Following the successful debut last year, the second edition of The Hong Kong International Auto Parts Fair and The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will be held concurrently from April 28 to May 1, 2007 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The 4-day twin events in 2006 attracted over 13,000 visitors from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas; while exhibitors’ number exceeded 550.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is one of the organisers for these two events. As commented by Patrick Wong, Senior Manager of Exhibition Services, the number of visitors was very impressive. “The proportion of exhibitors to buyers is very similar to some of our established trade shows. Due to popular demand from the first show, HKTDC will expand the shows this year to accommodate more exhibitors and to attract more buyers, hence reinforcing Hong Kong as a global sourcing platform,” Mr. Wong said.
Hong Kong International Auto Parts Fair
Total exports of auto parts from Hong Kong reached US$2.78 billion in 2006. Mr. Wong is optimistic on the outlook for the auto and parts-related industry. As he pointed out, Chinese mainland has opened up her auto market since joining the WTO. Industry players can now have more cooperation with well-known overseas auto makers. The decrease in import tax for automobiles also induced the increasing demand for cars in the Chinese mainland. Auto parts manufacturers are pumping up their production capacities to not only fulfill the domestic market demand, but also to expand into the export market.
According to the 《Global Economic Prospects 2007: Managing the Next Wave of Globalization》report by World Bank, the economic growth rate for the Chinese mainland will reach 9.6% in 2007. There is an emergence of “global middle class” in the developing countries. The size of middle class in the Chinese mainland is growing and their demand for luxury items such as automobiles is on the rise. The statistics from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed that sales of passenger cars in the Chinese mainland reached 5.17 million in 2006, a 30% increase over the previous year. An automobile is estimated to comprise of roughly 20 thousand parts of various sizes. It is foreseeable that the demand for auto parts in the Chinese mainland will continue to go up
The Hong Kong International Auto Parts Fair is organised by HKTDC, Paper Communication Exhibition Services and Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association Ltd., and co-organised by Hong Kong Auto Parts Industry Association and Society of Automotive Engineers - Hong Kong Section. Major exhibits categories include auto & motorcycle parts & components, accessories & specialty equipment, repair & automotive services, and machinery, equipment & tools. Due to the encouraging results from the launch in 2006, more than 300 exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2007 show.
On top of the Techno Zone where research & educational institutions and commercial enterprises present their latest technological development projects, the organisers will be launching the Accessories & Specialty Equipment Zone for performance, racing & customization products. For those sourcing for motorbikes, they will be happy to meet with some of the top suppliers in the new Motorcycle Zone. On the other hand, another new initiative taken by the organisers is the introduction of OEM Procurement Square where major car manufacturers and first-tier suppliers are gathered at the square for suppliers to make new contacts and negotiate business.
There were over 4,300 buyers from 80 countries and regions attended the fair in 2006 and more are expected at the 2007 fair.
With the economy booming in the Chinese mainland, exports performance for the manufacturing sector is going strong and the retail market is getting more competitive. These give rise to the increasing emphasis on sophisticated printing and packaging by manufacturers in order to attract consumers. In particular, traditional print magazines and other leisure readings publications are facing stiff competition from other media and they are focusing on enhancing their printing & packaging quality as well.
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair is organised by HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Ltd. and co-organised by The Hong Kong Printers Association and Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong. Major exhibits categories include packaging materials and accessories, pre-press services, graphic arts and design services, printing & packaging services and printing & packaging equipment & systems. Due to the successful launch last year, the 2007 show will grow further and more than 300 exhibitors are expected.
Total exports of printing and packaging materials from Hong Kong reached US$5.4 billion in 2006, a 7% increase over the previous year and this made Hong Kong become one of the four major printing centers in the world (amongst Japan, Germany and US). As a pivotal manufacturing base, Hong Kong is providing enormous business opportunities for printing facilities and service suppliers in the Chinese mainland. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair is an ideal platform for building contacts with printers from Hong Kong or buyers from overseas market.
Four new zones will be added this year to help exhibitors and buyers get what they need. The integrated pre-press sector is booming and as such, the Integrated Pre-press Service Square will be launched to help buyers look for creative skills and technical expertise to foster world-class marketing and stronger competitive edge. Advertising industry is another fast-developing sector that not only brings economic benefits through media sales, but also enforces the development of related hardware. In the new Sign & Display Pavilion, exhibitors will be showcasing products such as banner, flag, light box, pop-up display, portable display system, sign making equipment, accessories & materials and design software & hardware. The other two new zones include Digital Printing & Office Automation Equipment Pavilion that caters to those industry players wanting to offer their customers flexibility, short lead times and customization; and the Used Machinery Square that encourages environmental protection and features various kinds of used printing & packaging machinery.
Over 9,000 international buyers came to the fair from 71 countries and regions like Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and U.S. in 2006.
As a world city, exhibitions in Hong Kong present an ideal platform for enterprises to boost awareness, build their brands and to explore export opportunities. Many overseas buyers will come to Asia during the traditional sourcing period in April and October. The twin fairs this April will be a golden opportunity to attract buyers from overseas and to increase market share.
On top of the display of a large variety of exhibits, there will be a series of informative seminars and press events for information exchange and understanding of the latest trends in the industry.

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