Hong Kong Electronics Fair draws over 100,000 buyers

Number is a new record.

Fair organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said buyer attendance was up 6%, with over 68,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions. The majority was from Hong Kong, the mainland, Taiwan, the U.S., Korea, Japan, Russia, Australia, India, Germany, and the U.K.

Attendance from the emerging markets surged, led by Poland, up 38%, Mexico (up 35%), Chile (up 28%), Malaysia (up 16%) and Israel (up 15%).

HKTDC also organized 136 buying missions, representing 9,800 buyers, from around the world.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau noted Hong Kong's electronics exports can expect moderate growth in the coming year, as reflected by the preliminary buyer statistics and survey results. Asian markets, he said, show the most promise.

He noted that buyers from the U.S. are on the rise again, along with those from European countries such as France and Spain. Chau said exhibitors reported receiving more European and U.S. orders, a strong indication these markets are recovering.

An independent survey commissioned by HKTDC showed that 90% of the respondents believe prospects in the coming year are better than or the same as 2013. The survey also found that in emerging markets, exhibitors are particularly interested in Latin America, Russia and ASEAN. Buyers are looking for electronics accessories, personal electronics equipment, AV products, smartphones/tablet computers and related accessories.

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair October 13 to 17 was held at the Home Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.