‘Hong Kong in Style’ the second edition of the hugely successful show was officially opened today (Monday 7th November 2005) by His Excellency Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information Department at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and David Eldon, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
The three-day event runs concurrently with the annual International Autumn Trade Fair and hosts a variety of companies specialising in premium fashion accessories, watches, jewellery, electronics, houseware and hotelware. The exhibition serves as backdrop for a Hong Kong trade delegation to Dubai, led by David Eldon, to further bilateral trade ties between the two commerce hubs. The UAE constitutes Hong Kong’s largest export market in the Middle East, and is rapidly growing. Further, Dubai is the preferred access point for companies from Asia to do business with the Middle East region comprising of an estimated customer base of 260 million.
Briefing the media after touring the fair, His Excellency Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum said, “Exhibitor participation at the show has grown significantly this year, in terms of both the number and profile of participants. This is reflective of the heightened importance of the show, and reinforces Dubai’s status as the trading hub of the region. Dubai and Hong Kong have traditionally shared close trade relations, which have been further strengthened through this show.”
Last year Hong Kong in Style’s attracted over 20,000 buyers from 70 countries, and the show is looking to build on that success in 2005. Speaking at the opening ceremony, David Eldon commented, “We are back in Dubai solely due to the success of our debut in 2004. Dubai accords Hong Kong businesses a great opportunity to build sustaining business partnerships. This year’s show has enlisted more participants from Hong Kong, signaling an upswing in interest for them to do business in the Middle East region. From a business perspective this year’s exhibition is the most diverse showcasing a wider range of products across all categories. Visitors can expect to see the best that Hong Kong has to offer at the show.”
Trade buyers will be offered free entry to the Hong Kong in Style exhibition from November 7-9, and the exhibition will be open to general public on November 10th between17:00 to 21:00.
