Timely Industry Issues Discussed by Toy Association & Hong Kong Trade Development Council

August 20, 2019 | Hong Kong’s protests and current business landscape, including preparations for upcoming toy industry activity, were among the topics discussed today by representatives of The Toy Association and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The Toy Association’s Steve Pasierb, president & CEO, and Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events, welcomed Anna Fan, HKDTC’s newly appointed director for New York, and Mandy Lo, the organization’s corporate communications director, to The Toy Association’s New York City offices for a productive meeting.

“The Toy Association has long-enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with HKTDC and the Hong Kong Toys Council,” said Pasierb. “It was an honor to welcome Ms. Fan to her new role and discuss ways to build upon the strong collaboration our organizations have enjoyed over the years. While Hong Kong remains a vital toy showroom and production and shipping partner to the U.S. toy industry, and Toy Fair New York welcomes the Hong Kong toy community to the U.S. each year, the headline issues  in Hong Kong were clearly the first topic discussed in our meeting as members prepare for October previews.”

Added Pasierb: “We gained helpful perspective that the overwhelming majority of protest activity has been peaceful and productive steps have been taken to address issues at the airport , while  business continues to be uninterrupted, including preparations for October and January toy industry activity.”

Specifically to the toy community, the Hong Kong Toys Council recently reached out to member nations of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) with a letter regarding the region’s current political unrest, and a call for support. 

Additional topics of discussion at the HKTDC meeting centered on the ongoing importance of U.S. toy company showroom activity in Kowloon (October and January) and at the annual Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair; the Association’s support of Hong Kong exhibitors at Toy Fair New York and opportunities for strengthening the Hong Kong Pavilion at the show; and U.S. toy industry concerns with the high volume of counterfeit toys flowing from Chinese factories. Pasierb noted that The Toy Association is continuing efforts to address and rectify the situation by working with e-commerce platforms, government agencies, and other organizations to ensure that only safe, legitimate toys are sold online and in stores.

“Hong Kong and China have played an integral role in the growth and health of the U.S. toy industry through the decades and to this very day,” Pasierb said. “It is our sincere hope that our partners in the region can de-escalate conflict, build a meaningful dialogue, and find solutions .” 

On September 20, the HKTDC will host “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong,” a day-long event at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles, CA. The event will bring together business communities from Hong Kong and different economies to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic Asian market. LA-area toy companies are invited to participate in the day which will feature informational sessions, keynote speakers, and a luncheon. The Toy Association is an official supporting organization of the event. For more information, visit the Think Asia, Think Hong Kong website.