HONG KONG: Another initative has been included for the Hong Kong Festival by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Seeking to provide an ideal business platform for music industry players to network, promote and explore business opportunities, a separate fair has been instituted by the HKTDC, together with IFPI Hong Kong Group, to cater to the earlier ignored sector of the entertainment industry.

Running concurrently with the tenth anniversary of the Hong Kong Filmart, the the Hong Kong Music fair was inaugurated here at the Hong Kong Convention Centre yesterday .

Recoginising the importance of the music industry, which is a major component of the entertainment business, The Hong Music fair saw a huge turnout from the music Industry.

The pace was set by an endearing song sung by Alan Tham followed by speeches by various dignitaries including Dr Patrick CP Ho, the island's secretary of home affairs.

Over 65 exhibitors, including record companies, music publishers, mobile phone makers and service providers, portable music device manufacturers and vendors, internet music service providers, technology support companies, artist management and concert promoters industry associations as well as systems providers and Karoke operators.

Though quite well attended at the launch by media and visitors, the fair saw a poor response on the second day.