Published in May 2009

1. Poland: A Glimmer of Hope in Central and Eastern Europe (Eng) Despite short-term slackening growth, Poland, supported by a sizable consumer base and generous EU funds, provides steadfast opportunities for Hong Kong companies over the medium to long term. This report provides a wealth of up-to-date information about the latest consumer market developments in the Polish market, in a bid to help Hong Kong exporters to seize the considerable opportunities while taking heed of potential challenges.   2. Changes in Consumer Behaviour in Traditional Markets and Implications for Hong Kong Exporters (Eng) Given strong economic headwinds, the long-running consumption spree in traditional markets has subsided. Millions of consumers have made significant changes to their lifestyles and buying preferences in response to the prevailing recession. This report addresses how consumer behaviour in traditional markets is changing, what are the potential niche products likely to weather the storm better, and what steps should Hong Kong exporters take to capitalise on these emerging consumer trends.   3. The Pilot RMB Trade Settlement Scheme and RMB Internationalisation (Eng) The pilot RMB Trade Settlement Scheme announced by the Chinese mainland will not only help Hong Kong’s trading community, but also strengthen its financial infrastructure. As an international financial centre having handled RMB business since 2004, Hong Kong looks set to further benefit from the RMB’s progressive internationalisation, with considerable medium-to-long term opportunities for enriching the offer of RMB services

Forthcoming Titles

1. HKTDC Trade Quarterly, issue no. 11 (Eng & Chi)
Amid the global recession, Hong Kong’s external trade has inevitably suffered a severe downturn so far this year. In this issue of TQ, the HKTDC has to drastically revise our export forecast to drop by 10% to 12% for 2009, against the previous projected decrease of 6%.  We’re also explaining in details our trade outlook for the rest of the year and our views on the performance of individual sectors.  Given that China will be the first large economy set to emerge from recession, we portray the outlook for Mainland domestic sales and examine how Hong Kong can seize the initiative as an offshore Rmb centre in this issue.

2. Egypt – The Largest Arab Market with New Opportunities (Eng)
With close to 80 million people, Egypt is the largest Arab market in population terms along with an expanding middle class. Rising foreign investment and light-goods manufacturing on the back of tax and tariff cuts have ignited rising demand for imports, boding positively for Hong Kong exporters of intermediate and mid-to-high end consumer goods.

3. CEPA 2009 Liberalisation Measures - Opportunities for Hong Kong (Eng)
This paper examines the business opportunities due to the new CEPA package agreed in May 2009, which consists of 29 service liberalisation measures spanning 20 services sectors, building on 18 existing sectors and opening two new sectors. Guangdong pilot measures continue to feature prominently in the latest CEPA package, which complements the policy direction as set out in the outline for the development plan of the Pearl River Delta, which calls for intensive cooperation with Hong Kong.

4. 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.

5. Chongqing -- A Maturing Market in Western China (Chi)
Since 1997, Chongqing has become one of the four provincial-level municipalities in China. Thanks to the improvement in infrastructure and accelerated development in its automobile and manufacturing industries, Chongqing saw an average annual real GDP growth of 11% from 1997-2007.   This report examines the latest development and investment opportunities in Chongqing  that are relevant to Hong Kong companies.

6. How to Register a Brand and Resolve IPR Disputes in China (Chi)
Brand promotion is a necessary strategy in China’s domestic sales. However, only brands that have duly registered their trademark and patent can seek IP protection in China. This book provides a comprehensive and practical guide on how companies can register their brands related IP, and what can be done to protect their interests when their rights are infringed. This book is written by an experienced IP lawyer and has used lots of cases and illustrations to facilitate easy reading.

7. 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.

8. Study of the characteristics of the Middle-class Consumer on the Mainland (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.

9. A Thriving Silver Market in Developed Economies: Implications for Hong Kong (Eng)
The world is fast aging. According to the United Nations, 10% of the inhabitants around the globe have already celebrated their 60th birthdays, and this proportion is projected to increase gradually to 22% by 2050.  In particular, this aging phenomenon will be high in developed economies, which are traditionally Hong Kong's major markets. This report is aimed at helping Hong Kong exporters identify what opportunities are available in the emerging silver market.

10. Survey on Garment Shoppers in Major Chinese Cities (Chi)
This report contains the findings of a recent consumer behaviour 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 garment consumption habits of mainland consumers and the premium of Hong Kong brands in the mainland garment market.

11. Medium-term Prospects for Hong Kong Exports in the midst of the Global Recession (Eng)
Hong Kong exporters are faced with heightened challenges on entering 2009, amid the intensification of the US financial crisis into a global recession.  Despite the concerted multi-dollar capital injections and various initiatives offered by governments and relevant authorities worldwide, troubles in the world economy will not die away anytime soon. This report strives to figure out Hong Kong's recent export performance, the global economic outlook, as well as how different factors may come into play in affecting the medium-term prospects of Hong Kong exports.

12. 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.

13. Post-recession Landscape: Rebalancing the Excesses (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.

14. 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.


Publications in Past 6 Months