Tag: Government

AVIA and CAP Strongly Support the Passage of Legislation to Amend the IP Code of The Philippines to Allow for Pirate Sites to be Blocked in The Philippines

MANILA, May 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) warmly congratulate Albay Representative Joey S. Salceda for the passage of his legislation (House Bill 7600) through the House of Representatives to amend the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines to allow for pirate sites to be blocked in the Philippines. To become law in the Philippines a bill needs to be passed by both the House and the Senate and the successful passage of HB7600 through the House is a major step towards the enactment of site blocking legislation in the Philippines.

AVIA and CAP believe Congressman Salceda's Bill will go a long way to addressing the rampant online piracy in the Philippines that is damaging the growth of the Philippines economy as well as providing real harm to consumers. AVIA and CAP have been working with the Philippines Government and the Philippines content industry for some time to champion the passage of site blocking legislation to address this concern, including a number of meetings and workshops such as an anti-piracy seminar hosted by AVIA, CAP and the Globe Group in Manila in September 2022 where Congressman Salceda was the keynote speaker.

2023 figures from a study conducted by YouGov and commissioned by AVIA and CAP showed that almost 60% of Philippine consumers watch pirated content – an alarming number that has a direct impact on the Philippine creative industry and consumer safety.

However, the study also showed growing consumer awareness of the damage caused by piracy, with 90% of consumers believing that piracy has negative consequences for the Philippines. The study also showed a path ahead with 45% of Philippine consumers believing a government or court order for ISPs to block pirate websites would be the most effective measure to reduce piracy in the Philippines. Congressman Salceda's Bill has been strongly supported by local industry with numerous representatives, including GMA Network, Inc., the Globe Group and KROMA Entertainment attending the Second Reading of the HB7600 in person.

Matt Cheetham, General Manager of CAP, noted, "The evidence continues to show that site blocking, when implemented in an efficient and effective way, and ensuring the necessary elements of due process, is an incredibly powerful tool to both stop online piracy and protect consumers from the unseen harm caused by piracy, and we applaud Congressman Salceda for his determination to address the issue." Cheetham also noted that earlier this month, Senator Estrada introduced matching legislation in the Senate (Senate Bill 2150) for Congressman Salceda's Bill. "With the successful passage of Congressman Salceda's Bill in the House, we look forward to the successful passage of matching legislation in the Senate that will allow the Philippines to grow its economy and protect its consumers from online harm," he added.

"The Globe Group congratulates Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda for steering House Bill No. 7600 towards its triumphant passage at the House. This is a landmark achievement for the creative industry, with the bill a step closer to becoming a law. We are inching closer towards ensuring more stringent protection for our content creators and their livelihood," said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

"Piracy not only jeopardizes the livelihood of content creators and other works in the creative industry but also worsens consumer exposure to malware risks. Revisions to the IP code are essential for bolstering a digital landscape that is secure and equitable," she said.

"GMA Network fully supports this extremely important legislation which would benefit and protect not just the creative industry but the viewing public as well. Website blocking for copyright infringement has been proven as an effective tool to fight digital piracy and support legal content creators and services, whether it's TV, film, books, video games, or music. It is about time that the Philippines enact a site blocking law that would help curtail the losses of an already struggling industry," said GMA Network, Inc.'s Asst Vice President for Litigation and Special Projects, Legal Affairs Atty Jose Vener Ibarra.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC and Dun & Bradstreet Hong Kong join forces to help SMEs enhance ESG competitiveness

HONG KONG, May 15, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Dun & Bradstreet (HK) Limited (D&B) announced a new partnership to help small and medium-sized enterprises ("SMEs"), start-ups, and Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ("MSMEs") with green transformation by offering a comprehensive range of quality ESG registered services, namely D&B ESG Registered(TM).
Mr Andrew Wu (L), Managing Director of Dun & Bradstreet China – Mainland China & HKSAR and HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau (R), announce a new partnership between the two organisations to enhance SMEs' ESG competitiveness.

D&B ESG Registered is a badge from an industry-trusted source signifying company's commitment to ESG disclosure.


As a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics and the HKTDC's recognised ESG partner, D&B further demonstrates its commitment in promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) to companies, large and small, in Hong Kong to enhance their competitiveness and drive growth.

A D&B ESG Registered badge and profile will be presented to companies that have successfully completed the required assessment as a recognition of commitment to disclosing ESG data. This ESG service aims to support companies to expand their business, enhance their reputation and attract investors, while achieving their net-zero targets.

Drive sustainable ecosystem for SMEs

Managing Director of Dun & Bradstreet China – Mainland and Hong Kong SAR Mr Andrew Wu said: "Dun & Bradstreet is privileged to be part of it to support and drive a sustainable ecosystem for SMEs. To have our ESG solutions recognised by HKTDC, a statutory body in HK, for not just large corporations and listed companies, but also the SMEs, start-ups and the MSMEs… as the UNSDGs' (United Nations Sustainable Development Group) motto states, "Leave no one behind".

Dun & Bradstreet Hong Kong as the recognised Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) partner of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) sets an excellent example of D&B's strong reputation as a global provider of reliable business decisioning data and analytics."

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said: "We are pleased to join hands with Dun & Bradstreet (HK) Limited to support Hong Kong enterprises in capitalising on the global trend towards sustainability."

