Traders from around the world attending seven "mega" fairs in Hong Kong, including those from the Middle East, said their buying appetite remains strong despite the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region that sent shockwaves through international supply chains.

The trade fairs, ranging from lifestyle to intellectual properties, opened on Monday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo where thousands of exhibitors from dozens of countries and regions showcase their latest designs.

Nitin Chaudhry, managing director at Fotokad Advertising Services which is based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, said it's mostly business as usual even though cost has risen because of the Iran war.

"And if we are booking any containers right now, yes, they are more expensive than earlier, but it's not something that cannot be absorbed. I'm sure as the situation improves, these charges would come to normalise as well," he said.

Juzar Basrai, director at Wajihee Trading Co. which imports corporate gifts in Dubai, UAE, said while it may cost more to import from the SAR and the mainland, their buying interest remains strong.

"It's still a story that is unfolding right now, but we stay committed to both Dubai, UAE, and to Hong Kong, as well as the mainland. Our business interests are growing stronger every year," he said.

Mohamed Arif, managing director at AHA Trading Co, which also specialises in importing gifts and premiums, believes business ties between the Middle East and the SAR and the mainland will remain close despite the uncertainties arising from the war.

"We are looking for new products from both Hong Kong and the mainland, especially Hong Kong because of the quality products," he said.

In addition to business executives from the Middle East, merchants from other parts of the world said they too want to build stronger business ties with China and the region.

Daniela Dalla Valle, directrice generale at retailer EK France, told RTHK that while the Iran war has "significantly" affected the industry, her company is still keen to explore houseware products from the mainland, the SAR and Asia in general, citing the region's "innovation, style, and cost".

"Because I consider that in Asia... you are very fast in developing innovative products, and that's why we came," she said.


Edited by Edmond Fong