Speaking at the Hong Kong Denmark Joint Conference on Nanomedicine and Synthetic Biology at Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Pescod said the conference marked a step towards closer collaboration on science and technology as a direct result of the collaboration agreement on science and technology signed by Hong Kong and Denmark in May 2009.

“Under the agreement, biotechnology and medical life science, nanotechnology and advanced materials, solar energy and energy efficiency were identified as areas where our initial collaboration efforts are most likely to bear fruit,”  he added.

Deputy Director General, Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Hans Muller Pedersen, said the co-operation agreement was an important point to enhance the exchange of knowledge between Hong Kong and Denmark.

As a follow-up to this agreement, the Hong Kong and Danish governments have jointly organised the conference to explore the latest issues in the development of nanotechnology and synthetic biology. 

The conference was part of a three-day exchange programme jointly organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to take forward the Memorandum of Understanding.

Under the programme, a business matching event was held March 12 to bring together biotech companies from Hong Kong and Denmark to explore opportunities for business and technology co-operation.  Mr Pescod said Hong Kong’s scientific contributions in genomic projects, and the identification and characterisation of emerging infectious diseases with special reference to the work on SARS and the avian flu virus, were widely acknowledged by the international research community.  He noted that in recognition of Hong Kong’s  scientific achievements and research prominence, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China had approved the establishment of a total of 12 Partner State Key Laboratories in five local universities.

The State Key Laboratories serve as the national base for the highest level of research and development as well as catalysts for scholarly exchange. Mr Pescod said,  “Hong Kong also has two excellent medical schools rated among the best in the world in the field of clinical medicine.”  He said, “Our nanotech research is equally competitive. Indeed, it is a little known fact that Hong Kong is the birthplace of the world’s smallest single walled carbon nanotubes.”

Mr Pescod said that the Government had set up a $5 billion Innovation and Technology Fund, which had supported over 200 biotechnology and nanotechnology projects, with funding commitment close to $760million. Another major source of research funding for nanotechnology, biology and medical research is the Research Grants Council, which emphasises basic and upstream research. In 2009/2010, the Council awarded over $166 million to 171 biology and medicine-related research projects.

Speaking at a seminar on “Listing and Capital Raising in Hong Kong for Mining and Natural Resources Companies” of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC 2010), Professor Chan said Hong Kong could serve as the financial gateway for Canadian companies to reach the Asian market in the same way that Canada served as a gateway for Hong Kong companies to invest in the North American market.
 
He called on Canadian companies to consider listing in Hong Kong to tap the local liquidity pool, quoting the examples of British Columbia and Ontario of Canada which are overseas jurisdictions already accepted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx).

“At the same time, companies listed in Hong Kong and other Asian markets can also consider a listing on the Canadian exchange to tap the liquidity there. We would also welcome Canadian fund management companies to market their services to Asia through Hong Kong,” he added.
     
Turning to market regulation, he said Hong Kong believed in being predictable and consistent in regulation, and had been careful in striking a balance between the goals of having a quality market and being market friendly.

Using the HKEx as an illustration, he said listing decisions were made by a committee of market professionals who applied their expertise in reviewing listing applications in a dual filing system overseen by the securities regulator.

He described such regulatory environment in the listing process as  working well.  “The HKEx has full control over its development strategy, and it has responded to market needs. The efficiency and quality of the listing process are further ensured with the regulatory oversight,” he added.

In 2009, Hong Kong was the most active market for IPO funds raised globally.  Hong Kong ranked number one globally in IPO fund raised for 2009 (US$31.3 billion), and number four in the world in 2009 in terms of total fund raised (including post-IPO) of US$81.4 billion.  A total of 73 companies were newly listed on HKEx and they included overseas companies which have listed their Greater China related business operations in Hong Kong.

“Earlier this year, we saw the first Russian company listed on our stock market, and I am confident that more foreign based companies will be looking to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange in the near future,” he added.

In the afternoon, Professor Chan also spoke at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, on “China’s Rise as an Economic Power – Implications for HK, Canada and the Rest of the World”.

He told his audience that the new wave of financial globalisation has brought a new wave of financial talent to Asia, and to Hong Kong, and that as countries in the West continued to grapple with the aftermath of the financial tsunami, Asia was rebuilding, refocusing and rebounding. 

He said financial and trade experts not only looked to Hong Kong for future growth potential these days, they were also based right in Hong Kong which was a vantage point and actually the best available platform for seeking out the best opportunities in China and throughout Asia.