Under the partnership, D&B will provide discounted ESG registered services for members of HKTDC's Transformation Sandbox (T-box), a comprehensive business support programme launched in April 2020 to help SMEs upgrade and transform. "We are certain that local companies will enhance their ESG competitiveness with the help of a world-leading service provider in the field, such as Dun & Bradstreet," Dr Patrick Lau added.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/42rsh6A

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For details, please visit www.dnb.com.hk

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

About HKTDC Transformation Sandbox ("T-box")

The HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) is a SME support programme that helps businesses to enhance competitiveness and achieve transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing relocation and new markets. The programme is offered free of charge and is open to all companies registered in Hong Kong. For details, please visit https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/tbox

Media enquiries
Dun & Bradstreet (HK)
May Lo
Tel: +852 2516 1294
Email: LoS@dnb.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

International Healthcare Week returns to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths in healthcare innovation and investment

HONG KONG, May 4, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The second International Healthcare Week (IHW), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by a wide range of healthcare sector partners, takes place from 16 to 31 May in Hong Kong, leveraging the city's strategic role as an innovation and investment hub for the healthcare industry in Asia.
Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, joined Dr Donald Li, Chairman of the Elderly
Commission (L), and Dr Lydia Leung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device
Industries Association (R), to announce the details at today's press conference.

Syngular Technology Limited focuses on developing AR-based surgical assistance software solutions.

AusMed Global Limited introduces a breath ketone analyser that helps users monitor their physical
condition for diabetes and weight management.


The two flagship events of IHW are the third Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKTDC, and the 14th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), organised by the HKTDC.

Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "As an international financial centre, world-class research hub and important connector within the Guangdong-Hong-Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong offers an ideal platform for global healthcare development, with the city playing a pivotal role in the rapidly developing industry in Asia.

She is pleased to see that, with pandemic restrictions lifted and the resumption of normal travel, local and global healthcare industry players are ready to reconnect at full speed.

"The second IHW provides the perfect opportunity to bring together the world's elite in the medical, research and financial fields in Hong Kong," she added.

Ms Fong also welcomes and thanks the healthcare sector partners for joining IHW. "Our partnerships make this event very meaningful and highlights the importance of collaboration to drive forward the healthcare industry. We hope to collaborate with more groups next year."

IHW will also feature the following:
– Hospital Authority Convention 2023
– HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum – Hong Kong as the International MedTech Hub
– CUHK ENT Conference 2023
– Seminar on Embracing the Era of Genomic Medicine: Research, Training and Clinical Applications
– Seminar on Let's Talk about Eczema
– 35th Anniversary Prostate Health Check and Exhibition
– Scientific Seminar – 2023 AIRP Course in Hong Kong
– Seminar on Prevention of Sarcopenia and Frailty
– CU Allergy Week 2023
– HKVCA 22nd China Private Equity Summit 2023 – Panel Discussion on Healthcare and Biotechnology industries

Building an all-round healthcare platform to boost collaboration

ASGH will take place on 17 and 18 May, with the first day held in-person at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the second day taking place virtually.

Under the theme "Reimagining the Future of Healthcare", the Summit will feature more than 80 speakers, including healthcare officials and organisations from around the world, international science and medical experts, university academics and researchers, investors, business leaders and financial specialists. They will discuss the latest developments in public health, medical technology and healthcare investment and explore the future of the healthcare ecosystem and opportunities within it.

Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, will deliver the opening remarks on the first day, with Ms Yu Yanhong, Member of the Leading Party Members' Group of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China and Secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and Deputy Director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, addressing the summit as a guest speaker.

Plenary sessions and plenary talks feature a diversity of healthcare leaders and industry experts highlighting the evolution of healthcare and the importance of closer cross-sector collaboration. These are complemented by thematic sessions that deep dive into various aspects of healthcare, including biotech and medtech, climate change and health, Chinese Western medicine, ageing, wellness and much more.

At ASGH and the Medical Fair, a series of deal-sourcing and deal-making sessions will be held to help enterprises, start-ups, investors and buyers build connections and expand their business.

ASGH Deal-Making on day one of the Summit will connect project owners with potential investors and business partners worldwide. The projects will cover pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, AI and digital health, community health and wellness, and more. To facilitate business matchmaking and provide exposure for projects in need of fundraising, live project pitching by more than 30 start-ups will take place in the ASGH exhibition area.

Also on day one, the InnoHealth Showcase and exhibition area at the HKCEC will feature more than 140 healthcare start-ups. The Business of Healthcare Advisory Zone will feature biotechnology and healthcare start-ups. Investors and industry experts will be on hand to offer a range of consulting services for start-ups, including fundraising, R&D cooperation, market access and more.

Exploring medical technology trends and solutions

The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), runs under the theme "Unleash the Power of Smart Health".

This year's event has attracted more than 300 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Canada, Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. Highlighted zones include Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care, World of Health & Wellness, Medical Supplies and Disposables and Laboratory Equipment & Manufacturing Solutions, along with pavilions from the HKMHDIA and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP). The zones will feature the latest medical technologies and equipment along with medical, healthcare and related services, enabling industry participants to source the latest products and services.

Universities have become major hubs for research and development (R&D) in the medtech field. Six local universities will showcase R&D accomplishments relating to the medical and health industries at the Medical Fair. HKSTP is organising a sizeable pavilion where it will showcase cutting-edge technological developments from 30 corporations including start-up companies it has nurtured.

The Medical Fair will highlight a wide range of the latest top-notch medical equipment, such as a robotic exoskeleton that helps patients relearn how to walk following spinal cord injuries, a stroke or other brain traumas.

