HKETO Berlin supports Hong Kong publishing and printing industry at Frankfurt Book Fair
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported the participation of the Hong Kong Printers Association and Hong Kong Publishing Federation in the Frankfurt Book Fair from October 15 to 19 (Frankfurt time). The Hong Kong Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair is sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency for showcasing outstanding Hong Kong publications and printed materials to the world and facilitating Hong Kong publishers and printers in exploring the international market.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest international publishing and content trade fair. Held annually in October, it connects publishers, authors, and industry experts to explore businesses and showcases the creativity and achievement of different countries and regions.
The Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, attended the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 15. He thanked the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency for supporting the participation of the Hong Kong Printers Association and Hong Kong Publishing Federation in the Frankfurt Book Fair to demonstrate the excellence of Hong Kong publishing and printing industries.
"The Hong Kong Pavilion offered both physical and virtual experiences, guiding visitors through Hong Kong's achievements in publishing and creative arts via an extensive collection of publications and printed works. Through outreach at the Frankfurt Book Fair, global industry players and visitors can learn more about the rich array of literary work and services that our publishing and printing industries offer," said Mr Wong.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin supports Hong Kong publishing and printing industry at Frankfurt Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit luxury fashion products
Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation in Hung Hom and Quarry Bay between January 6 and 14 to combat the sale of counterfeit luxury fashion products. About 1 000 suspected counterfeit goods, including apparel, shoes, handbags and jewellery, with an estimated market value of about $7.3 million, were seized. Two persons were arrested.
Through intelligence analysis, Customs earlier discovered a retail shop in Hung Hom selling suspected counterfeit luxury fashion products. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided the retail shop and its storage facility. About 400 pieces of suspected counterfeit apparel, with an estimated market value of about $700,000, were seized.
In addition, Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit apparel was put on sale at a retail shop in Quarry Bay. After detailed investigations and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided the retail shop. About 600 suspected counterfeit apparel items, with an estimated market value of about $6,600,000, were seized.
During the operation, two female shop owners, aged 48 and 53, were arrested.
The investigation is ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
With the Lunar New Year around the corner, Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeiting activities.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 1828080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit luxury fashion products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
