Fine cut: Trade Development Council Executive Director Fred Lam, Chinese Manufacturers' Association President Dr Yu Sunsay and Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung open Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring-Summer 2006.

The lifting of textile quotas means Hong Kong's textile and clothing industries are facing new opportunities and challenges, Trade Development Council member Dr Yu Sunsay says.

Opening Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring-Summer 2006 today, Dr Yu said with the quota removal, local textile and clothing manufacturers have more leeway in relocating their production to low-cost manufacturing bases.

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Dr Yu, also Chinese Manufacturers' Association President, said importers and retailers can source from locations which have the best products and services to offer.

"On the other hand, the protectionist undercurrent prevailing in some overseas markets remains one of the major challenges ahead. However, over the years, Hong Kong industry players have made their mark by rising to meet challenges of one kind or another. I have strong confidence that they will continue to do so in the years to come."

The council's Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung said the industry remains one of the most significant manufacturing sectors.

In the first five months of 2005, Hong Kong's clothing and apparel exports reached $73.5 billion, up 12% over the same period in 2004.

Fashion fair

Organised by the council, the fashion fair this year is hosting 903 exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Australia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and the US.

Exhibits include children's, men's and ladies' wear, lingerie, sportswear and a wide range of accessories such as costume jewellery, handbags, shoes and other garment-related services.