More than 2,200 exhibitors from all over the world are taking part in two major trade fairs that opened today and continue through 23 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

ASEAN Pavilion

The 27th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, the largest fair of its kind in Asia, welcomes more than 2,000 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions, including first-time participation from Sri Lanka.

Fifteen group pavilions are taking part, with the new ASEAN Select Pavilion featuring 85 exhibitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Other group pavilions represent Bangladesh, Brazil, the Chinese mainland, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Macau, Taiwan and Turkey.

Small-Order Showcase

The Houseware Fair's new Small-Order Zone, launched at the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair earlier this month, attracted some 20,000 buyers at the fair. It will continue to offer thousands of products at the Houseware Fair, giving buyers a welcome opportunity to place small quantity orders.

The theme of "Sustainable Design Inspiration," which debuted last year, is "Animal Farm @Home," featuring specially designed furniture and products on display at the Hall 1D concourse.

Other special product zones include the World of Pet Supplies, specialising in pet products and veterinary services, and the Hall of Elegance, showcasing designer collections and brand names, including Mastrad, Metier Atelier, OOObject, Topchoice and Umbra.

Spotlight on Furnishing

The third edition of the concurrent HKTDC Hong Kong Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair welcomes more than 220 exhibitors from eight countries and regions.

Exhibitors from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, the mainland, Hong Kong, India, and Taiwan are joined by newcomer Pakistan, presenting a wide range of textile and home-furnishing products and services.

Group pavilions at the fair represent the mainland and India with two pavilions: the Handloom Export Promotion Council pavilion and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts pavilion.

Window Dressing

The new Window Fashion & Accessories product zone showcases curtains, blinds and accessories, while the fair's Hall of Glamour features products from such top designers as A-Fontane Co Ltd, Consolidate Merchandise Associates, Craftex India, Kerala Balers Private Ltd, Sarla Handicrafts P Ltd, Sharda Exports, Wallpaper Mall and ZYD Co Ltd.

Highlighting Green Products

The Green-Products Display, at the Hall 1B Concourse, showcases products with sustainable design, using environmentally friendly material. Joint seminars on eco-friendly home products and textiles, e-tailing strategies, product-launch sessions and networking events highlight the latest market trends in the houseware and home-textile furnishing industries. An award presentation for the winners of the "Vote for My Favourite New Homeware" will take place at a joint reception today.

Household Exports Up

In 2011, Hong Kong exported HK$216 billion (US$27.7 billion) in household goods, up 12 per cent over the previous year. Its top export markets were the mainland, the United States, Japan, India and Germany.