It all starts with a nibble from foreign businesses

Ryan Li

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po played tour guide yesterday when he took representatives of consulates and businesses from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries to the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, where food tasting is now allowed.

"With food tasting offered, the guests will see how good the sales of countries' products are and they will be encouraged to make purchases," Chan said.

It is the first time in three years that visitors to the expo at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay can finally try the food before purchasing.

Chan believes the risks are manageable, adding he hopes people could enjoy the 24-day event.

Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong that organizes the expo, hopes that local products could make it to other Asian markets.

"Hong Kong's trade and economy will get a boost through a two-way exchange, where factories of Hong Kong brands are established in Asean countries and their brands are attracted to Hong Kong," Shi said.

He added that Hong Kong will soon join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which will bring better business opportunities.

Some vendors shad prepared sample tasting to attract customers.

Jacob Chau Kwok-to, sales and marketing executive at Sau Tao Group, said he prepared noodles.

Chau observed there were more people at the opening of the expo this year and said their revenues were up by 10 to 20 percent.

Some vendors agreed, while others said there were not many people in the morning.

Customers had mixed reactions.

A woman, surnamed Kwok, said tasting on site could boost consumption, while some elderly people were hesitant to take off their masks due to rising Covid cases.

ryan.li@singtaonewscorp.com