Give and Take

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2008

Wonderful presents galore await buyers at the world's top gifts show

Modish designs, fresh ideas and powerful inspirations aplenty will be found at the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2008, the largest show of its kind in the world and an epitome of global trends for giveaway items.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in co-operation with The Hong Kong Exporters' Association, the 23rd edition of the event runs from 28 April - 1 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Occupying more than 4,200 booths, some 3,900 exhibitors from Hong Kong and overseas will showcase an immense array of gifts and premiums - ranging from ceramics and silverware to consumer electronics and stationery - for advertising, corporate or personal purposes.

Exciting variety

Among the popular attractions, the Hall of Fine Designs will feature exquisite, design-led upscale items displayed in a stylish and prestigious setting. Buyers seeking world-class distinguished products will find this zone particularly appealing.

The Silverware Section will showcase silver-plated figurines and miniatures, fragrance-related wares, jewellery and jewellery boxes, together with desk sets and accessories.

Another highlight is Kids' World, an area packed with many different kinds of educational and fun toys, games, gadgets, arts and crafts and stationery for children. The Ladies' Gifts & Premium Section offers a host of exciting ideas aimed at women, ranging from the practical to the flamboyant.

The fair also caters for cross-sector interests, running concurrently with the Hong Kong International Auto Parts & Accessories Fair and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, held at AsiaWorld-Expo adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport.

Smash hit

In 2007, the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair played host to about 3,900 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions, attracting more than 50,500 buyers from 141 countries and regions.

"It is a great place to find the best gift items," said visitor Fabiano Cecilio Tambury, Director of Fabiamce Importer & Distributor of Brazil. "We should buy a lot and that will involve at least three or four containers of goods."

The sentiment was shared by Japanese buyer Taichi Kobayashi, Vice President of Sun-Star Stationery Co Ltd: "I am particularly impressed with the fair's huge scale and its well-decorated fairground.

The organiser provides excellent assistance and services to facilitate my visit. This fair is a major sourcing platform for my company."

Exhibitors were equally pleased. "We have taken orders here and that guarantees a return visit next year. All the exhibitors from Pakistan have recorded orders and are very happy," said Tariq Soni, Director Sales of H. Skill Sports from Pakistan.

Roaring trade

The success of the fair goes hand in hand with the popularity of Hong Kong as a source for gifts and premiums products.

In a survey conducted during the 2007 show, 75% of buyers polled were currently sourcing from Hong Kong suppliers. Among those who were not, 65% said they were keen to do so in the near future. Good design, high quality, competitive pricing and creativity were cited as the major draws of Hong Kong suppliers.

With a broad range of local and overseas exhibitors, the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2008 is certainly the perfect platform for sourcing, grasping trends and industry networking - and building business success.