Also on display will be a 5G hearing aid that successfully cuts noise by 90% and helps users to hear well in noisy places, and a breath ketone analyser that measures breath ketone instantly to help users monitor their physical condition for diabetes and weight management.

A variety of events will be held throughout the Medical Fair, including the HKMHDIA Medical Fair Forum organised by the HKMHDIA in partnership with the HKTDC on the first day (16 May). Under the theme "Hong Kong as the International MedTech Hub", industry experts will discuss what is needed to set up medical technology enterprises in Hong Kong and other GBA cities and unpack the medtech ecosystems in both places, covering everything from regulations and intellectual property issues to product design, manufacturing and cybersecurity.

The Medical Fair will once again run under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. In addition to the physical fair at HKCEC from 16 to 18 May, exhibitors and buyers from around the world can continue conducting business online via the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 25 May.

Websites
– International Healthcare Week: https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en
– Asia Summit On Global Health: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en
– Programme: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/programme
– Speakers: https://www.asiasummitglobalhealth.com/conference/asgh/en/speaker
– Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkmedicalfair/en
– Interesting product list and Activity schedule: https://bit.ly/3V9mv6S
– Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3p2DfAB

Members of the media interested in interviewing ASGH speakers can email ayiu@yuantung.com.hk on or before 15 May 2023.

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries

For enquiries please contact:

Asia Summit on Global Health
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3413, Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu, Tel: +852 3428 5690, Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-Fung Wong, Tel: +852 3428 3122, Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair
HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong advantages in green buildings

HONG KONG, Apr 27, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Link Asset Management Limited (Link) released a survey study, "Hong Kong Green Capabilities in Real Estate Development and Property Management: RCEP Opportunities", which highlights seven distinct advantages of Hong Kong in the field of green buildings.
Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research (L) and George Hongchoy, Executive Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Link (R)


The report also underscores green building challenges across the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries, with which Hong Kong can strengthen collaboration in four major areas to expand Hong Kong's and regional green building capacities to create a greener and sustainable future: climate risk assessment and design consulting; green financing; construction and facility management digitalisation; and green material certification and sourcing.

Mr George Hongchoy, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Link Asset Management Limited, said: "We are delighted to learn that Hong Kong's real estate sector is in a leading position in terms of green competences among the major RCEP markets being examined. As a real estate asset manager and investor based in Hong Kong, sustainability is at the heart of Link's operation. We have been incorporating sustainability consideration in almost every part of our business, pioneering many sustainability applications in our daily operations, and striving to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2035. We are keen to work with other industrial practitioners to further advance sustainability initiatives in Hong Kong and showcase the city's green capabilities in RCEP markets to capture new opportunities in the region."

Ms Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: "Green real estate development and property management are a key element in achieving net zero by 2050, particularly in the case of Hong Kong, where 50,000 private and government buildings generate 60% of the city's carbon emissions. The progress made towards green buildings in Hong Kong in recent years is encouraging, thanks to the joint efforts of industry stakeholders. At the same time, demand for green real estate and property management services in RCEP economies is also growing. Hong Kong practitioners are well placed to take advantage of the momentum to seize business opportunities in RCEP countries, establish Hong Kong's leading position in green buildings in the global marketplace and create stronger synergies."

Hong Kong's seven green building advantages

The survey has been compiled through a three-pronged approach: (1) Desktop research on Mainland China, Hong Kong and other RCEP countries of interest to understand and compare green buildings trends; (2) In-depth interviews with more than 70 stakeholders in the real estate and property management sectors in RCEP countries and Hong Kong between July and November 2022 to assess the green capabilities of Hong Kong's real estate and property management industries; (3) Questionnaire survey via phone and online of 300 practitioners from Australia, Japan, Mainland China, Singapore and South Korea with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the green capabilities of the real estate and property management sectors across the RCEP bloc, while exploring collaboration opportunities for Hong Kong practitioners. All survey respondents are manager level or above and have been involved in green construction, property development or facility management projects for more than four years.

The report identifies seven advantages of Hong Kong in the green building field, including:

1. Green finance: Hong Kong is Asia's leading green finance hub with a deep capital pool capable of meeting the diverse financing needs of the real estate sector;

2. Green building products and embodied carbon reduction: Local manufacturers of construction materials have made use of waste materials in their production processes to reduce embodied carbon emissions;

3. Industry coherence: Hong Kong's well-established testing, inspection and certification (TIC) industry plays a pivotal role in certifying green building products and projects;

4. Innovative construction methods: The application of new construction approaches with higher efficiency and lower production costs, like digitalisation and prefabrication, has been pioneered by Hong Kong's real estate developers;

5. Facility management: World-renowned for its skyline of supertall skyscrapers, Hong Kong is now turning up the dial on high-rise sustainable development and management;

6. Alternative and renewable energy and sustainable lifestyle: Hong Kong's power suppliers have been promoting a sustainable lifestyle and energy efficiency through measures like renewable energy development, energy management, digitalisation and retrofitting; and

7. Sustainable community development: Hong Kong's industry practitioners have built features, such as common social facilities and shared climate-resilient infrastructure into the design of real estate developments, to create sustainable, well-connected communities.

Challenges for RCEP members

Our survey results show that reducing energy consumption, encouraging sustainable business practices and lowering greenhouse gas emissions are the top three reasons for adopting green building practices, as indicated by 43%, 41% and 35% of the respondents, respectively. In terms of specific green building approaches, site planning and construction management (85%) is ranked highest, followed by sustainable architectural design and construction techniques (83%), and energy and waste management (81%).

