This year's fairs adopted the HKTDC's new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the Click2Match platform providing a smart business-matching function to help build connections between exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals worldwide. As of today, the HKTDC has arranged more than 3,000 business-meeting sessions through Click2Match while over 10,000 buyers have browsed products and made business connections via the five fairs' online platforms. Click2Match will remain active until 23 October for the five fairs.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said, "The five autumn technology fairs featured more than 1,100 exhibitors, over 340 of which are online exhibitors from Mainland China and overseas, showcasing numerous creative ideas, smart products and innovative solutions that can benefit Hong Kong's future development. The fairs were the first business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions held following the Hong Kong government's implementation of the '0+3' quarantine arrangement and we were delighted to see some of the international buyers gradually returning to our physical events. The HKTDC will continue to provide comprehensive support to Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), assisting them to connect with global buyers and capitalise on post-pandemic business opportunities."

She added: "The HKTDC will launch an international innovation and technology (I&T) promotion campaign on a larger scale next April. The goal is to further promote Hong Kong's technological development and the complementary advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area industrial chain, contributing to the city's transformation into an international I&T hub."

Industry more optimistic regarding medium-term outlook for I&T sector

The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs to understand exhibitors' and buyers' views on the outlook for the I&T sector and what they expect the major trends to be. The survey found that 35% of respondents expected product sales will increase in the next six to 12 months, while 47% anticipated that sales will remain unchanged. Respondents were more optimistic about market conditions in the medium term; 46% expected that sales of their products will increase in the next one to two years, while 42% believed sales will remain unchanged.

The rapid development of technologies presents enormous business opportunities. More than 70% of those surveyed expected that the smart lighting market will present ideal market potential in the coming two years, while 60% saw robotics offering the best growth prospects. As for the application of robots, most respondents believed their use in the medical field has the greatest potential, including for surgery and rehabilitation.

Demand for smart products continues to grow

Presented under the theme "Innovations for Better Living", the five autumn technology fairs brought together exhibitors and industry professionals from across the globe, offering Hong Kong's start-ups an important platform to showcase their I&T solutions and generate business opportunities.

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