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Local and international enterprises have been encouraged to seize business opportunities offered by the 5th East Asian Games (EAG) by either joining the licensed merchandise scheme or supporting the Games as sponsors, official suppliers or official partners.
This provided a good chance for companies to market their products and services and enhance the exposure of their brand names, the Chairman of the 5th East Asian Games Planning Committee (EAGPC), Mr Timothy Fok, said today (July 4). Mr Fok was speaking at the opening of the "Business Opportunities of the 2009 EAG" Conference which formed part of the Hong Kong Licensing Show 2006 organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"The EAGPC hopes to enter into mutually beneficial co-operation with the commercial and industrial sectors in the licensing and merchandising of products using the intellectual property of the 2009 EAG, which includes the emblem, slogan, mascot and anthem of the Games," Mr Fok said.
"Whether it is research for the right types of products, marketing strategies, implementation or actual production, we welcome the participation of commercial and industrial enterprises," he added.
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, who also officiated at the conference, spoke of the magnitude of the opportunity, saying that in terms of scale, the EAG were second only to the Asian Games in Asia.
"About 20 events will be held in the Games in December, 2009, more than any other previous EAGs. The number of spectators, by conservative estimates, will exceed 200,000."
"And the Chinese Olympic Committee and the State Sport General Administration have already pledged to give full support to the Games and send China's best athletes to compete here," Dr Ho added.
"The amalgamation of the EAG and the commercial participation will not only result in the presentation of the most successful Games but also reflect Hong Kong's role as an international business centre," Dr Ho said.
Apart from offering licensing deals, Mr Fok also invited local and overseas enterprises to support the 2009 EAG as sponsors, official suppliers or official partners.
The rights, benefits and privileges for the supporting enterprises will vary according to product and service categories but may include the use of EAG marks, exclusivity in the provision of products or services, hospitality opportunities, as well as options to purchase outdoor TV advertising spots and billboards.
Suggested merchandise under the licensing scheme include apparel, accessories, food and beverage, gifts and novelties, home furnishing, CDs, videos, publications, stationery, toys and games. Other innovative ideas will be actively considered.
Other officiating guests at today's conference were Executive Director of the HKTDC Mr Fred Lam; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Ms Anissa Wong; Chairman of Li Ning Company Limited Mr Li Ning; and 2000 Sydney Olympics gymnastics gold medallist Liu Xuan.
The audience was entertained by a sports fashion show staged by students of Lam Tai Fai College.
The EAGPC has set up an exhibition booth on the 2009 EAG at the Licensing Show, which opens from today to Thursday (July 6) at Hall 2B, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Interested parties are welcome to write to the Secretariat of the EAGPC at 4/F, Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1-3 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin or email to esclee@lcsd.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:10
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