The timepiece industry's total export value in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region saw a 17.3-percent rise in the first half of this year over a year earlier, to more than HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion), a senior Hong Kong official said Wednesday.

"The manufacturers, designers and distributors are facing tougher challenges in a more competitive market with shorter product lifecycles," said Henry Tang, chief secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, when opening the 27th Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair.

The government will help them to develop original designs and brand names, and groom creative talent by investing in tertiary and continuing education programs, he said.

He said there are pilot measures enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and neighboring Guangdong Province in intellectual property protection and branding development.

"A robust intellectual property protection program and branding support are crucial to making Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region a center of timepiece design, manufacturing and branding that stands the test of time," he said.

The five-day fair, dubbed the largest of its kind in the world, has attracted 760 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions.

At the fair, the Brand Name Gallery showcases the best in brand-name watches. This year, the gallery features a record 125 brands from 105 companies, a 21-percent increase in exhibitors over last year.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2008)