The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association has celebrated the festive season with more than 220 guests from governmental departments, local consulates, major trade and industrial organizations and export companies, as well as HKEA members, in its Christmas Luncheon 2009 with joy and blessings. 
 
Held on 11 December 2009, the luncheon was hosted by the guest of honor, the Honorable Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan, JP, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Government of Hong Kong SAR. 
 
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Association, Tom Tang, JP, said he saw signs of recovery in the export trade but commented that the external trade remained uncertain as many advanced economies were still being confronted by impaired financial systems. He remarked that the financial crisis was leading to a major change in the world’s trade structure. Hence global recovery would be at different paces for different markets. 
 
Given the modest appetite in traditional markets, he encouraged Hong Kong exporters to look into emerging markets around the globe for business opportunities. Markets such as China, ASEAN, Middle East, Eastern Europe to South Africa hold promising prospects for Hong Kong companies. 
 
Meanwhile, Mr Tang also urged exporters to adopt proactive measures to reposition themselves in the international trade by capitalizing on the six new industries proposed by the government. “To break new ground for our traditional industries, we could, for example, make the most of the six new industries, namely ‘cultural and creative industries’ and ‘innovation and technology’ to improve our product designs and supply chain. This will not only help maintain our market share but also aid exporters to transform and move up the value chain,” Mr. Tang said. 
 
Mrs. Rita Lau, Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development, also encouraged Hong Kong exporters to look into emerging markets for new business opportunities. She noted that the government endeavors to support exporters in opening up these new markets. She also invited exporters to take advantage of CEPA which facilitates local firms in opening up new markets on the Mainland for Hong Kong products, both goods and services. 
 
Photos are available at: 
http://www.exporters.org.hk/Photo_Gallery.aspx 
  
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For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Kerry Wong of Communication & Information Department:

Tel: (852) 2730 9851 / email: kwong@exporters.org.hk