CONGEP stages successful trade exhibit in Hong Kong

SOURCE IT, a brainchild of the Confederation of Garments Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) aimed at strengthening textile-clothing sourcing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), had a successful run in Hong Kong with over 10,000 visitors from trading companies and buying offices worldwide during its launch recently at the HK Convention and Exhibition Center.

Messe Frankfurt, considered as one of the world’s biggest trade fair organizers, together with the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX), successfully drew together about 120 ASEAN exhibitors for the SOURCE IT section and several hundred exhibitors from all over Asia.

The groups include fibers and yarns, trimmings and accessories, fabrics, garment, specialized machinery, design services and other related services. A fashion show and seminars were showcased, centering on three key areas: design and trends, marketing strategy and technology.

SOURCE IT Hong Kong, spearheaded by Katy Lam, director of Trade Fairs, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and co-organized by AFTEX chairman Michael Que, is an offshoot of SOURCE IT Philippines first held last Jan. 9-11.

After capping off with nearly $2 million in sales in Manila, SOURCE IT, headed by its operations manager Maritess Agoncillo and team under CONGEP president George Siy and chairman Donald Dee with the support of the Garments and Textile Export Board (GTEB), was adopted by Messe Frankfurt as one of its prestigious international trade fairs.

Some of the noted speakers at the trade fair were Henry Tang, Hong Kong’s Finance Secretary; Sophie Leung, JP Legislative Councilor, and Selina Chow of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Discussion on trade agreements between companies and countries centering on how cooperation can be achieved is now continuing. Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are particularly aggressive in pursuing organized negotiations and trips.