Hong Kong a showcase for Lankan businessmen

Hong Kong is an ideal destination for Sri Lankan businessmen to showcase their products and capture new markets, said Exhibitions Manager, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, HKTDC, Peggie Liu.

She said Sri Lankan companies will benefit from the US$ 10.3 million (HK$ 80 million) buyer sponsorship package offered by the Council. This initiative offers subsidised packages of air ticket and hotel stay for international buyers to attend trade fairs organised by HKTDC up to mid 2010.

"This is the first time such a package is offered for Sri Lankan manufacturers which is an ideal opportunity to promote niche brands to emerging markets" Liu said. The HKTDC will hold a number of international trade fairs in the coming months which will immensely benefit Sri Lankan companies hoping to expand business or consolidate the position in the region.

Hong Kong is the largest trading hub in Asia characterised by free trade, world class infrastructure and free flow of information. Sri Lanka was the 48th trading partner of Hong Kong last year. "The proximity of Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland presents good opportunities for companies across the globe. Hong Kong is not only a gateway to the Chinese mainland but also its geographical, economic, political and social competitiveness makes it the best trade and investment destination for overseas companies" Liu said.

The HKTDC International Lighting Fair from October 27-30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is expected to be the largest lighting event in Asia. Tea, garments, seafood and electrical power machinery are some of the major exports of Sri Lanka to Hong Kong while textile accessories, cotton fabric, printed matter and communication equipment are imported from Hong Kong.

HKTDC fairs are avenues for one-stop sourcing from parts to finished products, traditional models to innovative designs.

Set up in 1966 the Council has over 900 employees with 40 offices worldwide. The council has over 700,000 buyer database and it is the official trade partner for China.

(LF)