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Hong Kong and Fujian jointly organised a high-level seminar in Osaka today (July 3, Osaka time) which outlined the business environment and opportunities in Hong Kong and Fujian to more than 200 senior Japanese executives.
The seminar, themed "Hong Kong and Fujian: Your Winning Formula in China", was the fourth joint initiative by the two places to promote investment opportunities in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (Pan-PRD). It was organised by Invest Hong Kong and the Fujian Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (Fujian DOFTEC). The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry were the co-organisers.
The half-day seminar commenced with welcome remarks by Mr Luo Tianguang, Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka, and Mrs Jennie Chok, Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative in Tokyo.
Mr. Mike Rowse, Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, highlighted the advantages of using Hong Kong as a platform for accessing growing business opportunities in southern China. "As the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, including the vibrant Fujian Province, continues to flourish it offers new opportunities for Hong Kong-based companies, especially in the service industries which provide invaluable support to business concerns across southern China."
Mr Rowse added, "Japanese companies have long been key players in the Hong Kong economy. The Japanese community is one of our largest overseas business sectors with more than 730 companies setting up regional headquarters or regional offices in the city."
Mr Wang Jian, Deputy General-Director of Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, outlined the recent developments in his province and its enormous growth potential. "Fujian is one of the regions with the most economic potential in China. Lying between two major economic regions – the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta - Fujian is a high-flier among Chinese provinces. Our pillar industries include information technology, mechanical parts and oil and chemical engineering. At present, there are 1,174 investment projects by Japanese companies in Fujian, involving an investment of exceeding US$1.6 billion."
During the seminar, distinguished speakers including Mr. Naoki Kojima, Director, Executive Officer, Corporate Planning & Overseas Business Development, Hankyu Express International Co Ltd., shared his company's experience in investing in Hong Kong and Fujian. Mr. Kenichi Nishida, Corporate Advisor of Marubeni Corporations gave practical advice on doing business in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
In the afternoon, a one-on-one consultation session was held where representatives from Invest Hong Kong and Fujian DOFTEC answered questions from individual seminar participants.
Ends/Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:16
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