Featuring more than 1,700 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, the hybrid fairs present a comprehensive range of the latest technologies. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said this year's policy address outlined steps to build Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre, underlining the huge potential for companies in the innovation and technology industry. The seven fairs ran in a hybrid format to allow global buyers and exhibitors to connect and conduct business matching both online and offline, creating more business opportunities.

Positive sales outlook

The HKTDC conducted an on-site survey during the fairs. Among more than 450 exhibitors and buyers interviewed, more than half (55%) expected overall sales to increase next year, while 30% expected sales to remain steady. In terms of market potential, respondents were most optimistic about Taiwan (78%) and South Korea (63%) among traditional markets, and Mainland China (76%), India (72%) and Eastern Europe (72%) among emerging markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected exhibitors and buyers in different ways, including a drop in sales and revenue (64%), rising logistics costs (23%) and rising sourcing/production costs (19%). With just two months remaining until the new year, 44% of respondents believed fluctuations in the global economy will be the major challenge to their businesses in 2022, followed by an increase in operating costs (32%) and changing political developments (29%). Asked about opportunities, 37% of respondents expected that business leads driven from e-tailing would have the most impact, followed by recovering customer purchasing power (36%) and rising demand from emerging markets (34%).

Seven fairs present latest technology

The seven trade shows took on a vibrant atmosphere, presenting a one-stop shop for electronic technologies, smart city solutions, lighting solutions, medical and environmental protection technologies, services and information.

At the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, Innobuild exhibitor BeeInventor displayed a smart helmet which deploys Internet of Things (IoT) technology to improve construction-site management. Commercial manager Simon Yau said the company targets Hong Kong customers and had met 40 potential buyers in the first two days, including those from construction companies and government departments. The company expects 30% of these prospects to become new customers, far exceeding expectations.

HKTDC International ICT Expo exhibitor Dayta AI Limited showed cloud solutions that analyse customer traffic patterns at offline retailers. Dayta's Head of Business Development Jack Ling said the company had negotiated with 30 potential partners at the expo and closed a deal with a fashion retailer. Other buyers include non-government organisations and retailers in the IT sector. He expects more deals to be made after the event.

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