It is a pleasure to welcome exhibitors and buyers to the 20th edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Once again the fair sets a new benchmark, with 1,532 companies participating from 23 countries and regions. The event has grown to be a meeting place for electronics professionals from all over the world. It remains an unparalleled sourcing opportunity in the region, and it has become multi- dimensional. We have put a lot of effort into widening the scope of the fair by introducing important symposiums and useful market seminars to make it as much a knowledge source as a product source. The popular Frontiers of Brainpower has returned. Its introduction in 1999 was a groundbreaking exercise in matchmaking research with commercial development. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair is allied to complementary events such as electronicsAsia, a sourcing hub for components, parts, assemblies and equipment from 458 exhibitors. This fair incorporates LaserAsia and The world of Display Technology. The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair enters its second year, justifying its new identity as a separate event. It has grown almost 100 per cent over last year, with 329 exhibitors. Hong Kong still has the largest contingent of exhibitors (945) at the electronics fair. It is easy to see why electronics is Hong Kong's largest merchandise export earner. It has been a year of growth for the electronics industry. From January to July exports grew by 29 per cent over the same period last year, with our major markets - China, US and Japan - posting growth of 43 per cent, 24 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. ALLAN WONG Chairman, Electronics/Electrical Appliances Industry Advisory Committee
