Mainland Chinese technology vendors are actively pursuing market opportunities in Hong Kong at the annual Computer and Communications Festival, reflecting the city’s potential shift towards domestic products amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. This year, the festival witnessed a particularly strong presence from mainland companies, many of which made their debut at the Belt and Road Software Pavilion, aiming to forge partnerships with local clients and establish their foothold in the market.
Hailey Long, an employee of Beijing Vastdata Technology, emphasized the firm’s objective: “We aim to demonstrate that Chinese firms are capable of developing databases and offering products that are as competitive as those from established foreign brands.” Having established operations in Hong Kong just six months prior, Vastdata has already secured a contract with a local hospital and is keen on attracting more clients from governmental sectors during the event.
Katrin Kung, Sales Manager at ELM Computer Technologies Limited, highlighted the necessity for improved communication between Hong Kong’s market and mainland providers. Ms. Kung noted, “Hong Kong enterprises have traditionally depended on foreign brands for technological support and have been largely unaware of the capabilities of mainland companies. However, as uncertainties such as trade wars and security concerns loom, local entities are increasingly in search of alternatives.”
On the festival’s opening day, discounted items such as power banks and computer monitors dominated sales. Early attendees eagerly queued outside the Ego booth for discounted power banks. In addition, the Unitree booth attracted significant attention as visitors were entertained by two robot dogs engaging in friendly competition, underscoring the event’s emphasis on innovation.
The four-day event commenced at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, featuring an impressive lineup of over 300 exhibitors. Notably, the Belt and Road Software Pavilion showcased 120 software companies, the majority of which hailed from the mainland. Attendance appeared diminished compared to previous years, with Alan Ip, a freelance photographer, remarking, “This year’s expo is not as crowded as before. I found a decent printer at a slightly lower price than other retail venues, which prompted my purchase.”
Another attendee, Alex Chin, a recent college graduate, noted the reduced foot traffic, sharing, “I intended to explore gaming products but ended up purchasing a massager after trying it out. It was exceptionally comfortable, leading me to spend more this year due to my part-time job.”
Other visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to experience racing simulators and shooting games. Vijay Kumar, engaged in the content industry, expressed his appreciation for the festival, stating, “One of the advantages of attending this event is the ability to see all brands represented simultaneously and view their latest models. I prioritize obtaining vendor contacts for future reference.”
As a technology enthusiast, Mr. Kumar conveyed his excitement regarding the event’s new artificial intelligence sections, though he observed, “It seems that these areas are relatively quiet, with the majority of attendees gravitating towards affordable electronic items.”
In summary, the 2023 Computer and Communications Festival illustrates a significant push by mainland Chinese technology vendors to penetrate the Hong Kong market, driven by a combination of economic strategy and evolving consumer preferences. As companies showcase their capabilities, it remains to be seen how the local market will respond amidst a landscape of increasing geopolitical complexities.
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