For mining and natural resources companies planning to raise funds, this seminar will provide them with an opportunity to better informed of Hong Kong’s securities market – one of the most active and liquid markets in the world. In 2009, US$31 billion was raised through new listings in Hong Kong, which was the top global IPO fund raising centre for the year.

Special guest speakers at the seminar include: Prof K.C. Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Ronald Arculli, Chairman of HKEx.

Senior executives of HKEx and intermediary firm representatives and advisors will also be present to offer complimentary advice and insights on “Why and how mining companies can list in Hong Kong” including such practical subjects as “Preparing for IPO in Hong Kong:  the process and common issues” and “How mining companies can attract investors in Asia through listing in Hong Kong”. On experience-sharing, the President & CEO of SouthGobi Energy Resources, Alexander Molyneux, will discuss with the audience the “Benefits of dual listing on HKEx”.

Pre-registration is required. For event details, please contact Andrew Yui, HKTDC Toronto Office at email: andrew.yui@hktdc.org or Tel: (416) 366-3594

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association, the Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair will bring distributors, manufacturers and buyers of a wide variety of medical devices and supplies from around the world, under one roof at the same time, to discuss business co-operation, exchange intelligence and to capitalize on the timely opportunities created by the surging worldwide health expenditure including the recently-announced 850-billion yuan medical care reform package in China.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide expenditure on health now exceeds US$4.1 trillion a year and has been increasing as a percentage of GDP among all major economies. This phenomenon has been further strengthened by outbreaks of bird flu, SARS and, most recently, H1N1 influenza.

Hong Kong has long been a leading international sourcing and trading hub as a result of its central geographical location. The new fair will be the focal point for manufacturers and distributors of medical devices and supplies, together with end-users from around the world, to reach out to their target markets.

Through the fair, manufacturers can line up with buyers from both mature and emerging markets. Many device manufacturers will come to source products from medical component manufacturers. They can also identify reputable distributors to gain a foothold in the lucrative Asia market, in particular the China market, given its strong domestic consumption and purchasing power.

Major exhibit categories include Accident and Emergency Equipment; Building Technology and Hospital Furniture; Chinese Medical Devices; Communication, Systems and Information Technology; Dental Equipment and Supplies; Diagnostics; Electromedical Equipment/Medical Technology, to name only a few.

The fair also contributes to the ongoing medical device regulatory discussion by supporting the 14th Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) meeting during the fair. The AHWP meeting aims to forge a common direction for the harmonization of medical device regulation in Asia. Over 400 government officials and business executives from its 16 member economies are expected to attend.

Technology commercialization is a major theme of the fair. Savvy pioneers and innovators in medical technology from educational and research institutes, including the Centre for Innovation and Technology, t he Chinese University of Hong Kong, one of the sponsors, will display their latest developments. They aim to transform their bold innovations or breakthrough ideas into commercial products by liaising with business entities.

To facilitate Canadian trade visitors’ preparations to attend this event, a Canadian trade delegation is being co-organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Special services for members of this mission will include pre-registration to the trade fair, business matching service and partial hotel accommodation sponsorship. Registration to join the mission is complimentary. Interested companies please contact Jill Chien of the HKTDC Toronto Office at email: jill.chien@hktdc.org or Tel: (416) 366-3594.

In addition, to further promote what Canada has to offer, the Consulate General of Canada and the Alberta Government will stage their information stands at this trade fair. Canadian manufacturers and exporters of medical devices and supplies are welcome to leverage this promotional opportunity by showcasing their product catalogues at these stands. This special offer is complimentary but interested parties have to be responsible for the shipment arrangements and expenses of their catalogues to Hong Kong.

For participation details:

 For Canadian companies, please contact Winnie Chung, Trade Commissioner Assistant, Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong at email: winnie.chung@international.gc.ca or Tel: (852) 2867-7366

 For Alberta companies, please contact Constance Leung, Trade and Investment Officer, North Asia, International Relations, International & Intergovernmental Relations, Government of Alberta at email: constance.leung@gov.ab.ca or
Tel: (403) 297-5782

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Celebrating its 17th edition, the HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009 is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA).

Notably one of the leading optical fairs in Asia, the fair attracted over 10,000 trade buyers from 96 countries and regions in 2008. A total of 523 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, representing the optical design, manufacturing, retail and related services sectors, took part. They included first-time exhibitors from Spain and the Netherlands, as well as group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The fair reaffirmed its worldwide reputation as the leading one-stop business platform for international buyers and exhibitors to connect and build business.

