Date: 5-8 January 2009
Venue: HK Convention and Exhibition Centre

The stationery industry continues to grow in scope, fuelled by a thriving international market. A diverse collection of stationery and back-to-school products will be featured at the ninth annual Hong Kong International Stationery Fair from 5 – 8 January 2009. Organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt, the exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hong Kong International Stationery Fair 2009 – a sourcing platform of innovative products.

Recognising the growing demands of the stationery market, the 2009 fair will showcase a wide range of stationery items from environmentally-friendly pens and pencils; colourful paper and bags; stylish yet functional organisers and office supplies; and creative children's stationery and educational systems. For easier navigation, some items will be accommodated in three zones: Children's Stationery & School Supplies Zone, Office Supplies Zone and Paper & Printing Products Zone.
 

Wider horizons for stationery

The world of stationery has grown much more dynamic and rewarding in recent years. The parameters of conventional stationery products have been enlarged by new technology while demand for traditional items, both personal and commercial, remains strong. Exciting new design concepts and the advent of licensed stationery products have taken the industry into the realms of giftware.

Buyers from non-traditional sectors are now looking at stationery with new eyes. 16,464 buyers came from 118 countries & regions to see what suppliers had to offer at the 2008 Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. They were able to source both classic stationery and innovative products as showcased by 269 exhibitors from 15 countries & regions.

Organised for efficiency

In the ninth edition of the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair in 2009, exhibitors can chose to showcase their products in different categories, which meet buyers' needs. A great diversity of products is accommodated in three zones: Children's Stationery & School Supplies Zone, Office Supplies Zone and Paper & Printing Products Zone.

Educational value

The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is an ideal international sourcing venue. It also presents participants with value-added opportunities to make social contacts with industry peers at after-hours events. The seminar programme updates attendees on the most recent industry developments.

Concurrent event

The renowned HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2009 takes place at the same time, expanding the pool of buyers for the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair.

Marketed worldwide

Co-organisers Messe Frankfurt and Hong Kong Trade Development Council use all their formidable resources to promote the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair on a worldwide basis. Advertising, both trade and general, direct mail, roadshows and trade fair participation are all used to spread the word about this highly successful fair.

Thriving international industry

In recent years, suppliers everywhere have benefited from the increased demand for computer consumables and accessories used in both the domestic and commercial environments. Consumers are also showing considerable interest in luxury, design-driven products, especially writing instruments and deluxe personal stationery sets and prestigious desk accessories. This trend has taken the international industry into gifts and premiums with great success.

Manufacturers are responding to competition with innovative products of their own design and many are opting for licensing agreements to reach the very lucrative youth market. The growth of scrap-booking and art stamping as hobbies has also boosted stationery sales in many markets.

Hong Kong companies continue to supply ODM services while moving into licensed products and higher-end items. Many have created their own brands as well. The US, the Chinese mainland and the EU are Hong Kong's three largest export markets. In 2007, all three markets have shown growth, giving an export value of US$1.29 billion, an increase of 7.5% over 2006.

Buyers' comments

"AMPRO is an importer and exporter of corporate promotional products in India. I visit the fair every year and have been placing orders regularly in the last five years. The stationery fair is one of the best in the world and is very useful for my business as exhibitors here display products of high quality and innovative designs. I have found lots of interesting products this year and collected samples for my clients to make their selections. The fair organisers are very helpful and everything about the exhibition is right - from organisation to service and facilities."

Sumit Pasricha, Director, AMPRO, India

"We are one of the most important companies distributing stationery and toys in Colombia. This is the first time we have come to Hong Kong and I found the journey well worth it. The Hong Kong fair is very well organised with a great variety of exhibitors all under one roof. The quality of products is impressive while the exhibition venue is so conveniently located in the heart of the city that we can make the best use of our time for the fair. We are looking for different items like plastic files and boxes. I expect to close some deals and to place orders with some of the suppliers after the exhibition."
Carlos E. Osorio, Distribution Manager, Ronda s.a., Colombia

"This is my first visit to the Hong Kong fair. It is surprising to me that the scale of exhibition is so big and there are lots of new stationery items on display. I've come across some interesting exhibits such as colourful pens and stamps that can be sold as gift items. I also found a supplier of paper boxes to go with our promotional goods. Hong Kong is an important sourcing centre and it produces many new ideas for the industry."
Elisabetta Poletti, Buyer, Fiori Paolo s.r.l., Italy

Contact

Exhibitions Department
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Unit 13, Expo Galleria
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,
1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong Ms Vanessa Tung Tel: (852) 2240-4606
Ms Kathryn Lai Tel: (852) 2240-4059