The aspects that are considered the most challenging by respondents are efficient use and reduction of construction materials (18%), air quality monitoring and air purification (18%), monitoring and reducing energy consumption (17%) and use of recycled or eco-friendly construction materials (17%). Passive design (2%), BIM modelling (4%) and Daylighting designs (6%) are considered the least challenging in the region, perhaps reflecting Asia's strong expertise in architectural design.

While sustainability has gone mainstream, challenges for green building activities vary across countries. Japan, South Korea and Singapore face high initial costs, with 46%-56% of respondents citing costs as the top challenge for increasing green building activities. Mainland China is faced with a lack of experienced talent (44%), while Japan is struggling with securing financial resources (40%). The low availability of certified green building products and services is another area of concern among the South Korean (32%) and mainland Chinese (33%) respondents.

Hong Kong can meet the needs of the RCEP market in four major areas

The views of the survey respondents together with the in-depth stakeholder interviews carried out in Hong Kong and the five selected RCEP markets summarise four major areas, for which Hong Kong's green building capabilities can best meet the needs of RCEP markets. They are: climate risk assessment and design consulting services; green financing; construction and facility management digitalisation; and green building product certification and sourcing.

1. Climate risk assessment and design consulting services

Hong Kong has a well-established TIC industry and is seen as an experienced player in handling a volatile climate. With 72% of respondents saying that they believe Hong Kong excels in design concepts and construction techniques, the city's experience in handling volatile climates and constructing high rises could be valuable in RCEP markets. According to the survey, biophilic design / landscaping with greenery (42%) and climate risk assessment (34%) will be the most and the fifth most popular green building approach, respectively, for the next 12 months. Hong Kong is well placed to ride on its experience to provide these services to Australia, Mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea.

2. Green financing

Hong Kong is a leading financial centre that actively participates in sustainable finance development and can play a key role in providing green financing and carbon trading services to Japan, Mainland China and South Korea. According to the survey, 84% of the respondents showed an interest in increasing the use of green finance products and services in the coming 24 months, to enhance public recognition of (cited by 72%), public engagement with (cited by 65%) and transparency (cited by 60%) of their sustainability strategies.

3. Construction and facility management digitalisation

Hong Kong is experienced in the adoption of BIM, MiC and DfMa, while city practitioners are also good at implementing digitalisation in facility management and retrofitting existing buildings. Hong Kong can transfer knowledge of installing indoor air monitoring and control systems and smart waste management systems to RCEP. According to the survey, AI to improve energy efficiency (41%) and the construction process (37%) will be the second and the third most popular green building approaches, respectively, for the next 12 months.

4. Green building products certification and sourcing

As the world's sixth largest trading entity in merchandise trade, Hong Kong has a well-established assessment and certification protocol for green construction materials that can facilitate the sourcing of eco-friendly materials, and Japan, Mainland China and South Korea will be the focus markets. According to the survey, even though 40% of the respondents have already adopted recycled or eco-friendly construction materials in their projects, they still find the sourcing and application of eco-friendly materials a challenge due to the lack of standardisation and certification. Hong Kong can work with the RCEP market to develop a standardised assessment and certification protocol for green construction materials and set up a comprehensive regional database and platform of eco-friendly materials and suppliers.

References
– HKTDC Research Portal: http://research.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong Green Capabilities in Real Estate Development and Property Management: RCEP Opportunities https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTM2MTk3MTk5Nw
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/40KTqQl

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

About Link

Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Hong Kong stock code: 823) is the largest REIT in Asia by market capitalisation. It is managed by Link Asset Management Limited, a leading real estate investor and asset manager in the world. Since its listing in 2005 as the first REIT in Hong Kong, Link REIT has been 100% held by public and institutional investors. It is a constituent of the Hong Kong securities market benchmark Hang Seng Index, as well as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. From its home in Hong Kong, Link Asset Management Limited owns and manages a diversified portfolio including retail facilities, car parks, offices and logistics assets spanning from China's Beijing, Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen), and Yangtze River Delta centred around Shanghai, to Singapore, Australia's Sydney and Melbourne and the UK's London. Link Asset Management Limited seeks to extend its portfolio growth trajectory and grasp expansion opportunities in different markets in pursuit of sustainable growth. For details, please visit https://www.linkreit.com

Media enquiries
For enquiries please contact:
HKTDC
Corporate Communication & Marketing Department
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org
Eric Wong, Tel: +852 2584 4575, Email: eric.ks.wong@hktdc.org

Link Asset Management Limited
Kelvin Tam, Tel: +852 2175 1870, Email: kevin.hf.tam@linkreit.com
Krista Chan, Tel: +852 2175 1344, Email: krista.hl.chan@linkreit.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC lifestyle, licensing events attract close to 56,000 buyers

HONG KONG, Apr 23, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Home InStyle; the Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair; Fashion InStyle; the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show successfully attracted close to 56,000 buyers from over 130 countries and regions. About 60% buyers were non-local coming from mainly Mainland China, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Taiwan, the United States, Japan and Korea. The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference also invited about 30 global industrial giants and insiders to share insights. Exhibitors and buyers responding to surveys commissioned by the HKTDC said they expected business and sales to return to pre-pandemic levels within 6 to 18 months.
Seven HKTDC lifestyle and licensing events successfully concluded their physical editions.

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle launched a brand-new Cultural & Creative
Corner.

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show was well-received with vibrant business and
sourcing activities, covering top global licensors and licensing agents.


Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "The development of the creative and knowledge-based economy has become a major driving force for global economic growth. For the first time in April, the HKTDC held seven major lifestyle and licensing events concurrently. The Hong Kong Houseware Fair and the Hong Kong Fashion Week were rebranded as Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle respectively, offering more diverse creative products to international buyers; while the Licensing Show was repositioned to cover multiple lifestyle categories, bringing greater synergies and opening up more collaboration possibilities across industries. We are happy to see that many exhibitors were able to secure on-site orders, which is very encouraging."

She added that Hong Kong was an important hub for promoting creativity and intellectual property trade in the region, with the advantage of being close to the mainland while connected to the world. Given the success of these events, the HKTDC hopes to seize more opportunities from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ASEAN markets, as well as the global market, by organising more large-scale international exhibitions, including CENTRESTAGE and the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in September, further strengthening Hong Kong's role as a global sourcing hub.

The six exhibitions, the physical editions of which have just concluded, attracted more than 4,100 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. Under HKTDC's EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and traders can connect online for another week beyond the physical fair days until 29 April via the Click2Match smart business matching platform. So far over 2,600 meetings between exhibitors and buyers have been scheduled.

Over 50% exhibitors and buyers are optimistic on growth prospects

Commissioned by the HKTDC, an independent research agency interviewed around 850 exhibitors and buyers during the events. Over half of the respondents (52%) expected the relaxed quarantine measures and restoration of business travel worldwide would have a positive impact on business and sales, while nearly 70% expected business and sales would be back to pre-pandemic levels within 6 to 18 months. Most buyers also said Hong Kong (85%) and the mainland (60%) were their top choices for trade-fair participation.

The respondents also believed that the Northern & Western Europe (21%) and ASEAN countries (15%) would be their new target markets in the next two years, and they were optimistic about the growth prospects.

Regarding product trends, respondents at Home InStyle predicted sleek and simple design (41%) will be in high demand, while respondents at the Gifts Fair foresee sustainable products (61%) to be market trend. Products with the greatest growth potential are gardening, camping & outdoor products (24%), eco-friendly products (20%), health & wellness products (18%) and kitchenware & tableware (18%); while for gifts, prospects are best for sustainable gifts (26%), advertising gifts & premium (25%) and tech gifts (23%).

Cultural, creative design and AI projects in focus

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle launched a brand-new Cultural & Creative Corner, featuring more than 80 exhibitors. The Chairman of first-time participant Beijing Enamel Factory, Xie Yanhua, said: "The Cultural & Creative Corner has attracted the attention of buyers who are looking for unique products with cultural characteristics. We have connected with buyers from Hong Kong and Mainland China. We hope to develop long-term cooperation with them."

This year's Hong Kong International Licensing Show also featured more than 550 diverse licensing projects and brands including art, culture, entertainment and design. Many licensees expressed satisfaction with the exhibition's traffic and successfully signed cooperation agreements.

Innovative technology is bringing revolutionary changes to various industries. A Hong Kong exhibitor at Fashion InStyle's InnoFashion and Trade Services, Guy Shirazi, Director of Product of Stratasys said: "This is our debut exhibition in Hong Kong to increase the exposure of our PolyJet 3D printing technology. Buyers from Hong Kong, India and Mainland China approached us and showed strong interest in our 3D printers that enable direct-to-textile printing on garments, footwear and luxury accessories like hats and bags. We are positive about the business prospect. This exhibition is a great platform to drive our expansion in Asia."

Visitors flock to joint exhibitions with onsite orders

Italian company TVS spa has exhibited at the HKTDC houseware fair since 2005. Their export area manager Theo Tassias said: "Two years ago, we launched a new collection called eco-ok induction which is made from recycled aluminium and comes with a recycled plastic handle. The physical Home InStyle held after the pandemic provides a good timing for us to introduce this eco-friendly collection to global buyers and new distributors. We have established connections with a lot of new buyers from many countries and regions such as Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam."

Buyer from Poland Pawel Kulig met new suppliers from the mainland, Taiwan, India and Korea and identified six potential mainland suppliers during his Home InStyle visit. "We are very interested in their water bottles, glassware, food jars and storage boxes. We have asked them to send us samples and quotations and will place trial orders worth US$100,000-US$200,000 with the right suppliers." he said.

The six major exhibitions held under one roof for the first time provided buyers with a one-stop sourcing platform. Italian buyer Enrico Bassani said: "I am happy to be back in Hong Kong visiting Fashion InStyle to source some fashion accessories. I am liaising with four new suppliers from Hong Kong and Mainland China for jewellery watches. I've also met five packaging suppliers at Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. In total, I expect to spend about Euro 300,000 [US$333,000] this time for various kinds of watches and packaging items." United Kingdom buyer Zahoor A Qurashi also visited the Printing and Packaging Fair. He identified 10 mainland exhibitors and expected to buy various types of food boxes from them with an estimated value of US$250,000.

The HKTDC organised a series of exhibitions and conferences this spring, covering various lifestyle sectors. The seven events ran concurrently for the first time, from 19 to 22 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The events included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Home InStyle (formerly the Hong Kong Houseware Fair); the Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair; Fashion InStyle (formerly the Hong Kong Fashion Week); the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference which ended on 21 April.

