TRADE between Hong Kong and South Africa is about to take off, says Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Victor Fung.
Speaking at the opening of the South African country fair at Kowloon Park yesterday, he said: 'South Africa's rising living standards and strategic access to other southern African markets has brought Hong Kong a fresh epoch of business with the country.' Hong Kong exports to South Africa rose 42 per cent in the first seven months of the year. Imports from South Africa - chiefly iron and steel, coal, and pearls and precious stones - were up 27 per cent in the same period.
Total trade between the territory and South Africa reached more than $9.1 billion last year. Clothing and accessories, fabrics, electronics and watches were popular among South African buyers.
A newly opened Trade Development Council office in Johannesburg was aimed at matching South African and Hong Kong businesses. Last year, South African buyers placed orders worth more than $51 million with a Hong Kong delegation at a similar exhibition last year.
