Hktdc.com supports SMEs to explore global e-commerce opportunities

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SME Times News Bureau | 06 Dec, 2014
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Friday launched its Small-Order Zone Online Transaction Platform on hktdc.com (http://smallorder.hktdc.com), which enables buyers and suppliers to trade directly over the internet.

The HKTDC has also partnered with Hongkong Post to offer postage rebates, helping SMEs embrace e-commerce opportunities. HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau and Hong Kong Postmaster General Jessie Ting officiated at the launch ceremony during the World SME Expo being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"With the small-quantity sourcing model being an unstoppable trend and with online shopping now raging across the planet, we are proud to launch the hktdc.com Small-Order Zone Online Transaction Platform which further facilitates SMEs in international trade through e-commerce," Chau said.

"Refining the online transaction process helps suppliers overcome geographical hurdles to doing business so that the complicated process of foreign trade can be obviated and more deals can be realised."

Chau added that online transactions can be carried out in concert with off-line promotions to reach out to more buyers, including small-volume buyers who previously may not have attended trade fairs in Hong Kong.

By providing a four-in-one platform comprising a trade portal, trade fairs, trade publications and mobile apps, the HKTDC helps SMEs capture business opportunities effectively and efficiently. Suppliers, with the support of physical trade fairs, can take advantage of the O2O (online-to-offline) model to win buyer confidence and strengthen their marketing efforts.

Postmaster General, Ting, said, "Coupled with other promotion channels, the new Small-Order Zone Online Transaction Platform developed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council facilitates local SMEs to reach the global online buyers in the world of e-commerce."

"Speedpost Service of Hongkong Post has won wide acclaim in the market for its reliable, speedy and simple customs clearance procedure. Speedpost is definitely a value-for-money option among SMEs. In cooperation with the HKTDC, Hongkong Post endeavours to provide full support for SMEs to expand their business and tap the opportunities through our worldwide delivery network and postage concessions."

In addition to launching the new transaction platform, the HKTDC has also entered into strategic partnership with more than 20 renowned Hong Kong brands to launch a dedicated "Brand Name Section" on hktdc.com.

These include jewellery brands Chow Tai Fook, IAD Jewellery, Leo Diamond and MaBelle; watch brands Guy Laroche, Nanoblock, o.d.m. and ZERONE; gifts and houseware brands A-Fontane, G.O.D, Kinox, nu design, PO: and Red A; fashion brands Michele Rene, Salad and TOUGH; electronics brands German Pool and Oregon Scientific; toy brands Adamo 3D, B. Duck, Colour Rich, Dino Horizons and Silverlit.

Chau said, "These strategic partnerships are hugely significant to the development of the online transaction platform. On the one hand, through the platform, participating brands can open up new markets, thereby broadening their customer-base. At the same time, we can also bring in more buyers through brand effects and, in the process, encourage more suppliers to use our platform."

The Small-Order Zone, established in 2012 in 11 HKTDC trade fairs and the e-commerce platform hktdc.com, enables suppliers to promote and sell quality products in quantities from 5 to 1,000 items.

This helps suppliers test the market and maintain a low inventory through small volume orders. The initiative has since developed further, leading to the launch of the online transaction platform today.