Websites
– HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair
– Home InStyle: www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle
– Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkhometextilesfair
– Fashion InStyle: www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle
– Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair
– Hong Kong International Licensing Show: www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en
– Asian Licensing Conference: www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme?category=all&date=all
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/40xa1qT

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Licensing Show brings together over 320 exhibitors

HONG KONG, Apr 22, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – More than 320 exhibitors gathered in Hong Kong to showcase over 550 brands and intellectual property (IP) items at the three-day Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) which concluded yesterday. The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) brought together some 30 experts in the field from across the world to discuss hot industry topics including opportunities and strategies in global licensing, market trends, consumer patterns in the post-pandemic era and key factors that drive market development, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration through licensing.
Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC (centre) and Mr Lau Chun, Raistlin, JP, Under
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, HKSAR (2nd L)
officiated the opening ceremony.

This year's Hong Kong International Licensing Show showcased more than 550 brands and licensing
projects, featuring top global licensors and licensing agents.

Licensed cartoon characters from around the world were showcased at the venue, much to the delight
of visitors.


HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said: "The Hong Kong-Mainland China border reopening facilitates business flow and provides strong support to the city's export growth and economic recovery. We are pleased to see that Hong Kong continues to play a key role in linking the mainland and abroad in the licensing field, demonstrating the substantial potential of the global licensing industry."

Ever-changing consumer demands today made brand awareness crucial to a company's success and licensing enhanced a company's competitiveness, increased brand value and attracted consumers, he added. Hong Kong, with its stringent IP protection system, well-developed distribution network and sharp market acumen, was a pivotal platform where top global brands and international licensing agents could expand into the Asian markets.

Diverse licensing opportunities

Hong Kong has long been Asia's licensing hub and a major IP centre in the region. The HKILS and ALC provided a platform for international licensing practitioners to network with industry professionals and help companies expand their business into Asia.

The HKILS broadened its scope this year, highlighting different areas of licensing businesses and taking in art, culture, design, entertainment, well-being and more.

Numerous local creative designs and products could expand their business to Asian and overseas markets through HKILS. Ms Chiu Siu Yin Lovinia, Chairman of Medialink Group, was one of the exhibitors focusing on IP and brand licensing management services. "We are pleased to be part of the physical event, where we had a chance to interact directly with clients from Southeast Asia, Australia and even India."

International experts share market insights

Mr Lau Chun, Raistlin, JP, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, was guest of honour at the opening ceremony. He said: "The further development of e-commerce amid the pandemic facilitates the development of international licensing businesses, with more and more brands and properties investing in e-commerce to extend their customer base for licensed merchandise. The Hong Kong SAR Government has been strengthening our protection of IP rights, building our capacity by training more IP professionals and widely promoting Hong Kong's IP trading and professional services through various activities."

Brand licensing promotes traditional Chinese culture

As a centre for art and cultural exchange between China and other economies, Hong Kong helps promote Chinese culture to international markets. Mr Kong Lun, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, People's Republic of China, said at the launch of the Mainland China Pavilion: "The Ministry of Culture and Tourism attaches great importance to the integrated development of culture and related industries. In recent years, we have been actively developing the brand licensing industry, strengthening the development and transformation of IPs with Chinese characteristics, empowering the physical economy with brand licensing, boosting domestic consumption and enhancing the cultural values, creativity and added values of related industries. I believe that the Chinese licensing industry will see even greater development opportunities in the near future."

At the ALC, Ms Miki Yamamoto, Senior Vice President, Licensing of IMG in Asia, elaborated on IMG's marketing strategies and outlined insightful cases, such as the crossover between the Van Gogh Museum and FILA with Converse as well as that between Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon. "The simplest way for small enterprises to take off is to collaborate with well-known brands," she said when offering some tips to the audience.

Meanwhile, during a session that looked at IP rights protection, Mr Yoshiaki Bando, Chief Director of the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Hong Kong Representative Office, described the success story of Kumamon, one of the most popular prefecture mascots in Japan, and underscored key advantages of royalty-free marketing and associated IP topics.

A closer look into sport licensing

Mr Olivier Ceccaldi, General Manager of Infront Sports & Culture (Beijing) Co., Ltd, revealed his secret to success in sports licensing. He pointed out that thorough understanding of the latest industry trends and peers' marketing strategies, full utilisation of a brand's competitive edges, and effective promotion of corporate values through large-scale sports competitions are crucial to enhancing brand popularity.

Websites
– HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc
– Hong Kong International Licensing Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/tc
– Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme?category=all&date=all
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/41QJ6r7

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HKTDC unveils seven creative lifestyle, licensing events

HONG KONG, Apr 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The creative industry is a powerhouse of economic growth. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) unveiled seven creative events covering fashion, lifestyle and licensing at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The events are the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Home InStyle; the Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair; Fashion InStyle and the Hong Kong International Printing and Packaging Fair, as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference. As international business travel and commercial activities return to normal, these seven events have attracted more than 4,100 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, covering gifts, home products, home textiles, fashion, printing and packaging solutions, licensing projects and more, while the Asian Licensing Conference has invited about 30 global industrial giants and insiders to share insights.
During the media tour, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (R) said HKTDC exhibitions are
renowned for their international flavour, scale and comprehensive support facilities.

The HKTDC unveiled a series of exhibitions including: the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Home
InStyle; the Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishing Fair; Fashion InStyle; the Hong
Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair; as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show;
and the Asian Licensing Conference.

Hong Kong International Licensing Show drew attention to over 500 brands and licensing projects,
highlighting a diverse range of projects.