More excitement will be injected into the 2009 fair by the inaugural Brand Name Gallery, where stylish eyewear is showcased in refined, sophisticated surroundings. This new zone is dedicated to the promotion of international top-notch brand name collections that will raise strong interest amongst fashion-conscious consumers. This year, Brand Name Gallery will feature well known brands including Ted Lapidus, Le Tanneur, Yanagi Gawa Ichiro and Deary.

Returning is the Retail & Shop Design, Equipment and Technology Section, covering a variety of point-of-sale equipment and technology, furniture and fixtures, lighting technology and packaging services, providing owners of retail outlets and chains with new products and ideas to stay competitive. The other fair favourite, Visionaries of Style – Enjoy Your Vision in Life Pavilion , features elite international eyewear brands with distinct style in an eye-catching setting.

Other exhibits at the fair range from safety and sports eyewear to sunglasses, lenses, frames, contact lenses, parts and accessories and spectacle cases and holders, packaging materials, chemicals, along with state-of-the-art optometric instruments, equipment and machinery.

The 11th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, with the theme “Myth of the Orient”, will be held in conjunction with the Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009. The theme reflects the emphasis on incorporating Oriental components into the design, showcasing the beauty of the Orient to international buyers and exhibitors. The Competition is essentially a means to nurture young designers and to make the development of local brands a reality. HKTDC and HKOMA both believe that the competition will sustain Hong Kong’s leading market position in the international optical industry well into the future. Fair participants will be able to view the winning entries at Hall 1 concourse.

Another fair highlight is the 7th Hong Kong Optometric Conference cum 17th Asia-Pacific Optometric Congress which will gather renowned international experts and reputed speakers to share their insights on the latest optical trends and developments. The ever-popular trend seminars are must-attend activities of the fair with leading professionals illuminating the latest product trends and strategies for a more successful market position.

To facilitate the Canadian delegates’ preparations for and participation in the Hong Kong Optical Fair, the mission co-organizers will assist them in the trade fair pre-registration and provide them with business matching services. There will not be any registration fee required to join this mission. Delegates can also apply for partial hotel accommodation sponsorship. Interested parties please contact Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at 416-366-3594.
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As many as 150 Chinese corporate leaders will join a strong contingent of senior Chinese business regulators. The delegation includes many large State-Owned Enterprises and a very strong contingent of small-to-medium-sized enterprises that are here looking for business partnerships, looking for opportunities to invest in Canada as well as seeking out new customers and suppliers.  The business delegation includes representatives from Finance and Investment, Commerce and Trade, Real Estate, Building Materials, Construction and Industrial Machinery, Agriculture and Food and other sectors.

While morning sectoraly-focused sessions are free to all Canadian companies, everyone is encouraged to attend the whole day. You are encouraged to visit the Canada China Business Council website at www.ccbc.com to see details of the Forum.

Participating companies will have the opportunity to exhibit in the Canadian Pavilion at the International ICT Expo: http://ictexpo.com at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and/or join the mission programme specially arranged for the this Canadian mission. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Services and the HKTDC Business Matching Services will be available to help add value to the delegates’ participation in the mission.

For further information, registration details and incentive packages, interested parties please contact Adrian Cheng or Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel: (416) 366-3594 or email: adrian.ch.cheng@tdc.org.hk or jill.chien@tdc.org.hk

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, one of the most important trade events of its kind in the world, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 4 – 8, 2009.

“Hong Kong is the perfect place to stage a jewellery industry event, given its expertise in this sector,” said Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. “Hong Kong’s own jewellery manufacturing industry is a sparkling success story: it is the world’s fourth largest exporter of fine jewellery after Italy, the US and India. Hong Kong’s total exports of fine jewellery amounted to US$3.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008. Total exports have maintained strong momentum in recent years, posting increases of 14%, 17% and 21% in 2006, 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, respectively.”

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is one of Asia’s premier jewellery trade events. Not only is it a key platform for sourcing quality jewellery, but it also adds value with a series of networking and information-exchange activities. The 2008 event attracted 2,300 international exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, while a total of 31,333 buyers from 135 countries and regions came through the doors.

The 2009 show is expected to attract more than 2,400 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions. Major exhibitors have already confirmed their participation, including Royal Gem from Belgium, Paul Wild from Germany, Man Shan Jewellery Co Ltd, Rio Pearl, Waddy Jewellery Group Limited, Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong, Busatti SRL from Italy, Lili Diamonds from Israel and London Pearl from the UK.

