HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009

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Celebrating its 17th edition, HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), will be held from November 4-6 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). 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.

The value of the fair is recognised by both exhibitors and buyers. A 2008 exhibitor, Maurice Timon, President of MiNiMA, France, commented, "With our continued presence here we are confirming our commitment to worldwide markets and particularly Asia. For a European manufacturer, this is a means of presenting ourselves to quality buyers in the region."

Kevin Dong, President, Tung Ching Optical Investment Co., an exhibitor from Hong Kong, also commented on the importance and benefits of the fair. He said, "The fair is a great platform for us to strengthen cooperation with existing customers and pursue new buyers. It also helps raise our company and product profiles in the international market. I am very impressed with the organiser's excellent support and services. Most importantly, the fair attracts really serious buyers from all over the world, and many of them are keen to place orders on the spot."

First time buyer at last year's fair, Hamdi Nabil Al-Lulu, General Manager of Lulu Optic from Qatar, described the experience. "This is my first visit to the fair and I just love it. Everything is so good, from the organisation to all the services. We have already got quite a number of interesting items on our purchase list, including sunglasses and eyewear accessories. We expect to strike deals with three to four suppliers through the exhibition."

Caito Maia, Superintendent, Chilli Beans, Spain, has been a regular visitor for seven years. Last year, she found 80% of her suppliers in the fair and noted that "The fair is getting even more professional and it is easy to work with the exhibitors. This time, we have identified three new suppliers and we expect to place orders for some 300,000 pieces by the end of the show. It is a wonderful exhibition."

More excitement is 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.

Running parallel at HKCEC are HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair and HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair.

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