As a first-time exhibitor at Global Sources' China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components, Charlie Yip, the managing director of OTO Bodycare HK, is hoping to take advantage of Global Sources' big address book to hook up with buyers from the region, Europe and the United States.

'Using the AsiaWorld-Expo as a venue shows the capacity of this trade fair. Global Sources is really providing us with a good opportunity to mingle with a whole range of buyers worldwide,' Mr Yip said.

Specialising in innovative health products, OTO Bodycare offers a range of fitness, diagnostics and therapeutic equipment.

OTO Bodycare, although in the retail business for more than 15 years in Asia, is looking to place its products in as many overseas homes as possible.

'If your goods are not produced in China, especially for the export market, you cannot compete in the marketplace. From my experience, buyers from all over the world are interested in good quality China-made goods and we are trying to put more effort into satisfying these kinds of clients,' Mr Yip said.

Exhibitor Michael Ma from Konnext is a trade show veteran.

'I think it was around 2004 that I first exhibited my products at a Global Sources' fair in Shanghai. Of course buyers in Shanghai and Hong Kong differ, but each fair brings us a variety of people.'

Konnext specialises in the supply of telephones, power adaptors, cables and many other electronic accessories for the computer and mobile phone industry.

There are two major electronics trade fairs happening simultaneously in Hong Kong - the Global Sources event and the Trade Development Council (TDC) Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) - and Konnext will exhibit at both to maximise its chances of finding new business.

'We believe we have a pretty good strategy. The buyers will be the same - they will attend both the TDC and Global Sources' fairs - but our chances of connecting with them will be better.

'We trust the capability of Global Sources. Having been satisfied with previous Global Sources' trade shows in Shanghai, we expect good results from this one,' Mr Ma added.

As for the Global Sources' China Sourcing Fair: Fashion Accessories Fair, which is being held for the first time by Global Sources, exhibitor Leo Man

from Hong Kong Beina

Neckties & Accessories hopes to expand the company's market share and reach more European buyers.

'We are a Shanghai-based factory with two other offices in China. Eighty per cent of our exports are to Japan and Europe. However, we're looking to increase our European market share. We expect to meet more small to medium-sized enterprises that are interested in our products.'

The company specialises in silk woven neckties, silk-brushed scarves and neckties using Nano material, which makes them water and oil-resistant and hence more durable.

As a first-time exhibitor at a Global Sources' fair, Mr Man said he was placing his trust in the organiser's marketing strategies and contact base to drum up more international business for his company.