U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (1996)

FMI Asiamart'96 and Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) Food and Agricultural Forum to be Held This Week in Hong Kong

News Release
October 28, 1996
Monday

The Food Marketing Institute will hold the second annual FMI AsiaMart'96 Wednesday, October 30 through Friday, November 1 at the Hong Kong Convention Center. AsiaMart'96 is the premier educational conference and trade exhibition for large and small food retailers who want to profit from the changing tastes and buying power of today's Asian consumers. The show is expected to attract 3,000 participants from companies and traders in the retailing, manufacturing and trading business worldwide. Hong Kong was selected as the site for FMI AsiaMart for a second consecutive year because the Asian Pacific region is the fastest growing market area in the world. Hong Kong, currently the United States' third largest high-value food product market, ranks 8th worldwide in U.S. agricultural exports, presently totaling more than U.S. $1.5 billion annually. FMI AsiaMart'96 will feature exhibits by more than 110 companies -- many from the United States -- offering exciting new products, services and equipment. Industry experts will also provide seminars during the expo.

In addition, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council's Annual Food and Agriculture Forum will take place on Tuesday, October 29. It will examine the development of food systems in the region and new marketing opportunities in the Pacific Rim agri-food sector. PECC is a partnership of business, government and research representatives from 22 Pacific Rim economies and is accredited as an official observer to the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC).

Both events are endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Officers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States will be on hand throughout the exposition to consult with American and overseas firms about market opportunities for U. S. food and agricultural products in Asia.

Additional information regarding services of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) can be obtained via e-mail 106122.2744@Compuserve.com, by calling 2841-2350 or by visiting the Agricultural Trade Office booth (#411) on-site during FMI AsiaMart'96, October 30-November 1, 1996, at the Hong Kong Convention Center.

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