During a media tour, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: "HKTDC has always been committed to promoting Hong Kong creative and design industry to the world through exhibitions, conferences and other activities. This year, we are bringing together seven major events covering fashion, lifestyle and licensing in April under one roof for the first time, providing a unique platform to cultivate new possibilities for licensing business through accommodating more non-character IPs; broadening the IP portfolio to include art, culture and digital brands that are used in licensed gifts. We believe this will create greater synergies and will open up more business opportunities across industries and disciplines.

"As one of the world's most recognised cities for meetings, exhibitions, incentive and business travel, Hong Kong attracts high-quality exhibitors and buyers from around the globe. HKTDC exhibitions are known for their internationalisation, scale and comprehensive support facilities. This year, the exhibitions featured about 70% non-local exhibitors and welcomed numerous provincial and municipal delegations from Mainland China – a testament to the return of international businessmen to Hong Kong," she added.

The events have recruited more than 200 buying missions from 50 countries and regions, including buyers from the mainland, Japan, Korea, Association of Southeast Asian countries, India, the Middle East, Germany, France and the United States to source in Hong Kong. The EXHIBITION+ hybrid model extends business discussion beyond the physical shows until 29 April via the smart business matching platform Click2Match.

Designer brands showcase creative works in Cultural and Creative Corner

The exhibitions feature a diverse array of fashion and lifestyle products, with many institutions and companies joining for the first time. The Gifts Fair, Home InStyle and Home Textiles Fair feature over 2,800 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions. As the cultural and creative industries flourish, the Cultural and Creative Corner zone debuts at the Gifts Fair and Home InStyle to showcase designer brands and products with cultural characteristics, unique and tasteful designs. A mainland pavilion also debuts, bringing exclusive Chinese traditional handicrafts such as bamboo carvings, ceramics and paper-cutting lamps, showcasing the preservation and succession of intangible cultural heritage. At Home InStyle, the Zhejiang Pavilion features handcrafted home-decor products from different provincial cities under the Zhejiang Ingenuity: Culture and Quality theme. The Yuecheng District of Zhejiang Province is also participating in the Home Textiles Fair for the first time, showcasing high-quality bedding products.

Fashion InStyle has attracted about 500 exhibitors, including a debut Jiangxi Province pavilion where 25 exhibitors showcase fashion and accessories. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair also attracted 460 exhibitors with a new comer from Hungary. The international presences signal the strong revival of international business confidence in Hong Kong.

Promoting transformation of local creative force

The Hong Kong Houseware Fair has been renamed Home InStyle with the expectation of bringing more design and style-oriented products to buyers. The Hong Kong Industrial Designers Association (IDSHK) will join Home InStyle for the first time. The association's ReMIX brands and designers matching programme created design products in collaboration with local traditional brands such as Camel's vacuum flasks and Red Apple's home furniture, illustrating the power of design in brand rejuvenation. Other newcomers include local brand Inwork Synergy International Limited, which specialises in handcrafted wooden tableware, and Derangedesign Co. Limited, which won the A'Design Award for its iconic irregular stainless steel sculpture containers. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association highlights Hong Kong Smart Design Award winning pieces at the Gifts Fair to promote local design talents.

The HKTDC has been a staunch advocate for the development of local creative culture and protection of intellectual property. With the support of CreateHK, the DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion returned to the Licensing Show this year, gathering 45 locally produced, original intellectual properties – including SHIBAINC, Falling Cyan, Malut Design and 8EGGS Studio – displaying the products of Hong Kong creative minds.

Technology leads to sustainable future

Highlighted Fashion InStyle's zone InnoFashion and Trade Services focuses on fashion technology and trade services and showcases a variety of innovative fashion technologies, including the AiDLab of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which brings in world's first designer-led AI system (AiDA) that facilitates designer's inspiration and speeds up the whole ideation and design development process, improving the sustainability of the production chain. Headquartered in Israel, Hong Kong exhibitor Stratasys has developed a 3D printer that can print three-dimensional textile materials entirely with computers.

Demand for environment-friendly products continues to rise in global markets. About a quarter of the Printing & Packaging Fair exhibitors provide green printing and packaging products and services. Sustainability and safety certified products are also available in the Home Textiles Fair, including products made of organic and recycled materials with international certifications such as GRS, BSCI and OEKO-100.

Engaging dialogues on trending topics including ChatGPT and ESG

The AiDLab Summit debuted at Fashion InStyle. Academic experts such as Professor Sharon Baurley, Director and Professor of Design & Materials at the Materials Science Research Centre of the Royal College of Art and Professor Calvin Wong, Cheng Yik Hung Professor in Fashion at the School of Fashion and Textiles at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Centre Director of AiDLab discussed artificial intelligence (AI) application in fashion design. The Feel the Pulse of the Upcoming Trend in 2023 seminar invited Euromonitor International Hong Kong Research Manager Herbert Yum and Ivan So, digital consultant at HDcourse, to share insights on global consumer trends as well as ChatGPT and its impact on business-to-business marketing implications.

Licensing Show displays over 500 brands and projects, signalling a thriving industry

Hong Kong is a bustling hub for licensors, licensees, agents and manufacturers and is the preferred partner for foreign licensors. This year's Hong Kong International Licensing Show showcased over 500 diverse licensing projects and brands; exhibitors include top global licensors and licensing agents such as CAA-GBG Global Brands Management Group, Medialink Group and WildBrain CPLG. The exhibition features nine large pavilions, the largest being the Mainland China Pavilion, along with those from Macao, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan, where exhibitors bring unique brands to Hong Kong.

