Ms Margaret Fong
Executive Director
Hong Kong Trade Development Council

A warm welcome to the ninth edition of the Asian Licensing Conference, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

For almost a decade, this important event has been promoting developments in the licensing industry, with a particular focus on the continued growth of licensing in the Asian region. Indeed, Asia now accounts for 12% of a global market that enjoyed sales valued at US$280 billion in 2018.

This year’s Conference brings together some 30 global licensing experts to address participants from around the world, exploring opportunities in the burgeoning licensing industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s licensing hub.

Hong Kong provides the ideal platform for global brands to enter the Asian market as well as serving as a springboard for regional brands to go international, helped by the city’s robust legal system, respect for intellectual property rights, large pool of international licensing agents, professional expertise, and more. Hong Kong also benefits from its proximity to key Asian markets, including Mainland China, which continues to be the growth engine of the industry.

This year’s conference features two plenary sessions. The first, “Asian Licensing Market Outlook”, takes an in-depth look at the latest industry trends and offers insights into the opportunities available in the region. The second session, “From Brand Licensing to Lifestyle Experience”, sees industry leaders share their success stories in extending their brands to lifestyle products and services.

Thematic breakout sessions cover topics such as esports and gaming licences, while successful licensees and manufacturers share their innovative licensing models in the new “Dialogue with Star Licensees” sessions, all of which help participants get up to speed with the latest industry developments.

As always, the Conference is being staged in parallel with the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, which enters its 18th edition in 2020. Featuring some of the biggest brands from around the world, the Show also showcases cultural and creative properties presented by different countries and regions. They include the Hong Kong Pavilion, organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association with the support of CreateHK, which returns after a successful debut last year.

We hope you will also find time to visit the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, all running concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to offer cross-sector business opportunities.

I wish you all a rewarding experience at the Asian Licensing Conference and a successful 2020.