Creatives head to Hong Kong and Macau

CREATIVE businesses are heading East this week to explore trade opportunities in Hong Kong and Macao.

Among those attending as part of a UK Trade & Investment mission is Manchester’s Cornerhouse, the centre for independent film and visual arts.

Artistic director Sarah Perks will be looking to meet film makers and source content for UK exhibitions and screenings, gather co-commissioning partners and keep an eye on new trends.
 
Also attending is horror and fantasy specialists Grimm Up North, as well as independent film maker and writer Naomi Pattirane and freelance festival curator Stephen Balshaw.

The trade mission will provide the opportunity to meet key decision makers in Asia. It coincides with Filmart Hong Kong, Asia’s premier film industry event and one of the world’s top three events of its kind in terms of exhibitor numbers.
 
The trade mission is also visiting in Macao, which has become a major gaming and tourism hub and has overtaken Las Vegas in gaming revenue.  More resorts and infrastructure projects are planned as the industry grows, creating huge demand for goods and services in the creative and hospitality sectors.  
 
Philomena Chen, head of Asia Pacific business for UKTI North West said: “We are delighted to be returning to Hong Kong and Macau this year with a trade visit comprising some of the region’s leading creative, visual art, independent film and fashion companies.  
 
“This is a great opportunity for North West companies. Hong Kong is the UK’s 2nd largest market in Asia with around 5 billion of UK goods exported there in 2012. It’s an open and business-friendly environment that is a major and attractive market in its own right, as well as an ideal springboard into mainland China or a base for regional operations.

“Filmart is an ideal venue to meet internationally renowned producers, distributors, investors and professionals in the film industry, and to network with key industry players and negotiate deals.”