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SCMP Reporter

THE annual International Audio and Visual Show is one of the most important events for traders of photographic products in Hong Kong.

   It is one of the few shows which both the major photographic equipment traders' associations in the territory jointly help to organise, along with the Trade Development Council (TDC).

  ''This expo is one of the major events on our calendar,'' said Alex Fung, chairman of Hong Kong and Kowloon Photographic Merchants' Association.

 ''So, we are involved in organising the photographic side of the exhibition, along with the other importers' associations.

   ''Our association, which was established in 1957, represents shops, and other retailers which sell photographic equipment, as well as other photo-finishing shops.

  ''One of our important responsibilities is to represent our members in discussions with the government to sort out various issues which affect our trade, like pricing and the like.

  ''Similarly, we also deal with the TDC, to discuss issues that affect our members,'' Mr Fung said.

  The other co-organiser of the show is the Association of Hong Kong Photographic Equipment Importers, headed by Andrew Cheung.

  ''Most of our members are participating in this exhibition, which we are helping to organise along with the TDC and other photographic merchants' associations,'' said Mr Cheung.

  ''Our role is to liaise between the other organisers and our members.

  ''Most of our members are importers of various photographic items.

  ''We have been helping our members over the past few months by advising them about how to secure space, organise this exhibition, and the like.

   ''Our association was established in 1983, and we have a total membership of about 26 companies, including both big and small firms.''   All companies which sell photographic products are eligible for membership.

  ''Our members have taken up a total space of about 1,800 square metres at the exhibition, or just over 40 per cent of the total space,'' Mr Cheung said.

  ''This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. [It] is the only annual expo in which we are involved in a big way.

  ''As for other exhibitions, we usually just inform our members about them.

  ''We also help to gather information for our members on exhibitions in China, since a lot of our members hold the agency rights for the mainland for many products.''   Both the associations have together published a special magazine for visitors to the expo, called Photo Expo Handbook '93.

  Those who buy the $20 magazine will get a free roll of film from one of the leading brands, and the chance to enter a lucky draw.

  The prizes for the lucky draw include various cameras, costing from $1,000 to about $5,600 upwards.



HK traders develop role of photo expo