The number of younger consumers has increased over the past few years. They are fashion-conscious and put great emphasis on the design element. In response to this trend, HKTDC will be presenting the new zone “Hall of Fame” at the 2009 show. This prestigious zone presents esteemed international brand names known for their high quality in a suitably elegant and luxurious environment to be located at Convention Hall.

Building on the success of the last fair, “Les Salons Privés” will return, featuring superb pieces of fine jewellery and diamonds. At the 2009 fair, a new product category – South Sea Pearls – will be added. Exhibitors and buyers can meet in absolute privacy in adjacent exclusive meeting rooms.

Other themed zones will be featured at the fair. The “Antique & Vintage Renaissance” section will exhibit a wide variety of historic jewellery and watches; “Designer Jewellery Galleria” will showcase hip collections from designers; “Jadeite Zone” will highlight top-grade jade pieces; and “Le Salon Extraordinaire” will put fine jewellery in the limelight, in appropriately elegant and discreet surroundings conducive to serious business negotiations. In addition, “Treasures of Nature” will showcase top-quality loose diamonds, gemstones, pearls and other precious materials; while “Watch & Clock Pavilion” will feature watches, and a wide variety of clocks, from the traditional to the contemporary.

A new dimension will be added to the 2009 edition with the debut of the International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award. To honour creative and outstanding jewelry designers, the IIJDE Award creates a platform and provides an opportunity for international jewellery designers to exchange experiences and to compete for the highest honour – “Champion of the Champions”. 170 entries from 27 countries & regions – including Canada — have been received. 9 judges from around the world will select the winners based on creativity and uniqueness of the overall concept, quality of craftsmanship and overall beauty.

“The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has always been well supported by Canadian buyers,” said Andrew Yui, HKTDC’s Director in Canada. “Last year, the event received a total of 364 buyers from across Canada.”

The HKTDC Toronto Office is once again assisting Canadian buyers to pre-register their participation in the 2009 event. Contact Jill Chien at (416) 366-3594 if you’re interested.  For a full list of upcoming trade missions, click here.

Once again, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) brings the fashion industry together for these two important events in the global fashion industry. They will take place concurrently from January 12 – 15, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is the largest fair of its kind in Asia, and the second largest in the world. World Boutique, Hong Kong is Asia’s pioneer show promoting designer collections and brands from around the world. The two fairs will gather more than 1,600 exhibitors under one roof, to provide a wide spectrum of ready-to-wear garments, accessories and designer collections as well as lifestyle products.

Multiple business opportunities are offered in both fairs. A.P.COM Technology Limited is one of the exhibitors in 2009 fair. “The Hong Kong Fashion Week helps us to exploit new markets from all over the world. The show attracts crowds of fashion designers, buyers from designer labels, international media and potential licensees alike every year in our booths,” said Mr Raymond Tang, Managing Director of the Hong Kong-based exhibitor. A.P.COM Technology will be displaying a wide range of products include evening shoes, leather boots, wedge shoes and sandals at Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/ Winter 2009.

Kingvic Fashion Co Ltd is joining World Boutique, Hong Kong 2009, with a range of high end fashion shoes from the brand, TITIKAKA. “This year, the inspiration behind the range comes from the truly Japanese design concept. The features of TITIKAKA pivoted on innovative geometric lines, contemporary but wearable shapes, beautiful colors combination,” said Mr Eric Cheung, Marketing Director. TITIKAKA presented its exciting designs at one of the live fashion shows in the 2008 fair, orders and enquiries received from department stores, boutiques buyers and fashion agents last year after the event.

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2009 will also be a highlight. In three categories – Casual & Jeans-wear, Contemporary Day-wear and Party & Evening-wear – the finalists’ designs will be staged on the first day of the fair to compete for the best collection in each category as well as the Overall Winner Award.

On the judging panel are well-known designers, Keita Maruyama and Ennio Capasa. Japanese designer Maruyama developed the brand KEITA MARUYAMA. His passion for his own culture as well as his respect for occidental fashion gives a unique style to all his creations. Mr Maruyama’s designs have often been worn by celebrities. Italian designer Ennio Capasa is the creative force behind CoSTUME NATIONAL, a highly recognisable luxury goods brand with an innovative style. Mr Capasa is considered as one of the world’s major design talents.

