Sports Source Asia 2008 – riding a wave of public enthusiasm and economic growth

Sports industries looking to Asia in the next three years will find themselves right on target. The ball starts rolling with the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Beijing this year; followed by the East Asian Games in Hong Kong in 2009, the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010 and the Universiade in Shenzhen in 2011. These major sports events are arousing public awareness, at the same time accelerating manufacturing demand and increasing market potential in the region. Sports Source Asia (SSA), the region’s premier sourcing hub for the industry, has come at the right time.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and MMI - Munich International Trade Fairs Pte Ltd, the second edition of SSA is scheduled for 28 – 31 October, 2008 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

The inaugural SSA, which concluded last October, earned a high score from exhibitors and trade visitors. Around 6,500 buyers from 90 countries and regions visited the event with over half of them from outside Hong Kong. Rounding out the top nine visiting countries & regions after the Chinese mainland were: Taiwan, USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Germany, Italy and France. Buyers were able to source from 300 exhibitors who were grouped in five theme sections: Sportswear, Sports Equipment, Sports Shoes, Sports Accessories, Fabrics & Materials; catering the industry’s specific sourcing needs.

SSA takes place at the prime sourcing period, right at the peak trade fair season in the Pearl River Delta Area. As a leading supplier of sporting goods, Hong Kong’s export of such goods amounted to over US$5.78 billion (RMB$41.6 billion) in 2007, a 4% increase over 2006. The top five export markets are USA, Japan, UK, Germany and the Chinese mainland. Among Asian markets, Korea and Thailand showed strong growth of 41% and 17% respectively; emerging markets also performed well, with the Philippines, for example, showing growth of 33%. With markets in general showing rising growth prospects, Hong Kong can provide exhibitors and buyers with the trading resources, supporting services and facilities they need. Many trading companies based in Hong Kong are sourcing for international brands including some of the biggest sports brands in the world. SSA is not only an ideal sourcing platform to expand their business, but also a great launch pad for new products.

SSA will be held from 28 – 31 October, 2008 in Hong Kong. For more information please visit http://www.sportssource-asia.com.

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Background Info:
Sports Source Asia is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and MMI - Munich International Trade Fairs Pte Ltd (a member of Munich Trade Fairs International Group). For over 30 years, TDC has been organising some of the largest and most professional trade fairs in the world. With its extensive network of offices and databases of commercial contacts around the world, TDC strives to create the best fairs that bring business opportunities to traders. ispo Group, MMI’s division of sports and sports fashion shows, is supporting SSA with its strong connections in the sporting goods markets around the world and extensive experience in organising the International trade fairs for sports equipment and fashion in Munich, Russia, and Chinese mainland for over 37 years.

Organisers:
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Tel: (852) 183 0668
Email: exhibitions@tdc.org.hk

MMI-Munich International Trade Fairs Pte Ltd.
Tel: (65) 6236 0988 / (852) 2511 5199
Email: mmi_sg@mmiasia.com.sg / mmi_hk@mmiasia.com.sg

Media Contact:
Ms Judy Ko
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Tel: (852) 2240 4071
Fax (852) 2824 0026
Email: judy.ko@tdc.org.hk

Ms Geraldine Lau / Ms Joanna Wong
MMI-Munich International Trade Fairs Pte Ltd.
Tel: (65) 6236 0988 / (852) 2511 5199
Fax: (65) 6236 1966 / (852) 2511 5099
Email: geraldine@mmiasia.com.sg / joanna@mmiasia.com.sg

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