Creative clocks: Winning works in the 20th HK Watch & Clock Design Competition will be displayed at the HK Watch & Clock Fair 2003.

The value of watch and clock exports increased to $19.1 billion in the first six months of 2003, up 14% over the same period last year.

The HK Watch & Clock Fair Organising Committee noted that it is optimistic about the future development of the industry.

The upward trend will continue, the committee said, adding that the upsurge of Mainland tourists and the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement will help revitalise the trade.

The committee said the arrangement will further enhance the trade's competitiveness and boost the value of watch and clock products exported to the Mainland.

The industry also believes that more watch manufacturers will use Hong Kong as their production base.

To promote the trade, the fair will be held from September 3 to 7 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Forty-two labels of 36 watch companies will be displayed in the fair. Meanwhile, the winning works of the 20th HK Watch & Clock Design Competition will also be displayed at the fair.