Google, Trade Development Council fashion online window to world
Search giant and trade body link up to help put the city's small businesses in touch with buyers
The Trade Development Council and Google have teamed up on a social media initiative to help the city's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) connect with buyers around the world.
Under this collaboration, free social-networking service Google+ will serve as a new online platform for local companies to raise their profile, link with global buyers and generate sales leads, according to Sophia Chong, the director of the council's publications and e-commerce operations.
The council will introduce this social media strategy as part of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2013 and World Boutique, Hong Kong, two annual international trade exhibitions to be held later his month in Wan Chai.
Events at this year's fashion exhibitions will be broadcast online via the Google+ Hangouts On Air function, which allows participating companies to get instant feedback and response from internet users worldwide.
"This is just the beginning. There will be more to come," Chong said, without identifying other international exhibitions by the council that will use the Google-based social media programme.
Google+ has an estimated 135 million active users worldwide.