Newly Refurbished Design Gallery
More than 400,000 visitors from Hong Kong and around the world are drawn to Hong Kong Design Gallery each year
Some of Hong Kong's biggest names in design were on hand for the reopening of the newly refurbished Design Gallery at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A retail outlet allowing Hong Kong designers to showcase and sell original products and brands, Design Gallery was launched in 1991 by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Hong Kong design and creative leaders on hand included Alan Chan, Alice Chan, Carrie Chau, Raymond Choy, Eddie Hui, Winson Ma, Vincent Wong, Alan Yip and Douglas Young. Many of the designers' own products are among the 140 designs and brands on display at Design Gallery.
Speaking at the launch of the "new-look" gallery, HKTDC Executive Director Fred Lam highlighted the importance of design to Hong Kong. Citing a study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, "Creative Economy Report 2008," Mr. Lam said Hong Kong's creative sector was a new growth area of the economy, employing 170,000 people and contributing four percent to Hong Kong's GDP.
"Design is one of the most promising areas of the creative sector, exporting US$21.8 billion worth of goods to the world," Mr. Lam said.
A Design Gallery outlet opened last year at the Hong Kong International Airport. Mr. Lam unveiled plans for a second shop in the airport's restricted area, allowing even more travelers to enjoy last-minute shopping for Hong Kong-branded products before departure.
He also announced that a Design Gallery would open next year in Beijing.
Design Gallery offers Hong Kong designers more than a retail outlet for their products. It also serves as a test market for Hong Kong designers and their products, and offers business-matching services between overseas buyers and local designers.
The refurbished Design Gallery includes an expanded Designer's Corner, featuring the creative products of Hong Kong designers. Using multimedia displays, product design information, brand history and a biography of each designer, the section allows local and overseas consumers to discover the designers behind the designs.
Exporting Creativity
Hong Kong is the world's third-largest creative goods exporter, with the industry exporting US$27.6 billion in 2005.
Five thousand products from 140 brands and designers are marketed through Design Gallery and its online channels. Design Gallery attracts 400,000 visitors and handles more than 60,000 transactions a year.
Design Gallery: http://hkdesigngallery.hktdc.com/
Source: Hong Kong Trader, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
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