HKTDC-Google Collaboration to Support SMEs

HKTDC Director of Publications & E-Commerce Loretta Wan and Google Hong Kong’s Managing Director Dominic Allon officiated at today’s launch ceremony to announce the strategic partnership between the two organisations. Under the scheme, Hong Kong suppliers can use the HKTDC’s online marketplace, hktdc.com, to promote their products and services to international buyers, while enjoying higher ranking on Google search. From left: Johnson Ng, Senior Manager, Publications & E-Commerce, HKTDC; Loretta Wan, Director of Publications & E-Commerce, HKTDC; Dominic Allon, Managing Director, Google Hong Kong; and William Bai, Channel Sales Organization, General Manager, Greater China Region, Google

28 April 2016 – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has partnered with Google, the world’s leading Internet search engine, to help Hong Kong small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap internationally renowned online marketing channels to expand global trade and business opportunities. 

Under the scheme, Hong Kong suppliers can use the HKTDC’s online marketplace, hktdc.com, to promote their products and services to international buyers, while enjoying higher ranking on Google search. HKTDC Director of Publications & E-Commerce Loretta Wan and Google Hong Kong’s Managing Director Dominic Allon officiated at today’s launch ceremony to announce the strategic partnership between the two organisations.

“Responding to the growing popularity of online and mobile Internet sourcing activities among international buyers, the HKTDC has been putting tremendous effort into building a trustworthy online business matching platform that connects global buyers and suppliers, and helping SMEs use mobile solutions to maximise promotion effectiveness,” said Ms Wan. “The partnership with Google helps SMEs capture new business opportunities via its strong and popular search engine.” 

Featuring more than 130,000 quality suppliers, over 1.6 million online registered buyers and over 700,000 HKTDC trade fair visitors, hktdc.com also provides third-party authentication of supplier information and certification by internationally renowned organisations Dun & Bradstreet and SGS, offering peace of mind to buyers who can be sure that they are sourcing quality products from trustworthy suppliers.

hktdc.com suppliers can place keyword advertisements on the Google search engine based on the nature of their business and target markets. When relevant overseas buyers search on Google, suppliers’ keyword advertisements will appear at the top of related search-result pages. Interested buyers clicking on the advertisements will then be directed to suppliers’ webpages on hktdc.com to learn more about the companies and their products.

“The HKTDC-Google collaboration offers suppliers a hassle-free, one-stop online marketing solution that is especially suited for SMEs with limited knowledge in search-engine marketing and resources to develop their own mobile-friendly websites,” said Ms Wan. 

Tapping the HKTDC’s export promotion expertise 
Suppliers who place search engine ads through the HKTDC will benefit from its 50 years’ experience in external trade promotion. HKTDC specialists will offer advice on search engine keywords, developing advertising copy, and editing webpage content on hktdc.com, helping to raise suppliers’ online Quality Score, a key factor in determining search engine ranking.

Mobile-friendly websites, in general, receive high Quality Scores as they offer better user experience. Placing search-engine advertisements through the mobile-friendly hktdc.com will deliver more effective results for SMEs that have yet to develop their own mobile solution. Suppliers accepting small-quantity orders can also take advantage of the hktdc.com Small Orders online transaction platform to build their online business and trade directly with buyers via the Internet.

Advertising subsidies under SME export fund
Eligible suppliers can apply, through the government’s SME Export Marketing Fund, (www.smefund.tid.gov.hk) for up to 50 per cent in advertising fee subsidies. The HKSAR Government’s Trade and Industry Department, last September, extended the scope of the Export Marketing Fund to include digital export promotional activities targeting overseas markets. Applications are subject to final approval from the Trade and Industry Department.

HKTDC’s one-stop platform
The HKTDC’s four-in-one platform, which comprises online marketplace, trade fairs, trade publications and a mobile app, aims to help SMEs capture business opportunities effectively and efficiently. Combining the competitive advantages of the HKTDC’s physical trade fairs and its trusted online marketplace, suppliers and buyers can make use of this comprehensive O2O (online-to-offline) marketing solution to connect with global markets all year round.

Media Enquiries
Joe Kainz     Tel: (852) 2584 4216           Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About the HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.