[Summary] On the 16th, the Research Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr. Kwan Ka Ming, stated that benefiting from the continuous growth of the global economy, Hong Kong's exports are expected to maintain a slight increase in 2015, with both export value and volume increasing by 3% year-on-year, among which electronic products will continue to be the driving force behind export growth.
According to the comprehensive information from the WorldWay Organization, Mr. Kwan Ka Ming stated on the 16th that benefiting from the continuous growth of the global economy, Hong Kong's exports are expected to maintain a slight increase in 2015, with both export value and volume increasing by 3% year-on-year, among which electronic products will continue to be the driving force behind export growth.
At a press conference held by the Trade Development Council, Mr. Kwan Ka Ming indicated that the Council expects Hong Kong's export volume to increase by 3% year-on-year next year, a pace faster than this year's overall increase of 2%, reflecting the expanding demand for Hong Kong products in overseas markets; driven by the increase in volume, although export value is expected to rise by 3% year-on-year, it is a slowdown compared to this year's 4% increase, mainly due to the recent sharp decline in oil and other commodity prices, which has put downward pressure on product prices.
Mr. Kwan pointed out that trade growth within the Asia-Pacific region is rapid, with Hong Kong's exports to the ASEAN region jumping by 8.3% year-on-year in the first ten months of this year. With the ASEAN Economic Community set to be established by the end of 2015, this market of 600 million people will bring new business opportunities for Hong Kong exporters. Additionally, markets in emerging economies such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and India have significant potential.
Mr. Kwan stated that electronic products, which account for 60% of Hong Kong's total exports, remain the main driving force behind export growth, with smart electronic products, especially wearable consumer goods, expected to be the best sellers. Other sectors such as watches, jewelry, and toys are expected to see sales rise as the economic conditions in overseas markets improve; the focus in the clothing market remains on comfortable, practical, and value-for-money products.