(ECNS) -- The 36th Food Expo, together with four concurrent fairs including the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, attracting more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions.

The events are organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said all 11 ASEAN member states are taking part in the five fairs, with Brunei and Timor-Leste participating for the first time.

Sixteen provinces and autonomous regions from the Chinese mainland are also showcasing local specialty products, highlighting Hong Kong's unique role in bringing together international brands, regional businesses and consumers on a dynamic platform.

A wide range of agricultural products from Taiwan are also on display at this year's Food Expo. Li Minhong, an exhibitor from Taitung County, said this is the second consecutive year the county has participated. Taitung's sugar apples and red oolong tea have proved popular with Hong Kong consumers.

"We plan to supply about 1,600 kilograms of sugar apples and will increase the amount if market response is strong," she said.

Chen Shuwen, an exhibitor from Hualien County, said she brought a range of specialty products, including dragon fruit, cinnamon powder and gac fruit products. She said Hong Kong is an important platform for reaching global buyers and raising product awareness, and expressed hope that Hualien's agricultural products would gain wider recognition.

Sophia Chong, executive director of the HKTDC, said Hong Kong, as an international trading hub and a key regional center for food trade, has long served as an important platform for global food and beverage companies seeking to expand into the Chinese mainland, Asian and global markets.

Through platforms such as the Food Expo, the HKTDC aims to promote cross-regional and cross-industry cooperation, further strengthening Hong Kong's role as a bridge between the mainland and international markets while supporting the high-quality development of the food and health industries.

(By Tang Yuxian)