Hong Kong seeks global tea trade role
Hong Kong has reaffirmed its intention to become a global tea trade hub at this year's Hong Kong International Tea Fair, with over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries flocking to the Chinese port city. The fair featured an industry conference on market trends and branding, as well as a variety of tea forums, tea-tasting sessions and other activities showcasing the art and culture associated with tea. Exports of tea from Hong Kong increased significantly in the first half of 2010 to the equivalent of $8.78 million, up 46 percent from the same period last year. Hong Kong has the highest tea consumption of any city in Asia, with tea imports growing by 25 percent to $25.8 million in the first half of 2010.