Brand HK push amid label respite

With the United States requiring local manufacturers to relabel products as "made in China," the administration should promote the strength of Hong Kong brands, local manufacturers said.

Raymond Young Lap-moon, chief executive of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, also called for a Greater Bay brand on top of promoting Hong Kong.

"Even though the products are labeled "made in China," it is important to let consumers know the products are from Hong Kong brands and have strong connections with the good heritage of Hong Kong," Young added.

He said the new label order showed the importance of promoting "Brand Hong Kong" overseas.

Jack Pong Chung-hang, assistant manager of Yuet Wo Sauce and Preserved Fruits, said he is a little worried, but his business has not been affected, as his firm does not export to the United States.

"The 'Brand Hong Kong' concept is internationally recognized. Products made here have a good reputation for food safety and quality," Pong added.

US president Donald Trump made the executive order this month, requiring all goods made in Hong Kong to be labeled as "made in China."

The enforcement of the new label rule is now postponed by 45 days, from September 25 to November 9 - six days after the US presidential election.

The executive order was signed in response to Beijing's decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong in June after Trump stated that such a move would undermine the SAR's democratic development and the one country, two systems principle.

The Hong Kong Brand Development Council has interviewed 110 local enterprises on the impact of the pandemic on their business in June and mid-August.

Over 90 percent of respondents said the identity of "Brand Hong Kong" would increase their business' competitiveness, with 27.3 percent of them willing to increase their cost on brand marketing.

Around 83 percent said revenue had dropped in the first five months, with over 30 percent of them saying sales had fallen by half.

Firms remain neutral or prudently optimistic about business between August and December at 50.9 percent and 22.7 percent. They want to expand markets domestically and in Greater Bay Area.