The finalists’ design will be judged according to creativity & originality, marketability, suitability in the use of fabrics, workmanship and overall appeal. The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest aims to cultivate and promote a new generation of young designers, whose ideas will further enhance the image of Hong Kong as a fashion design centre.

For more information about the HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter and the HKTDC World Boutique, Hong Kong or for complimentary pre-registration and incentive programmes to attend these events, interested parties please contact Jill Chien at the HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594 or email: jill.chien@tdc.org.hk.

Photo by:  Studio H (Chris)

A sizeable contingent of Canadian business delegates from the toys and games industry will be in Hong Kong next month for Asia’s largest fair of its kind – HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair which will be held from January 5 – 8, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. http://hktdc.com/hktoyfair.

To meet the demands of the ever-changing market, the fair will introduce a new zone – Paper Products & Toys Packaging. As attractive packaging is one of the keys to success, toy manufacturers will find the new zone meets a vital need.

At the previous Fair in January 2008, over 2,000 exhibitors from 36 countries & regions were featured and some 30,000 buyers from 130 countries & regions attended the event.

The 2009 fair is expected to attract around 2,040 exhibitors from all corners of the world, which is deemed the biggest scale toy fair than ever in Asia. For the first time, the organizers of the two largest toy trade events in the world – HKTDC and Spielwarenmesse eG – have joined forces to boost international participation in the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair.

The fair caters to evolving trends in the industry, allowing buyers to gain business advantage. For example, greater efforts are being made to introduce toys for pre-schools that require a higher level of creative input and help develop brain power, coordination and teamwork. As the market for educational toys grows in size and sophistication, the fair responds to this demand.

With growing concerns about health and childhood obesity, experts and parents are searching for exercise options in toys. Demand for aquatic toys and equipment, for example, has been strong. This development is a trend beyond the industry’s traditional focus on mental development and game play.

Buyers can find these and other topical products very easily in the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2009, as the fair will be divided into different product zones. They are: Baby Toys & Products, Candy Toys, Hobby Goods, Magic Items, Outdoor & Sporting Items, Battery-operated & Electronic Toys, Educational Toys & Games, Soft Toys & Dolls.

The experience of both local and overseas exhibitors at the 2008 fair showed that it is a very effective trading platform. Ms Agatha Pan, International Sales Manager of Tree Toys P/L from Australia, said, “The Hong Kong fair is the most important in the world today and we feel that it is not to be missed by any serious toy importer.”

Local exhibitor, Mr. Stanley Yu Hok Lin, Managing Director of Tech Group (Hong Kong) Ltd. said, “The Hong Kong fair is becoming more important compared to fairs elsewhere. Simply put, this event is a major focus of buyers from around the world. The most impressive thing about this fair is the variety of products and suppliers. Also, the marketing programme of the organiser is fantastic.”

Buyers from mature and emerging markets also commented positively on the 2008 fair.

US buyer, Mr. Dave Schylling, Chief Executive Officer of Schylling Associates, Inc, mentioned, “Schylling is the classic toy company; we’re more into traditional toys and materials. We distribute to 8,800 owner-operated independent stores throughout the United States and Canada. We have been coming to this fair for more than 10 years and already have 150 Hong Kong and Chinese mainland suppliers. This fair is fantastic for us because we can see our suppliers and many of our customers in one place – it is very concentrated. About 50% of our business is a result of this fair.”

UAE buyer, Mr. Johnson Correya, Marketing Manager of Mikkai International (LLC), said, “Mikkai International is a division of Lals Group and we import toys. Lals Group owns and operates some of the leading malls and retail brands in the Middle East. We also supply Carrefour, Lulu and other major retailers throughout the Middle East. This fair is important to us because there are always a lot of new products. We do a lot of regular business with Hong Kong suppliers, between US$15 million to US$20 million worth of orders each year. We import five to 10 containers of toys from Hong Kong every month.”

Safety standards, regulations and codes of practice have long been major concerns among overseas buyers. As such, 2 seminars – ‘How to Obtain and Profit from Film Licenses’ and ‘Latest Product Safety Directives of the Toys Industry’ by Mr Richard, O’Brien of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mr. Liu Xiang, Vice Director of AQSIQ Defective Product Administrative Center, will be arranged during the fair period.

This fair will run concurrently with the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair in the same time frame and venue, offering double convenience to buyers.

For those interested parties who have not yet pre-registered for the event, please contact Jill Chien of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Toronto Office at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594 or email: jill.chien@tdc.org.hk for registration and incentive programmes.

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