Opportunities and challenges: Hong Kong as Asia's fashion hub

Purpose - To analyze the current situation of the Hong Kong textile and clothing industries; to investigate the influential factors that can assist Hong Kong to develop as Asia's fashion hub; and to plan for the future development of Hong Kong as a regional centre for fashion. Design/methodology/approach - This paper provides an overview of the Hong Kong textile and clothing industries by using the SWOT analysis. Based on the findings of the analysis, some recommendations for future development are provided. The sources of this study are from the government publications, journal articles, book reviews and advice of practitioners. Findings - The Hong Kong textile and clothing industries have their strengths and weaknesses. To be a regional centre for fashion, developing an original brand manufacturing (OBM) business is a preferred approach. Research limitation/implication - This paper provides a general review of the Hong Kong textile and clothing industries. To gain a more in-depth understanding of the industries and to explore some more solutions for the research problems, it is important to further investigate these issues by attempting in-depth interviews with the Hong Kong textile and clothing industrialists. Practical implications - This paper provides a very useful source of information and impartial advice for the Government, industry players, academic institutions and the media. The formation of Asia's fashion hub is dependent upon the cooperation and effort of these four parties. Originality/value - This paper analyses some of the factors contributing to Hong Kong's success and draws conclusions on strategic directions for the sustainability.