International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #1 | Page 20

seen on the scene HITDC: Trade Mission to Hong Kong a Tremendous Success! Val Thompson, President of Houston International Trade Development Council (HITDC) and Miao (Mia) Smith, Vice President of Houston International Trade Development council, and Managing Partner of Xpanding US LLC have done it again. November 30 to December 5, 2016, HITDC organized and facilitated another successful trade mission to Hong Kong and Mainland China! During the trade mission, the delegation of nine entrepreneurs participated Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attended the World Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) expo, InnoDesign Tech expo, and Business of IP Asia Forum in Hong Kong. It was a pleasure to privately meet with Winchell Cheung, Director of Midwest at HKTDC from the Chicago office, and Anne Chung, Manager of International and Mainland Relations of HKTDC, and Caroline Wong, Assistant Manager of Product Promotion at the HKTDC office during the expo. Mr. Chung gave a presentation on the services available through the HKTDC. Key services include international business research database available through their website, matching business partners including providing sourcing agents to represent US businesses, and hosting trade shows and fairs such as the Business in IP Asia Forum. HITDC delegation found immediate matches after the private briefing session at the HKTDC office. 20 iF Magazine | January 2017