Sporting chance for all players
With Asia a major producer of sports-related products, Sports Source Asia is the place to find the latest in garments, shoes, accessories and a range of sports and fitness equipment.
The event's fifth edition runs from tomorrow until Saturday at AsiaWorld-Expo, and expects to host around 180 international exhibitors, with pavilions for India, South Korea, Taiwan and debutants Pakistan.
'In 2010, the fair attracted over 6,700 buyers from 93 countries and regions,' says a fair spokesman. 'Buyers of sports equipment, sportswear, accessories and other sports-related products applaud Sports Source Asia as an outstanding regional trade event.'
Major exhibitors this year include South Korean sports taping manufacturer Atex Medical, and fitness equipment and apparel firm Starla Group from Pakistan. Atex Medical's CEO Kim Hae-ryong says his sports taping therapy products are designed to be comfortable for athletes as they 'have similar elasticity to human muscles working with muscle physiology and motor mechanics'.
This year, an inaugural Premium Zone allows buyers sourcing branded goods to see the latest models. The Outdoor Sports Zone is also new and the Sports Parade Shows features sportswear, equipment and accessories.
The fair's industry seminars include sessions on the mainland and Central European markets for sports goods. Following the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and last year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, interest in sports and sporting goods have soared. Asians are also responding to the health and fitness movement, and increasingly wearing sportswear for casual occasions.
According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong's export of sporting goods reached around US$4.71 billion last year. Sports Source Asia is the only dedicated regional event for the industry with the timing and location to maximise business.
'October is the peak sourcing season and Hong Kong is the sourcing hub of Asia, attracting many buyers to the region,' fair organisers say. 'From Hong Kong, exhibitors can access the mainland and enjoy all the benefits of Hong Kong's connections with business networks worldwide.'
