2013-03-14 12:31:48 -

The products of some 200 Hong Kong companies are on show at the second Lifestyle Expo in Jakarta, which opened today and continues through 16 March at the Jakarta Convention Centre in Indonesia's capital. The three-day event is expected to attract a wide range of visitors, including importers, distributors, mass retailers and buyers at mail-order houses, department stores and specialty shops in Indonesia and other ASEAN countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong SAR Government Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So said the expo was "an excellent opportunity for the people of Jakarta to get to know more about Hong Kong's lifestyle products and the opportunities for doing business in the world's freest economy, right on the

door step of mainland China." Mr So added that Hong Kong was keen to further enhance its ties with ASEAN, including Indonesia. "A closer economic partnership between ASEAN and Hong Kong would contribute significantly to common prosperity," he said.

Growing Middle-Class Consumption

"Indonesia boasts Southeast Asia's largest population of middle-class consumers - more than 45 million in all," said Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Deputy Executive Director Margaret Fong, who also spoke at the opening. She added that "private consumption will remain the primary engine of growth for Indonesia in the foreseeable future. All good reason for us to bring Lifestyle Expo back to Jakarta. To offer Indonesian business, and consumers, more of what Hong Kong is famous for - quality, stylish, value-for-money products."

Innovative Products on Offer

This second Lifestyle Expo in Jakarta, which comes one year after the inaugural edition, showcases innovative products in five categories: consumer electronics, fashion and accessories, gifts and premiums, household products, and watches and clocks. This year's expo includes a Small-Order Zone, giving Indonesian buyers the opportunity to purchase products in quantities as low as 20 pieces, as well as a Premium Zone. In addition, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association is staging a display pavilion, featuring more than 40 winners and finalists of its "Hong Kong Smart Gifts Design Award 2013."

Seminars, Business Matching

Other expo highlights include seminars on franchising and international business trends. In addition, the HKTDC is providing complimentary business-matching services, as well as online sourcing assistance and sourcing publications.

Opening Ceremony

Also taking part in the opening ceremony were: Indonesian Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises' Deputy Minister, Marketing and Promotion, Neddy Rafinaldy Halim; Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Indonesia Liu Jianchao; Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hong Kong-Macau Committee Chairman James Budiono; and Acting Consul General of Indonesia in Hong Kong Hari Budiarto. A product parade featuring Miss Hong Kong 2012 Carat Cheung followed the opening ceremony.

Global Success

One of the HKTDC's signature emerging-market events, Lifestyle Expos have a successful track record in promoting trade between companies from Hong Kong and new markets worldwide. Previous Lifestyle Expos have been held on the Chinese mainland and in Budapest, Hungary, Mumbai, India, and Warsaw, Poland.

Lifestyle Expo in Jakarta is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with support from KADIN - the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The HKTDC is Hong Kong's official trade promotion organisation.

Trade between Hong Kong and Indonesia totalled more than US$5.3 billion in 2012. Indonesia is Hong Kong's 22nd largest trading partner.

Expo Website: www.lifestyleexpojakarta.com

About HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com . Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.

Google+: plus.google.com/+hktdc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hktdc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council



Source: HKTDC

Contact: HKTDC Corporate Communication Department Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

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