Hong Kong is set to host Centerstage from September 4 to 7, 2019. The fair will attract around 240 brands. The fair will continue its schedule as planned as per the organizers Hong Kong Trade Development Center despite the ongoing protests and riots in the metropolis. The fair’s motto this year is: ‘Future Tribes’ organized in three areas: Metro, for urban fashion; Iconic, for contemporary designs; and Allure, for craftsmanship. An opening runway show Centrestage Elits Opening Gala Show, where designers Anaïs Mak and Joseph Altuzarra will participate is also on the cards. It will also count with an award for young designers that has as a jury Kenzo Takada or Vivienne Tam, amongst others.

Meanwhile Hong Kong is looking forward to the upcoming free trade deal with Asean. Five Asean countries – Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar – have their free trade deals with Hong Kong taking effect very soon. Similar agreements with the rest of Asean members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia – will take place a bit later. The Asean free trade arrangement will allow Hong Kong firms access to ten markets for goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation and dispute settlement. Asean is Hong Kong’s second largest trading partner, after mainland China. The pact with Asean would be a crucial alternative for Hong Kong companies that rely on traditional markets, such as the United States and the European Union. Hong Kong has provided billions of dollars in funding to subsidise ventures by small and medium-sized enterprises into new markets. The free trade agreements have material and virtual impact that give Hong Kong companies business links and new business positioning.