The 24th Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair, the biggest of its kind in the world, opened yesterday, bringing together 807 exhibitors from 17 countries. 

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), this year's participants at the five-day show include first-timers from Jordan and Russia.

The TDC has also made arrangements for 45 buying missions, comprising more than 1,600 buyers from 32 major markets, to visit this year's fair.

According to David Turnbull, a TDC council member, watch and clock dealers everywhere regard Hong Kong as one of the best sourcing centers for timepieces. Last year, Hong Kong's export value of watches and clocks totaled US$6 billion.

Turnbull noted that Hong Kong is able to stay ahead of the competition because its watchmakers never stop upgrading the quality, design and output of their products.

These companies are also exceptionally fast in responding to customers' needs, he added.

He also acknowledged that Hong Kong manufacturers were broadening their product range. Many have also developed their own brands to raise their competitive advantage in the world market.

Over 80 Hong Kong brand names are on display at the fair, 34 percent more than last year.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2005)