the three-day fair are a dazzling array of the latest products from all segments of the housewares sector: furniture, kitchenware and gadgets, small electrical appliances, general houseware items, tableware, hardware and DIY products, household textiles, health and personal care items.

The chairman of the Panel on Commerce and Industry of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Kenneth Ting, said that over the years, Hong Kong household products have evolved from price-competitive products to up-market merchandise.

"This has been a result of significant quality enhancements and the addition of a range of value-added elements. These include innovative designs, attractive packaging, reliable delivery, professional marketing, stringent logistics control, and excellent customer service," said Ting.

Last year was a tough year for Hong Kong in many ways. However, even at the most difficult times, the dynamic houseware industry maintained a strong momentum of growth. Statistics of the TDC showed that exports of household goods in 2003 grew by 6 percent over 2002, with a total value of nearly 20 billion US dollars.

"Hong Kong's economic outlook seems the brightest for at least two years," said chairman of the fair organizing committee Jeffrey Lam. "This is the best situation, and the best time, in recent years in terms of business opportunities for Hong Kong."

Lam said that the fourth-quarter results for 2003 were highly satisfactory for most Hong Kong manufacturers and exporters.

"Clearly, Hong Kong is over the worst of its economic problems, especially now that the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with the Chinese mainland has come into force," said Lam.

"Thanks to CEPA, and the Chinese mainland's membership of the World Trade Organization, there is now a new generation of big and medium-sized overseas businesses wanting to cut fresh deals with the mainland. Nearly all of them wish to work through Hong Kong as the middleman," he said.

"As a result, I am not only very positive about the fair, but also about Hong Kong's economic prospects. They are easily the brightest for at least two years, and no prudent Hong Kong businessman would let these opportunities slip through his fingers," said Lam.

He said that because of the international security situation and fears over terrorism, more Americans are staying home instead of traveling. "As a result, they are spending money on items for their homes, as seen in a surge in exports of Christmas decorations plus higher-volume throughput in houseware, toys and gifts and premiums."

Anne Chick, senior exhibitions manager of TDC, said that "we are confidently anticipating a highly successful fair from every aspect -- exhibitors, buyers, the latest in innovative products and, most important of all, satisfied customers."

She said that the message has gone out loud and strong across the globe that Hong Kong is back on a roll after the setbacks of mid-2003. "We can safely say that the Houseware Fair, and the huge range of top quality products it will display, is an absolute 'must' on any international buyer's attendance schedule."

A typical exhibitor back as usual at the fair, and displaying a highly attractive range of latest-design dinnerware and coffeeware, is Topchoice Industries Ltd.

"We take part in six exhibitions every year, including one in Frankfurt, but Hong Kong's Houseware Fair is doubtless the most important of them all," said senior marketing executive of the company Brenda Liang.

Bunhoi Group, a long-time exporter of cooking utensils, houseware and kitchen gadgets to Europe, is frank and confident about the challenges they face in overseas market.

"We must be flexible, and quick on our feet to detect changing trends in the marketplace and respond to them fast," said the company's merchandise manager, Joachim Arndt.

Source: Xinhua