Published in September 2009

	1. Hong Kong Trade Quarterly, issue no. 12 (Eng & Chi) There’s further positive news in this third quarter of the year: the HKTDC Export Index as a measure of Hong Kong traders’ sentiment has markedly improved across the board, including the badly mauled jewellery sector.  Also, in this issue of TQ, our analysis has shown that Hong Kong is not only as a shopping destination but a pathfinder for China’s most desirable lifestyle.  Indeed, our aspiration can turn out to be business opportunities that may yet translate into quantifiable and successful trade.
	2. Morocco – A Reforming Market in North Africa (Eng) Morocco is one of the more liberal economies in North Africa. Aware of the need to diversify Morocco’s economy, the government has implemented Plan Emergence since 2006, a strategic plan to upgrade Morocco’s industries. Manufacturing, particularly electronics, is burgeoning. Hong Kong companies are likely to find opportunities in supplying industrial inputs as well as consumer goods to this market, where the industrial base as well as the middle class are expanding.
	3. Ukraine: An Uncharted Market in Central and Eastern Europe (Eng) Most Hong Kong people know Ukraine because of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, but not many know that it is Hong Kong’s 2nd largest non-EU market in the CEE region, behind only Russia. Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, the country is poised to offer Hong Kong companies emerging opportunities over the medium to long term. This report is targeted to give Hong Kong companies an updated account of the business opportunities in this sizable but uncharted market.
	4. Riding on the Green Manufacturing Trend - A Review of US Environmental Regulations (Eng) Given the focus of the Obama administration on environment protection, Hong Kong exporters and manufacturers should keep a close eye on US's green regulatory developments and respond appropriately.  This report serves to provide a comprehensive review of the current/imminent green legislation in the US, at both federal and state levels, likely further developments, and the implications for Hong Kong exporters and manufacturers.
	5. Middle-class Consumers in China (Chi) The mainland’s growing economic strength has resulted in a burgeoning middle class, which is now the focus of many Hong Kong manufacturers and traders. This report contains the findings of a recent survey conducted in 6 major Chinese cities, namely Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan and Dalian. The study provides insights into the middle class characteristics and consumption behaviour.  It also examines Hong Kong’s position as a trendsetter to the mainland consumer.

Forthcoming Titles

1. Green Shoots in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong Trade (Eng)
Despite the global economic downturn, Southeast Asia is poised for a steady recovery, with the region relatively well-placed to weather the global financial crisis thanks to improved country finance and banking systems, and stimulus measures swiftly introduced to bolster consumption and investment. ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, with a growing population of middle-class, are markets for Hong Kong companies to diversify their exports.

2. The Philippines - A Resilient Consumer Market in ASEAN (Eng)
With low export exposure compared with its ASEAN neighbours, and the highest consumption-to-GDP ratio in ASEAN, the Philippines has been relatively less affected by the financial tsunami. Its robust retail market, coupled with high consumer confidence, makes it an attractive market for Hong Kong companies’ export diversification.

3. Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a Lifestyle Trendsetter in the Region (Eng)
This paper contains the survey results of the views of middle-class urbanites on the Chinese mainland and in the Southeast Asia regarding Hong Kong as a lifestyle trendsetter in the region, and draws reference from lifestyle icons elsewhere, including French fashion and Italian furniture, in strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a regional trendsetter.

4. Consumer survey of Home Furnishing on the Mainland (Chi)
This report contains the findings of a recent consumer behaviour survey conducted in 10 major Chinese cities, namely Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Dalian, Wuhan and Chongqing. This survey attempts to find out the consumption behaviour and the image of Hong Kong brands in the mainland furniture and household textiles market.

5. Selling in China – Profiles of the Top 20 Cities (Chi)
HKTDC selected 30 mainland cities that are considered having the best potential based on their retail market size, consumer purchasing power and radiating power to surrounding areas.  This report is a collection of profiles of the top 20 cities, which market size and consumption power are at least one standard deviation higher than the national average level.  The profiles will provide information such as characteristics of the consumers and major shopping districts of the selected cities, and contacts of major department stores, etc.

6. Impact of the Current Global Financial Crisis on World Trade Structure (Eng)
The global economic scene is expected to undergo a paradigm shift after the current global downturn, with emerging markets, particularly the Chinese mainland, becoming a new growth driver.  This report aims to portrait the post-recession global trade environment, covering likely changes in both developed and emerging markets, as well as transformations of traders and manufacturers, along with an assessment on Hong Kong's role as a trading hub.

7. Riding on the Green Manufacturing Trend - An Update on EU’s Environmental Regulations (Eng)
In response to the EU’s rising consciousness about environmental protection, Hong Kong exporters should post themselves as to the relevant regulatory developments in the market.  This report aims to provide an update on the contents and implementation details of the WEEE, RoHS, REACH and EuP Directives, enabling exporters to comply with the increasingly stringent laws and regulations, while tapping into the trend of green manufacturing.

8. Survey on Leather Goods Shoppers in Major Chinese Cities (Eng)
This report contains the findings of a recent consumer survey conducted in 13 major Chinese cities, namely Harbin, Shenyang, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing and Ningbo.  Based on the 4P (i.e. product, price, place and promotion) model, this survey attempts to find out and analyse the consumption habits of mainland consumers on leather goods and the premium of Hong Kong brands in the mainland leather goods market.

10. Protectionism in the midst of Global Recession (Eng)
Protectionism tends to be a commonplace during recession.  Fortunately with the bad experience of the Great Depression, when global recession was aggravated by proliferating trade protectionism, widespread adoption of restrictive measures amid the current economic crisis has been largely avoided.  Yet some restrictive trade measures have been taken, even regardless of signs of economic recovery.  This report, while contrasting with developments during the Great Depression, portraits the contemporary state of protectionism, and assess the likely prospects and implications.

11. Hong Kong's Export Outlook for 2010 (Eng)
The world economy has undergone its deepest recession since World War II.  With signs of stabilisation amid massive policy support, however, the global economy should be in a better shape in 2010.  This report projects the 2010 performance of Hong Kong exports, which are expected to benefit from an improving external environment.  Yet challenges remain.  In particular, the import absorption power of the traditional markets will unlikely go back to the pre-recession level in the near future, and Hong Kong exporters have to look for alternative markets.

Publications in Past 6 Months