In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has acted swiftly to change its strategy, migrating the nine physical exhibitions originally scheduled to be held by the end of July onto an online platform. In addition, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled business matching service is being introduced to help suppliers and buyers close more deals.
Organised by the HKTDC, Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go ONLINE has opened on 27 July 2020 and will run until 7 August 2020. This 9-in-1 virtual trade exhibition has attracted more than 1,300 exhibitors, featuring lighting, electronics, information and communications technology (ICT); medical and healthcare; houseware, fashion, home textiles and furnishings; as well as gifts, printing and packaging products. This brand-new online exhibition platform will help global buyers to replenish supplies and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in exploring new business opportunities during a difficult time.
“The HKTDC is actively equipping SMEs to embrace the digital economy. This is in addition to strengthening cooperation with a number of technology partners to provide Hong Kong companies with more cost-effective digital solutions with the interface and functions of our website. Sourcing online marketplace will be further enhanced and relaunched later this year, utilising a variety of new technologies to improve business matching efficiency,” said Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director.
The one-month Summer Virtual Expo drew to a successful close on 24 July 2020, helping more than 22,000 suppliers to connect with buyers from around the world. Over 5,000 business matching meetings were pre-arranged to increase business opportunities.
The Summer Sourcing Weeks | Go ONLINE portal highlights featured products and details of the nine fairs for participants’ easy reference. The Intelligence Hub introduces various webinars, including Tech Trends Symposium 2020 – The Future of Intelligent Connectivity, which will address the impact of the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), the smart home, 5G technology applications and other related issues.
Elsewhere, representatives from WGSN, the global authority on consumer and design trends, will share their views in WGSN Presents: Lifestyle & Interiors Trends Presentation S/S 2021, while the Asian Lighting Forum 2020 – Shaping the Future of Lights will analyse the prospects of smart lighting from a human-centric perspective.
Last but not least, the Trendwatcher – The Reshaping of Retail Landscape seminar will feature representatives from internationally renowned market research agency Euromonitor International and local branding consultancy REALLY DESIGN. — Construction+ Online
