With physical exhibitions and conferences around the world being canceled – and many countries considering restrictions on visitors – the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which organizes the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair twice a year as well as other industry shows, will be supporting international trade by helping exporters and importers connect via its online services of virtual exhibitions and business matching programs.
In April, the HKTDC launched its first Spring Virtual Expo (in lieu of its on-site Lighting Fair), which reportedly drew 1.4 million online trade buyers from around the world. According to HKTDC management, the U.S. ranked among the top three regions of virtual attendees.
In July, the HKTDC will be hosting its Summer Sourcing Week which will offer similar services. Companies looking to either source products or find suppliers can do so through the free virtual business-matching meeting during the online event.
In reaction to this new COVID-19 pandemic era, HKTDC will be organizing a virtual fair in every quarter of the year utilizing technology and online platforms to connect businesses globally. The Summer Sourcing Week in July is a B2B virtual exhibition for a wide range of products from lighting and electronics to medical supplies, apparel fashion, gifts and jewelry. The trade fair organizers will be offering free customized business-matching service during the month to help trade buyers find the products they need.
In addition, the Summer Sourcing Week platform presents an opportunity for companies wishing to sell products to exporters and start-up companies worldwide. With international travel restrictions most likely in place into 2021, HKTDC’s new online-to-offline advertising package allows companies to promote their products at one of the HKTDC physical trade fairs in 2020-2021 without the need to travel on-site to Hong Kong; HKTDC will have merchandising experts on-hand to showcase companies’ products and collect business inquiries. Participation in the package includes having an online presence on HKTDC.com Sourcing, which is accessible online and through a mobile app that features 2 million international trade buyers and 130,000 suppliers.
As part of its COVID relief program, the Hong Kong government will be providing a 50-percent subsidy for overseas companies participating in events organized by HKTDC. With the subsidy, the cost to participate is approximately US$1,800.
U.S. companies interested in learning more about this program or Summer Sourcing Week in general should contact the HKTDC’s New York City office by emailing new.york.office@hktdc.org
