Hong Kong-based Tiffany International Trading Company makes garments using contaminant-free fabrics and harmless dyes. "Our fabrics are produced in a safe, healthy and environmentally conscious manner," said company General Manager Gladnix Chan.

Since "green" clothing is not very popular in Hong Kong, the key to Tiffany's business growth was penetrating overseas markets and sourcing customers worldwide. The company focused its efforts on markets in Europe and the United States.

As it happened, however, Australia provided the big break for Tiffany. An Australian garment distributor contacted the Business Matching service of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), looking for suppliers of medical officers' uniforms.

After going through its database, HKTDC's Business Matching specialists felt that Tiffany, with its strengths in green clothing production and its international quality standards, would be an excellent match for the Australian company.

"We made the perfect partner in meeting their requirements," said Ms Chan. "Australia has very high standards in the use of environmentally friendly fabrics, especially for the production of medical uniforms. And we produce AZO-free, wrinkle-free, oil-free and dirt-proof fabrics, as well as anti-bacterial items tailored to customer needs."

"We are amazed at the rich rewards we have reaped through a simple and straightforward registration with the HKTDC," said Ms Chan. "We envisage a long-term business relationship with our new Hong Kong partner."

Rewritten from East Magazine, Hong Kong, 20 February 2008.