SCED officiates at opening ceremony of "SmartHK" fair in Hangzhou (with photos)

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, officiated at the opening ceremony of the "SmartHK" fair in Hangzhou today (August 30).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr So said many Mainland enterprises had been proactively upgrading and restructuring their business operations in the face of global economic changes and keen market competition, and this had unveiled unprecedented opportunities for Hong Kong's service industries.

Mr So noted that the fair offered an effective platform for enterprises from Hong Kong and the Mainland, particularly enterprises from Zhejiang Province and the Yangtze River Delta, to learn more about each other, to promote exchanges, and to make suitable matching in their upgrading and restructuring process.

Mr So made a point of introducing Hong Kong Design Year 2012 to the participants, and also highlighted the enthusiastic participation of Invest Hong Kong at the fair.

Hong Kong Design Year 2012 is presented by Create Hong Kong and organised by Hong Kong Design Centre. It features a number of design-related activities to promote Hong Kong's position as Asia's creative capital and design centre. A Hong Kong Creative Force Pavilion has been set up at the fair. Showcasing the latest developments of Hong Kong's creative industries, it displays over 60 award-winning works in international competitions at a professional level; more than 50 case studies of successful upgrading and restructuring of Hong Kong brands in collaboration with creative industries; and some pieces specially produced by Hong Kong designers for the occasion.

Mr So hoped the display would demonstrate the international perspective and achievements of Hong Kong's creative industries, and further promote exchanges between Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.

Invest Hong Kong also set up a booth at the fair to introduce its comprehensive range of services to the enterprises in Hangzhou for making use of Hong Kong as a gateway to the global market.

Thousands of visitors from local enterprises are expected to learn about the latest developments of Hong Kong's service industry through three thematic exhibitions, namely "Innovation, Design and Marketing", "Technological Advancement" and "Management Upgrading". Other highlights include plenary conferences, seminars and workshops for participants to learn how Hong Kong services can contribute to the upgrading of their businesses.

The two-day "SmartHK" fair is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; the Zhejiang Province Economic and Information Commission; the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province; the Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, People's Government of Zhejiang Province; the Zhejiang Federation of Industry and Commerce and the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government. The fair is the first-ever mega event held in Eastern China to showcase the advantages of Hong Kong's service industry.

Thursday, August 30, 2012