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Hong Kong International Stationery Fair records 24 percent increase in visitors

Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 13th edition of the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair recorded a 24 percent increase in the number of visitors. Running from 7 – 10 January at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the show welcomed 19, 332 visitors from 113 countries and regions.

Commenting on the increased visitor number, Mr Jason Cao, Senior General Manager for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said: "I believe the stationery and office supplies industry is positive in the coming years, because the show attracted a significant increase in number of visitors. The top ten visiting countries and regions were: Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, US, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Philippines."

Mr Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director for HKTDC commented on the fair. He said: "The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is the first trade show for stationery and office supplies for 2013 and it attracted nearly 220 suppliers from 17 countries and regions, covering the major stationery manufacturing regions from around the world."

The exhibitors included pavilions from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. In addition, there were first time product zones for artist supplies, computer peripherals and related accessories as well as writing equipment.

The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is an international sourcing platform where exhibitors can meet buyers from various places. Mirage International Industries Inc, an US manufacturer of bubble pens, stationery sets and crafts materials, is a loyal exhibitor.

"We exhibited at the show from the very first year up until now, " said Ms Peggy Wen, the representative of the company. The company keeps exhibiting at the show because it is very industry specific and January is an appropriate time for sourcing. Ms Wen was happy that the show gave her the chance to meet buyers from their target market, South America. She met visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Panama and Venezuela. She commented: "I think this fair has a really good representation of buyers from all over the world. I feel that this show is international. It is what it is and what it advertises – an international stationery show!"

Hong Kong paper products and packaging manufacturer Silver Team Trading Limited also exhibits at the show every year. Ms Cherry Li, the company's representative said: "We keep coming back because we hope to find visitors from the US and Europe." Silver Team was launching a money card holder at the show. And despite the economy uncertainty, Ms Li thought the product would sell well in the US, as Americans often give presents to friends and family.

Mr Tom Choi, Marketing Director of Jisung Inc, a first time exhibitor from Korea, also expressed his satisfaction of meeting diverse buyers. He said: "I didn't have any expectation before the show, but surprisingly, we met potential customers from everywhere." Mr Choi's company offered USBs at the show. He met with buyers from countries such as Denmark, Germany, Norway, Singapore and South Africa. "The result is very successful, we are 100 percent satisfied and I am very happy, " Mr Choi added.

Another first time exhibitor was Indian company Brijbasi Art Press Limited which was launching a new range of puzzles and board games at the show, as well as books for children. Mr Apurv Garg, the company's Director said: "Shows like this are important to the industry because there are a lot of buyers from around the world that are coming to the fairs in Hong Kong now."

The show also impressed first time visitor Mr Mustafa Ocal, Import & Export Executive for NT AS from Turkey, a retail chain with 138 shops selling stationery, toys, books and gifts. Mr Ocal found interesting products at the show, and planned to place orders during the show. "The show is important for me because of innovations, new products and new designs, colours and packages, and new competitive prices, " he commented. "I have met with at least 50 potential exhibitors during the show. Three days is definitely not enough for me as there is a lot to see."

Regular show visitor, Ms Gesarin Anex for B2S Company Limited of Thailand, was able to identify quality suppliers. She said: "I have met with more than 30 exhibitors and there are about five suppliers that I will place an order with." Ms Anex's company is part of the Central Group, the largest department store in Thailand, and around 30 percent of the goods are imported. At the show, she sourced fashionable school bags which matched the needs of their target customers.

Mr Harry Huang, representing Eurocom Import & Export Co Ltd from the Chinese mainland, was looking for products for the African market. He said: "This show is well organised and the exhibits are high quality. I found colouring books that are good for my customers." Mr Huang plans to visit the show again next year.

The 4th Hong Kong Stationery Award is one of the highlights of the show. Visitors are involved by voting onsite for the "Most Popular Award" and the award went to Rabbit Pen & Giraffe Pen from Ni Hau Industrial Co Ltd of Taiwan.

Based on originality, creativity, practicability, functionality, design quality (aesthetic and use of materials) and marketability, the judges selected Carbon Hybrid Super Lightweight Conference Table as the winning product of the Grand Award, and The Merit Award – Functionality. The table was made by Zing Cheng Enterprises Co Ltd, an outdoor furniture manufacturer from Taiwan. The company's General Manager, Mr Te-Lung Chen said that the light weight conference table helps to save labour costs when setting up for meetings or parties.

"Stationery Trends and Market Opportunities in Europe and US" and "Stationery Product & Colour Trends in 2013" both received positive feedback from the audiences.

Mr Ryan Farber, Group Managing Director for RMS International Plc of UK, was the speaker for the Stationery Trends and Market Opportunities seminar and gave advice on how to enter the European and US markets. One of the seminar audiences Ms Danna Mui, Sales & Marketing Director for Hong Kong company Yiu Sing Bags Industrial Co Ltd thought Mr Farber's advice was practical.

She said: "After discussion with Mr Farber, I find that there is an opportunity that the two companies can cooperate in the future which can further expand my business in developed markets."

The next edition of Hong Kong International Stationery Fair will be held from 6 – 9 January 2014.



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