At the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference, the first session featured Ben Peace, Vice President for the Asia Pacific at WildBrain CPLG (the agency for PEANUTS, Sonic Prime, and the Teletubbies); Maura Regan, President of Licensing International; and Miki Yamamoto, Senior Vice President, Licensing in Asia at IMG, who discussed global licensing developments, post-pandemic shifts in consumer behaviour and key factors reshaping the licensing landscape.

Websites
– Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair
– Home InStyle: www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle
– Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkhometextilesfair
– Fashion InStyle: www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle
– Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair
– Hong Kong International Licensing Show: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en
– Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme?category=all&date=all
– HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/41FUoy9

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org
Frankie Leung, Tel: +852 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.
Mr Stephen Phillips


During the visit, Mr Phillips will meet with potential start-ups and companies from fintech, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and consumer products sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding in Hong Kong. He will also speak at the panel discussion on "Digital FDI & Innovation" at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies Asia Pacific IPAs Investment Conference and host two briefings for Thai start-up communities with specific themes on the latest development and initiatives of virtual assets in Hong Kong and the vibrant start-up landscape and opportunities in the city respectively.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Thai companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the latest business environment in Hong Kong, and in particular, how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong Investment Promotion Chief visits Bangkok to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Mr Stephen Phillips, today (February 20) started his duty visit to Bangkok as part of the latest efforts to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities.
Mr Stephen Phillips


During the visit, Mr Phillips will meet with potential start-ups and companies from fintech, transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and consumer products sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding in Hong Kong. He will also speak at the panel discussion on "Digital FDI & Innovation" at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies Asia Pacific IPAs Investment Conference and host two briefings for Thai start-up communities with specific themes on the latest development and initiatives of virtual assets in Hong Kong and the vibrant start-up landscape and opportunities in the city respectively.

Mr Phillips said, "Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the Mainland and the rest of the world. The city is an ideal location for overseas and Mainland companies, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, as a base to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, and Asia more widely."

He added, "Hong Kong offers Thai companies a wide range of routes to growth opportunities. I look forward to sharing with representatives of companies and entrepreneurs the latest business environment in Hong Kong, and in particular, how they can use Hong Kong to seize opportunities, including those arising from the GBA."

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hong Kong’s Middle East mission lays groundwork for new business opportunities

HONG KONG, Feb 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Since the recent reopening of the Hong Kong-mainland border, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) embarked on a week-long business mission to the Middle East, led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The Hong Kong business delegation signed 13 MoUs during this trip. In this photo, HKTDC and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoUs at the Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong Business Forum on 7 February.

The Hong Kong delegation engaged with senior representatives of government, local Chambers of Commerce and key corporations via business meetings and seminars. In this photo, they are on a company visit to SABIC, the leading petrochemicals manufacturer in the Middle East.

Led by Mr John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, the delegation visited various companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to learn about the latest developments. Here, the group visit THE LINE Experience exhibition (NEOM) showcasing innovative urban designs of the futuristic city NEOM.


Mr Lee was accompanied by principal officials Mr Horace Cheung, Deputy Secretary of Justice; Mr Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury; and Mr Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

The signing of 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during the mission signals new collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Middle East companies and organisations in business, finance, innovation and technology, sustainability and transport.

Over 30 business leaders from finance, logistics, technology and professional services joined the mission to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

By showcasing Hong Kong's strengths through business and official exchanges and proactive publicity, the mission deepened economic and trade relations and enhanced cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), helping Hong Kong attract investment and talent. It also solidified Hong Kong's role as the global gateway to Mainland China and a leading business and investment hub in Asia.

The Hong Kong delegation met with senior representatives of government, local Chambers of Commerce, including the Saudi Chinese Business Council, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Invest in Sharjah and Dubai Chambers, the last of which also announced the establishment of a Hong Kong office yesterday.

HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam said, "The Middle East has an important role to play in driving the global economy and has important strategic significance in supporting the development of the Belt and Road. As Hong Kong reopens to the world, we have lost no time in organising this Hong Kong business delegation to the Middle East, led by the Chief Executive and three principal officials. Apart from presenting Hong Kong's latest incentives and policies to attract investment and talent, we also introduced new opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and encouraged UAE and Saudi companies to take advantage of Hong Kong's investment and business platforms."

Dr Lam added, "From our meetings and visits, we saw that Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcome deeper and broader ties with Hong Kong to support their strategic development. I am delighted that many MoUs have been signed across many sectors. These will lay a solid foundation for future long-term cooperation. With our 50 offices around the world, the HKTDC will continue to help businesses open doors and to promote Hong Kong as a global business hub."

Apart from over 30 international trade fairs and conferences in Hong Kong, the HKTDC organises large-scale overseas mega promotions, such as Think Business, Think Hong Kong, which will be held in Thailand in July to promote the Hong Kong brand together with the Hong Kong family of organisations.

The MoUs signed during this mission include:

1. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company
2. SenseTime and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) (Letter of Intent)
3. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Riyadh Chamber
4. Templewater Ltd, Bravo Transport Services Ltd and Wisdom Motors (Hong Kong) Ltd and Nesma Holding Ltd
5. SenseTime and Sela Company (Letter of Intent)
6. Hutchison and King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)
7. HKTDC and Dubai Chamber
8. Ho & Partners Architects, Negawatt, Masdar City, and The Catalyst
9. HKSTP and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park
10. Hong Kong Cyberport and Dubai Future Foundation
11. HKTDC and Invest in Sharjah
12. HKTDC and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
13. Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3DY0O2i

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com