Hong Kong Toy Exports up 25 per cent in first 11 Months of 2007

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Asia’s largest toy show, opened today with more than 2,000 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of quality, innovative products from around the world. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), the fair continues through January 10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the TDC Toys Advisory Committee, said that Hong Kong, the world’s second-largest toy exporter, has built up a solid reputation for quality manufacturing over the years. He also said that exports last year were strong, despite the toy recalls.

Joining Mr Lam at today's opening ceremony were Professor KC Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Fred Lam, Executive Director of the TDC, and Evan Sha, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt.

“Hong Kong is a sourcing hub for toys to trust,” said Mr Lam. “Toy recalls last year had a limited impact on our export performance. In the first 11 months of 2007, toy exports grew 25 per cent, to US$11.4 billion (HK$88.8 billion).” Toy exports to the United States and the European Union recorded 4.7 per cent and 24.2 per cent increases respectively, said Mr Lam, who added that Christmas sales of traditional toys were steady in major markets.

Hong Kong manufacturers are committed to product safety, said Mr Lam, noting that a fair highlight would be an international toy safety seminar, with mainland officials and US industry leaders providing the latest updates on the industry and related regulations. The January 9 seminar, “Latest Product Safety Directives of the Toy Industry and Good Practices in Achieving Safety Standards,” is jointly organised by the TDC, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Toys Council, the Toys Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and the Trade and Industry Department.

The 34th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair features exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, including group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Germany, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.

A broad array of exhibits, ranging from ball games, bicycles, water sports and gymnasium equipment, to action figures, puzzles, miniatures and collectibles, electronic and battery-operated toys, are highlighted in seven special zones: Hobby Goods; Baby Toys and Products; Magic; Outdoor and Sporting Items; Candy Toys; Paper Toys; and Story Books.

Highlights include product demonstrations, strolling models, cheerleader dance performances and a variety of seminars, with topics ranging from toys trend in Asia, licensing opportunities to risk management and brand development.

Close to 30,000 buyers visited the fair last year. This year, the TDC has organised 86 buying missions, with more than 4,800 major buyers from around the world taking part in the fair. These include key buying representatives from well-known toy brands and leading chain stores such as Toys R Us, Walt Disney, Mattel, Hasbro and Bandai; Australia’s Toy World; Germany’s VEDES; India’s Pantaloon; Japan’s Don Quijote and Kawada; New Zealand’s Baby Factory; and the UK’s Hamleys.

The 8th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is being held concurrently with the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. Jointly organised by the TDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the fair brings together a wide variety of stationery, ranging from back-to-school items, calendars, paper bags, printing ink, laminating machines, binding machines, white boards and paper shredders.

Nearly 270 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions are taking part, including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Spain and the US. The Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Thailand have organised group pavilions.

Three special zones are featured: the Children’s Stationery and School Supplies Zone; the Paper and Printing Products Zone; and the Office Supplies Zone.

An industry seminar, to be held on January 8, features Japan’s Nippon Color and Design Research Institute Inc highlighting colour trends for the coming season. Cyril Yeung, an Associate at DLA Piper, will present IPR development in the Chinese mainland.

In the first 11 months of 2007, Hong Kong exported US$1.2 billion (HK$9.3 billion) worth of stationery, a 7.5 per cent increase over the same period last year. Many major export markets recorded double-digit growth, including Italy, up 54 per cent, Australia, up 29 per cent, Germany, up 20 per cent and Canada, up 12 per cent.