The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today launched its first celebratory initiative for its 60th anniversary: the "Design Gallery on the Move" campaign. From May 29 to June 18, a mobile exhibition will tour 16 locations across Hong Kong, showcasing original Hong Kong brands and design products to residents and visitors. The campaign, operated through HKTDC's flagship retail platform Design Gallery, features 36 Hong Kong brands and over 60 products organized into six thematic zones: DG Delights – Hong Kong themed, DG Discover, DG Delights - IP, DG Green, DG Luxe, DG Silver Market & DG Mini.
Professor Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, emphasized the significance of the initiative in carrying forward the HKTDC's original mission. "For six decades, the HKTDC has grown alongside Hong Kong enterprises, guided by a steadfast belief in proactively 'going global' and leading Hong Kong businesses to expand globally," he said. He traced the organization's innovative spirit back to 1967, when it traveled to Africa to promote Hong Kong products by converting a cargo truck into a mobile exhibition. Similarly, when the HKTDC led the Hong Kong toy industry to the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany but lacked exhibition space, they set up a temporary showroom outside the venue using the same approach. "This flexible, resilient and can-do attitude embodies the Lion Rock spirit of Hong Kong," Ma added.
The "Design Gallery on the Move" campaign aims to bring original Hong Kong brands into local communities across the city, showcasing the creativity and strengths of local SMEs. Visitors can explore the unique stories behind different local brands and purchase their favorite items at Design Gallery's physical stores or online. During the campaign period, customers shopping at the online store will receive discount coupons. To celebrate the 60th anniversary, Design Gallery is also launching a series of promotional offers, including a "60 items at 40% off" campaign at its Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre store from May to July, featuring 20 selected items each month across categories such as gifts, homeware, and fashion accessories.
Design Gallery, established in 1991, has been dedicated to promoting Hong Kong's creative design and supporting local SMEs. It serves as a retail platform to test new designs and brands and as a launchpad for building brand awareness among international clientele. Currently, Design Gallery operates physical stores at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hong Kong International Airport, and launched an online store in 2021. It also operates 72 sales points across 27 mainland Chinese cities, including over 30 locations in the Greater Bay Area. Last year, Design Gallery expanded into ASEAN markets, enabling Hong Kong brands to reach a broader international customer base through cross-border e-commerce. At present, some 400 Hong Kong brands are promoted each year through its online and offline platforms.
Looking ahead, the HKTDC will roll out a series of themed initiatives to mark its 60th anniversary, including "Catch the 60th Anniversary-themed Tram," "HKTDC's 60th Anniversary Celebration - Next 60 Forum," a cocktail reception, a special giveaway campaign during the Hong Kong Book Fair, a community art co-creation event, and the "HKTDC 60th Anniversary Exhibition." These initiatives span exhibitions, community engagement, and industry activities, continuing to support Hong Kong enterprises. The HKTDC, a statutory body established in 1966, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub, with over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland. It organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs.
For more details on the "Design Gallery on the Move" activity schedule, visit https://bit.ly/4fHoU4Q. Information on all HKTDC's 60th anniversary celebration activities is available at https://60.hktdc.com/en/activities. The Design Gallery Online Shop can be accessed at https://dghk-eshop.hktdc.com/.
