Hong Kong fashion industry to land HK$200m in budget first

Local fashion designers look set to benefit from this year's budget, with the government expected to offer the sector at least HK$200 million in promotion and scholarships in the hope of nurturing young talent in Hong Kong.

It would be the first time the government dedicated a set sum to the fashion industry in its annual budget. The money, which would be assigned to the Hong Kong Design Centre for coordination, would be used to hold an annual festival and offer scholarships for young designers to receive training overseas, a government source said.

Textiles and garment sector lawmaker Felix Chung Kwok-pan, who has been a key advocate of such a measure, said government support was essential for the industry to blossom.

"From what we saw during the Occupy protests, our young people are full of creativity," said Chung, chairman of the pro-establishment Liberal Party. "But our city has been providing insufficient support to local designers."

Chung said he wanted to see rising stars given the opportunity to gain overseas exposure. "We need - and we could have - another Vivienne Tam," he added.

He suggested that the government hold an annual fashion festival in a district such as Sham Shui Po, where young talent could publicise their designs on the runway and link up with manufacturers.