His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General of Department of Information, Dubai and Mr. Fred Lam, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (left) visit a stand at Style Hong Kong in Dubai 2007 after the event's inauguration on Sunday. The four-day exposition, which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will conclude on December 12, is the largest show of Hong Kong products in the Middle East.

The fourth edition of Style Hong Kong in Dubai was opened on Saturday by His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General of the Department of Information, Dubai and Mr. Fred Lam, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The four-day exposition is the largest show of Hong Kong products in the Middle East. More than 230 Hong Kong companies, showcasing top-quality fashion and gifts, household and electronics products, construction services and many other offerings, are participating in this year's Style Hong Kong in Dubai, which concludes on December 12.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai 2007 is showcasing seven major product and services categories: construction materials; electronics and IT products; fashion and fashion accessories; gifts; home furnishings and hotel supplies; household products; jewellery and watches.

For Middle East region buyers, Style Hong Kong is a one-stop opportunity to source Hong Kong's affordable, international-quality lifestyle products and services.

Commenting on the opening of the latest edition of Style Hong Kong in Dubai, Jeff Ambjorn, Director - Middle East, HKTDC, said: 'This year's expo is reflecting the growing capabilities of Hong Kong's increasingly creative and innovative designers. Just as Hong moved from 'Made in Hong Kong' to 'Made by Hong Kong' many years ago, it is now making strong headway in evolving from 'Original Equipment Manufacturing' to 'Original Design Manufacturing' and even 'Original Brand Manufacturing.' You will see evidence of this at the event.'

He added: 'Over the years, the business ties between Hong Kong and Dubai have become deeper and stronger. Such connections are born from the growing trust developing between two great trading hubs.'

The UAE is Hong Kong's largest export market in the Middle East. Hong Kong's trade with UAE grew by 18.7 per cent to $3.4bn during the first nine months of 2007 ending September 30, 2007 in comparison to the same period last year. While the total exports from Hong Kong to UAE went up by 29 per cent to $2.1bn, the total imports by Hong Kong from UAE grew by 4 per cent to US$1.3 billion during the same period.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai offers visitors free on-the-spot business matching services and an introduction to the HKTDC's online services, including product searches and Hong Kong supplier lists. They'll also be able to take advantage of Premier Connect's customised business matching service.

Style Hong Kong in Dubai is being held alongside the 22nd edition of the International Autumn Trade Fair, which features consumer products from exhibitors worldwide. The concurrent events provide a rare opportunity to network with thousands of buyers and trade visitors from more than 50 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Style Hong Kong refers to the HKTDC's flagship events in emerging markets. Launched in 2003 in Dubai, Style Hong Kong shows have since been rolled out successfully in Budapest, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Moscow.