Inspired by the success of the previous edition, this year Hong Kong is marking a strong presence in the forthcoming annual five-day International Autumn Trade Fair 2004 (IATF 04) in Dubai, with a 50 percent increase in participation.
The Hong Kong pavilion, the second largest participant, will showcase products of 41 companies in the fair, which will run from January 10 to 14 2004 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).
The Hong Kong pavilion, under the auspices of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), for the eighth straight year will span a space of 288 square meters this year, comprising 28 companies while another 13 companies will participate at individual level occupying a space of 127 square meters increasing the total pavilion size to 415 square meters.
“Despite global slowdown of economies, two-way trade between Hong Kong and the UAE is on the rise posting $128 million increase in the first 10 months of the current year to $2.37 billion,” said Marketing Manager of HKDTC in Dubai, Ali Fakha.
He said for the past four years trade between both the countries had been witnessing consistent growth both in terms of imports as well as exports. “In year 2000, Hong Kong exported goods worth $1.05 billion to the UAE which grew to $1.12 billion in 2001, $1.31 billion in 2002 and $1.38 billion in the first 10 months of the current year.”
“On the import side, Hong Kong imported goods worth $522 million in 2000, which increased to $684 million in 2001, $938 million in 2002 and $997 million in the first 10 months of 2003,' Fakha said.
He said that with stronger participation in the fair this year, trade is poised to grow further making significant contribution to the growth of both the economies.
The Hong Kong pavilion at IATF04 will feature a wide range of consumer electronic products including engines and motors, watches and clocks, electrical appliances, telecommunications equipment and parts, non-electric and parts, computer accessories, office machines and parts.
IATF 04 has been growing with increased turnout of visitors since its inception. The 18th edition of the annual fair will have a participation of over 525 exhibitors from 25 countries compared to 471 exhibitors from 23 countries in the previous year. It is expected that the number of visitors to the fair this year will surpass 15,000 compared to 14,496 in the previous edition. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
