The recent controversy on Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Dr. Hon. Lam Tai Fai, our School Supervisor, comments on the recent controversy on Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on Wednesday, 20-01-2010.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was recently being accused of monopolizing the exhibition market in Hong Kong, as it organizes more than 40% of the trade fairs in the city. Dr. Lam regards this comment as an overlook of the practical needs of the local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and thus the overall economic development in Hong Kong, in which SMEs are the chief drivers of the city's trade, in HKTDC's own word.

Dr. Lam recalled that, it is not easy for SMEs to start their business without external aid, while HKTDC has been playing the role of offering extensive client based and extensive network to them. Together with global support from their offices worldwide, HKTDC has managed to open up and create opportunities for SMEs in the market for over 20 years, their effort and improvement in offering quality services should never be underestimated.

Since the mission of HKTDC is to promote the city's export trade, the service provided should not be measured by drawing a straight line with the private firms, which operate the business with a different perspective. For trade fairs that are organized by HKTDC, the admission fee is much lower than that of private companies, which is fat more affordable for SMEs. Also, as HKTDC is partly supervised by the government, it bears certain social responsibilities for giving timely and appropriate assistance to the local firms in need. For instance, more than a hundred million HKD has been put aside to help local firms participating in exhibitions, marketing and also for buyers who wish to travel to Hong Kong. Besides, HKTDC offers resources such as to construct digital database, business tours, consultancy service, etc.

Dr. Lam concludes that, HKTDC's contribution in the promotion and development of local exhibition business should not be overlooked, and that the current ratio of trade fairs organized by HKTDC and private firms is acceptable. In order to cope with the ever-growing exhibition business in Hong Kong, the HKTDC should revise the policy for renting exhibition venue so that more SMEs are able to join the fairs. The Phase III expansion of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre should as well be carried out as soon as possible.