Supertrader Hong Kong40 Years of Trade Trade Hong

Supertrader: Hong Kong．40 Years of Trade

Trade Hong Kong’s Lifeblood In the last 40 years, trade and industry has expanded dramatically in Hong Kong, with annual trade valued at more than HK$4, 500 billion in 2005. Hong Kong is the world's 11 th largest trading economy. Trade and industry employ a workforce of more than 1. 3 million.

Founded October 1, 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is a statutory organisation responsible for promoting Hong Kong’s exports of goods and services. The TDC now has more than 40 offices around the world.

60 S East Africa was an important export market for Hong Kong products in the 1960 s. As there were no regularly scheduled trade fairs, the TDC converted a container truck into a mobile exhibition unit, promoting Hong Kong products to local consumers across Africa.

The Kingdom of Plastic Flowers In the 1960 s, assembling plastic flowers at home for local factories was a means of supplementing income for many families. Later, Hong Kong manufacturers turned to plastic dolls. Their production activities laid the foundation for the development of Hong Kong’s toy industry in the 1970 s. Today, Hong Kong is the world's largest and secondlargest exporter of artificial flowers and toys respectively.

Something as small as a flower contributes to Hong Kong’s economy. What’s your contribution?

70 S Launched by the TDC in 1977, the Young Designers’ Show helps develop new fashion design talent in Hong Kong.

70 S 80 S The lack of exhibition venues in the 1970 s and 1980 s meant that Hong Kong SMEs could participate only in overseas trade fairs. Local exhibitions took place mostly in hotels or the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay. Phase 1 of the CEC was officially opened in 1988, providing more than 25, 000 square metres of exhibition space.

70 S 80 S In 1979, Hong Kong overtook Switzerland Japan as the world’s largest watch exporter in terms of quantity. Hong Kong became the world’s largest clothing exporter in terms of value in 1983.

80 S NOW Hong Kong’s economy was at a critical stage of transformation in the 1980 s and 1990 s. With services making up 90 per cent of its GDP (the world’s highest), Hong Kong is now a service-based economy. Trade, finance and logistics became its new economic pillars. Hong Kong also helps mainland enterprises “go out” and companies around the world expand in Asia.

Are you proud of the effort made by Hong Kong people?

Today, we accompany Hong Kong manufacturers to promotions around the world, taking with us Hong Kong’s stylish products, designs, brands and services. From container trucks to commercial airlines, from East Africa to the world, the TDC continues to blaze new trails with Hong Kong companies.

The economy is changing fast. Can you catch up?

Technology, Design and Innovation for Tomorrow Let’s Create Our Own Future

FUTURE Do you see the future of Hong Kong? FUTURE

FUTURE YOU lead the future! FUTURE PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE ON TO OTHERS!