Buyers and sellers at two major electronics expos – the autumn edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicAsia – were in an upbeat mood this year.
An on-site survey at the two events, which recently concluded in Hong Kong, indicated that the vast majority of attendees anticipate steady to growing industry sales over the next one to two years, buoyed by some key emerging segments, including wearables and robotics.
The most promising growth markets included India, the Middle East and Latin America.
“The global trend towards smart living is driving demand for innovative products and solutions,” said Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
The success of this year’s fairs is helping fast-track Hong Kong’s development into an international centre for innovation and technology, Ms Chong added.
The Electronics Fair was hosted by the HKTDC, while electronicAsia was jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, the regional arm of global trade fair organiser Messe München.
The two concurrent events attracted more than 60,000 buyers from 136 countries and regions between them.
Industry optimism was reflected in many business conversations and leads on the fairground floor.
“This year’s Autumn Electronics Fair saw a significant turnout, and the buyers were very engaged,” said John Cheng, Founder and CEO of Momax, a Hong Kong-based consumer electronics brand.
Mr Cheng met many buyers from Asia and Europe at the Fair. Momax has also formed a long-term partnership with a publicly listed company in Papua New Guinea, with initial discussions focusing on a US$50,000 order.
Vinal Patel, Chief Commercial Officer of UK buyer Brand Collective, said that he was looking to increase the range of products that his company distributes after discovering new offerings at the Electronics Fair.
“The line-up at the exhibition gets better every year and is even more impressive than before the pandemic,” Mr Patel said.
Michael Tsang, Sales Director for Dongguan Maochang Printed Circuit Board Ltd, took part in electronicAsia, which focuses on parts and components, to help the company expand onto the global stage.
“We met with over 200 potential buyers in the first three days to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs,” Mr Tsang said.
The two Fairs also included symposiums, forums and other events, where industry leaders shared insights and the latest industry information.
Other on-site activities catered to start-ups, including investment matching, pitching competitions and mentoring sessions, among others.
The organisers staged 78 events overall during the two fairs.
Later this month, the HKTDC will host the autumn edition of the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo as well as Eco Expo Asia to create more cross-industry business opportunities.