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At a seminar today (December 1) in Wuhan, the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, introduced Hong Kong's leading position as the international business and financial centre to more than 220 Hubei business executives. He encouraged Hubei enterprises to use Hong Kong as a springboard to expand their businesses outside the Mainland.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong – Your platform to go global", was part of the large-scale promotion programme "Hubei - Hong Kong Week". It was organised by Invest Hong Kong and the Department of Commerce of Hubei Province.
The objective of the seminar was to create understanding among potential Hubei investors of the strategies for expanding their business and using Hong Kong as their springboard to go global.
"We are excited about this opportunity to meet the executives from some of the most prominent enterprises in Hubei," Mr Rowse said. "As these enterprises rapidly expand, they will inevitably explore opportunities in markets outside Hubei and the Mainland. Hong Kong has a solid track record in working with Mainland enterprises. Our city offers a wealth of world-class business services and people with global experience to help get Hubei enterprises equipped for overseas expansion.
"To strengthen their competitiveness in the marketplace, many growing Mainland enterprises seek capital to support further expansion. As a leading international financial centre in Asia, Hong Kong is the ideal fund-raising location for them."
An official from the Department of Commerce of Hubei Province presented the Central Government's "Going Out" policy and explained the application procedures for Mainland enterprises to invest in Hong Kong.
In addition, a senior representative from a leading accounting firm gave practical information about the accounting and taxation systems in Hong Kong. A principal officer from the Immigration Department introduced Hong Kong's immigration policy and details of the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
Finally, the General Manager of Hangzhou Futon (HK) Development Ltd, Mr He Xingfu, shared his company's experience in investing in Hong Kong as a Mainland enterprise.
"We are encouraged by the keen interest shown by the enterprises in Hong Kong and the positive response from our counterparts in various government officials in the province. We will maintain a close working relationship with the Hubei authorities to attract local enterprises to invest in Hong Kong," Mr Rowse said.
Ends/Thursday, December 1, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:20
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