Fashion hub: Chief Secretary Rafael Hui joins TDC Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung and Executive Director Fred Lam inside a booth at the fair.

The number of participants at two fashion fairs has grown 20%, with 1,330 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions for Fashion Week. This makes it the largest garment trade fair in Asia and second in the world, the Trade Development Council says.

The World Boutique, Hong Kong 2006 has attracted 232 exhibitors showcasing more than 400 brands. The council has also invited buyers from all over the world to visit the two fairs. There are 54 missions, with a total of 1,800 people, visiting Fashion Week and 49 missions, a total of nearly 1,700 people, attending World Boutique.

The success of the fairs reflects the steady growth of Hong Kong's clothing exports.

Clothing exports hit US$25b

Total exports of clothing and accessories increased 9% in the first 11 months of 2005 to around US$25 billion, the council's Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung said.

"This demonstrates that Hong Kong is an important production centre for clothing and clothing accessories, as well as a centre for creative design."

Hong Kong's exports to three major markets - the US, the UK and Germany - have achieved considerable growth of 11%, 13% and 21%.

"The two events also highlight our ability to offer global one-stop service, all the way from design and production to marketing and distribution. Hong Kong manufacturers are gaining a reputation for excellent design because of their work for original design manufacturing and original equipment manufacturing customers as well as their own brands," Mr Leung added.

Both fairs are now being staged at the Convention & Exhibition Centre until January 20. More details are available here.

A total of 19 fashion runway shows and nine seminars focusing on industry news and trend information will be held. An on-site survey among exhibitors and buyers on their views about the growth of different markets and product trends will be carried out. The results will be announced on the last day of the two fairs.