As the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair came to a close after four days of trading, Hong Kong once again consolidated its role as the leading regional creative hub in Asia.
Over the years, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has been committed to promoting Hong Kong through exhibitions, conferences and diversified activities, helping local creative industries to go global, says Sophia Chong, deputy executive director of the HKTDC.
“In response to market demands, the Gifts & Premium Fair launched the Cultural & Creative Corner for the first time last year and again this year with a variety of products rich in craftsmanship, creative design, cultural characteristics and ‘intangible cultural heritage’,” she says.
The Cultural & Creative Corner featured over 30 exhibitors showcasing designs with local cultural characteristics and products related to intangible cultural heritage from Shandong and Henan provinces.
There was also a big focus on sustainability at the fair, driven by Hong Kong’s recent ban on single-use plastics.
For example, Matrix Promotion Limited launched Monopoly Go Green, which uses recycled paper and FSC-certified timber and incorporates eco-friendly concepts in the game, such as building a greenhouse to earn more rent.
“The HKTDC is dedicated in promoting sustainable development in the business sector through its diversified support services and online-to-offline sourcing platforms, assisting the industry to promote and procure green products and solutions.
“The trade shows held this week include green zones, while exhibitors offering green products at other zones are also provided with green labels for buyers’ easy identification,” adds Chong.
According to the green technology and environmental services industry profile in Hong Kong published by HKTDC Research last year, the added value of Hong Kong’s environmental industry in 2021 amounted to HK$10.2 billion (US$1.3 billion), with an annual growth rate of 2.2 per cent.
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair was held concurrently with the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack and The Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), attracting more than 4,800 exhibitors from 22 countries.
“The Licensing Show also invited renowned museums to display their art IP licensing as well as international brands to showcase their creative designs and IPs. The two printing and packaging related fairs provided diverse packaging, creative solutions and customised services for different products. The three fairs complement each other, facilitating cross-disciplinary cooperation, generating greater synergies to the industries.”
