Hong Kong Optical Fair 2004, one of Asia's most important optical trade platforms, has attracted a record number of exhibitors this year.

Co-organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the 3-day fair opened today (November 3) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 520 companies from 19 different countries and regions exhibit at the fair, up close to 23 per cent from last year. US exhibitors have for the first time set up their own pavilion in the fair.

In a bid to broaden the fair's international appeal, a special new zone "Visionaries of Style" featuring 10 international and local designer brands, enchants buyers on the lookout for branded eyewear.

The ever-popular "Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition" is again held to promote originality in design.

"The competition will nurture creativity of the local optical industry and continue to breed local talents for the field," said Mr Ng Hoi-ying, President of the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association.

The 2nd Hong Kong Optometric Conference which is held tomorrow (Nov 4), will involve in-depth audience discussion on topics including "The Governance of the Optometry Profession in Hong Kong" and "Developing Optometry Services to Meet the Public's Needs". In addition, there are a series of seminars on the IPR, product certification, eyewear trend and retail technology, enabling industry players to share the latest market intelligence.

Hong Kong is the world's second largest exporter of spectacles, lens and frames after Italy and is the largest in Asia. Its exports of optical items in the first eight months of this year reached US$695 million, an increase of 18 per cent over the same period last year.