June 01, 2005

By: Hailey Hallaby
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

The Hong Kong Baby Toys & Games Fair - The World's Third Largest Toys Fair

The global toy industry is gearing up for the 30th edition of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair - the worlds third largest toys fair and the biggest in Asia.

Organised by the Trade Development Council, the 2004 event is being staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from today to January 9. Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Mr John Tsang Chun-wah, JP, officiated at the Fairs opening ceremony this afternoon.

TDCs Toys Advisory Committee Chairman Mr. Edmund Young expects 2004 to be a promising year for the Hong Kong toys sector.

There are convincing signs that a faster global economic recovery driven by the US is under way, according to the results of Christmas sales in the US.

In the US, retailers managed to record a moderate sales increase of some 4%, compared with just over 2 % in 2002.

The Fair this year attracted over 1,800 exhibitors coming from all corners of the world. Among them are a large representation of regional pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Germany, India, Italy, Pakistan, Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.

Buyers will find a wide spectrum of toys and games products which include battery operated and electronic toys, educational toys, party needs, soft toys, outdoor and sporting items, baby toys, die-cast/mechanical toys and action figures - to name just a few from the major sections.

The 2004 fair comes just a few days after the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

From January 1, 2004, eligible companies will be permitted to engage in commission agents services, wholesale, retail and external trade on the mainland on a wholly owned basis. Hong Kongs toy companies will be allowed additional market access as specific restrictions in the area of distribution services on the mainland are removed.

Edmund Young said: This will offer increased opportunities for Hong Kong manufacturers as well as overseas companies who can link up with Hong Kong enterprises to tap into the huge mainland market.

For the first time, a strong delegation of Hong Kong service providers will provide on-site expertise for buyers and exhibitors at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair.

Making its debut, the Hong Kong Services Pavilion showcases a wide array of services ranging from product design, marketing, legal services, licensing and seamless logistics services.

Also noteworthy are two special interest sections: Hobby Goods and Bicycles. Launched in 2003, the Hobby Goods section includes around 30 companies displaying models, puzzles, miniatures, play sets, collectible items, board games and more. Buoyed by the satisfactory results reaped in 2003, this section will continue to offer buyers additional choices for stocking.

The newly created Bicycle Section is another attraction for buyers looking for bicycles. Adventure cycling has become one of the most popular outdoor activities today with mountain bikers to be found along exciting trails in the wildest parts of many countries. Out of the 8 exhibitors of the bicycle section, one offers childrens bikes.

Making its comeback in 2004, the Fairs private showroom enables exhibitors to demonstrate their own original-design products to buyers in privacy. Deals can be cut in an atmosphere of calm amid the hustle and bustle of fairground activities.

Riding on the perfect occasion of HK Toys and Games Fair, a total of 5 practical seminars of related subjects have been lined up, gearing to interests of different buyers and giving rich market information to them. Topics include product/market trends, brand building, licensing, code of business practices and product safety.

Running concurrently with the Toys Fair, the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair provides buyers with a one-stop-shop for toys and stationery.

Also see; Baby Strollers.

About The Author:

Hailey Hallaby is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-babies.com.  Taking care of your babies needs including safety, toys, health and baby products.