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| Thursday, 16 August 2012, 17:45 HKT/SGT | |
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Source: HKTDC | |
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| Food Expo Opens with Japan as Fair's First Partner Country |
HONG KONG, Aug 16, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Japan is turning to Hong Kong for help in boosting its exports, particularly its food products, according to Akira Gunji, Minister of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Mr Gunji was speaking today in Hong Kong at the opening of the HKTDC Food Expo.
"Hong Kong is a major hub for Japan and the rest of Asia because of its sea, air and land transportation, both for goods and people," he said.
Food Trade
The two economies are strong trading partners, added Mr Gunji, noting that Hong Kong "is the largest importer of Japanese food products" in the world.
Last year, Hong Kong imported US$971 million in food and animal products from Japan, more than 25 per cent of Japan's total food product exports. "Hong Kong people," said Mr Gunji, "have the highest appreciation of Japanese food."
The Japanese minister was in Hong Kong along with the more than 220 Japanese exhibitors participating in the 23rd edition of Food Expo, which continues through 20 August. That's a new Japanese exhibitor record for the fair. Pleased that Japan was chosen this year as Food Expo's very first Partner Country, Mr Gunji said he "sincerely hoped this would result in closer cooperation" between Hong Kong and Japan.
Sake Spotlight
Beyond Food Expo, the HKTDC will also offer support to Japan at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, 8-10 November. Several special events will be organised for the Japanese exhibitors at the Wine Fair. They include a Chinese dinner and sake pairing, a sake workshop and a spotlight on sake cocktails.
Airport Links
Hong Kong is located within four hours of most of Asia's key markets and five hours' flying time from half the world's population. Hong Kong International Airport, the world's 10th busiest passenger airport, handled more than 53 million passengers last year. More than 100 airlines operate flights from the airport to about 160 locations worldwide, including some 40 destinations on the Chinese mainland.
Fair Websites
HKTDC Food Expo: www.hktdc.com/hkfoodexpo
HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkwinefair-en/
Contact:
HKTDC
Corporate Communication Department:
Joe Kainz
Tel: +852 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
Topic: Trade Show or Conference
Source: HKTDC
Sectors: Food & Beverage
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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