The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is offering incentives including free hotel stays and discounted travel to Sri Lankan buyers and exhibitors planning to participate in its exhibitions for the first time. Offered on a first come, first served basis until March 2010, this offer is a part of a "US$10.3 million (HK$80 million) buyer sponsorship package" which is the cornerstone of HKTDC's new push to tap emerging markets, prompted by lagging demand from traditional sources such as USA and Europe.
A shift based on survey findings indicating that the current financial situation has impacted buyers from emerging markets less, a single digit drop, compared to their counterparts, says HKTDC's Manager Exhibitions, Peggie Liu, who recently addressed the media while in Colombo to promote HKTDC activities to organisations such as Sri Lanka's Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, Tea Board, etc. Meanwhile, highlighting Sri Lanka's involvement with HKTDC events in the past, Ms. Liu indicated that the country had to date mostly participated in trade fairs geared towards apparel, electronics, jewelry and gemstones and gifts.
In addition, she suggested opportunities for local sea food at the food expo and coir and coconut charcoal at the houseware fair, while also noting Sri Lanka's recent successful fielding of seven companies (out of a total of 259) at the inaugural tea fair held in August this year. |
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