<>Hong Kong is best known for its garments and
jewellery, which happen to be among the biggest industries
in Kowloon, home to some of the most successful
entrepreneurs of this Special Administrative
Region.</>
If Hong Kong appears to glitter more often than you had
ever expected, it is not a mirage; blame it on its
reputation as having more jewellery stores per square mile
than any other city in the world.
Hung Hom hosts the largest concentration of jewellery
factories and import-export companies in Hong Kong. Trading
of diamonds tops the activities; it has been said that Hong
Kong is the world's third largest trading center for
diamonds. Gold, jade and pearls are likewise popular
commodities.
<>Duty-free importation of gems from all over the
world props up the industry and makes the business
environment globally competitive. Demand for jewellery is
driven by many factors. It is most coveted because of its
beauty and the prestige it brings to the wearer. Others do
it for investment; disposing a small piece of valuable item
is considered easier done compared to, say, putting real
estate in the market.</>
And then personal beliefs also come into play. Highly
superstitious practices make jade a popular item because it
is believed to ward off illness and bad luck.
Arrangements with jewellery factories could be made to
allow businessmen to observe designs being drawn, how
stones are graded and see final polishing and setting of
stones to allow then to gauge that factory? Quality of work
and craftsmanship.
Just as they say that not all that glitters is gold, not
all jewellery factories would or could deliver just as they
promise.
Trade associations are a good source of reliable
contacts. The Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers
Association (http://www.Jewellery-hk.org), for instance,
helps promote members' products to buyers worldwide.
<>In the field of garment manufacturing, Tsim Sha
Tsui queens it all. Business is so good that it is
literally bursting at the seams, as seen in the
proliferation of export overrun outlets cramming not a few
of the ultimate tourist district streets.</>
Garments are a serious business in Hong Kong. Items for
both men and women, boys and girls, young and old for all
tastes are designed and manufactured. No wonder that Hong
Kongers are inclined to dressing well. The trade shows are
held a full year ahead of the season.
Garments are Hong Kong's top exported commodities.
The world is Hong Kong garments manufacturers?market.
And it has been kind. Garments exports have remained its
position among its top exported commodities.
The items being sold in the export overrun outlets, of
course, all bear the stamp of yesteryear? fashion. The
future? fashion though is very near, perhaps just on the
upper floor of these stores. The Federation of Hong Kong
Garments Manufacturers (www.garment.org.hk) may match you
up with desired garments manufacturers.
The group, composed of manufacturers and merchants, is
one of the trade players which does its role in ensuring
that the status and quality of garments remains
competitive.
For more leads , the Hong Kong Trade and Development
Council (www.tdctrade.com) is a rich source of information.
TDC is the global marketing arm and service hub for Hong
Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service exporters. It
has more than 40 offices around the world.
Kowloon has made many a millionaire out of aspiring
entrepreneurs. And you don't have to live here. You only
have to know where to go and who to get in touch with.
Its proximity to the Kowloon Canton Railway, the fastest
way to and from Shenzen, makes it an even more attractive
business destination.