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More than 200 privately owned enterprises (POEs) joined high-level government and business officials today (March 19) to hear why and how they can use Hong Kong as their gateway to grow their international business.
The seminar is part of Invest Hong Kong's three-year "On Your Marks, Get Set, Go" campaign designed to attract Mainland companies to Hong Kong. Invest Hong Kong provides free and effective services and advice to support businesses successfully set up and grow their international businesses in and from Hong Kong.
Opening the event, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma said, "In recent years, Hong Kong's role as a financial, commerce and logistics hub has strengthened and the SAR has become one of the world's leading services centres."
"Hong Kong offers a stimulating, dynamic and cosmopolitan environment in which enterprises from Shandong can make the most of our service-oriented economy to facilitate their interactions with the rest of the world. Also, Hong Kong is a good platform for enterprises from Shandong to go global - to further expand their businesses to Southeast Asia, Europe, America and the rest of the world.
Located along the east coast of China, Shandong Province has the second biggest economy in China and is playing an important role in the country's rapid economic growth and increased international trade. "This is why we chose Jinan as the second stop of our campaign," explained Mr Mike Rowse, Director-General of Investment Promotion.
"Jinan's pillar industries are machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemicals, light industry, food and construction materials. Many of the POEs in these sectors are using Hong Kong as their gateway to grow their international business. These seminars are designed to ensure they have all the information and advice to ensure the successful set-up of their businesses in Hong Kong," added Mr Rowse.
The seminar outlined the business advantages Hong Kong presented for Mainland companies wanting to expand internationally. After opening remarks by Mr Cai Limin, Vice Governor of the Shandong Provincial Government, the audience heard information, case studies and practical tips on investing in Hong Kong and had the opportunity to share experiences and a question and answer session. The presentations covered Hong Kong's economic development and the benefits of brand creation and product marketing, fundraising and listing in Hong Kong.
A press conference was held after the opening ceremony, at which Mr Ma and Mr Rowse briefed the media on why Hong Kong can act as a springboard to international business for Mainland companies. They also provided details of the "On Your Marks, Get Set, Go" campaign.
The three-year campaign comprises three distinct phases, Mr Rowse explained.
"On Your Marks" covers promotional activities aimed at raising awareness among China's growing class of POEs of business opportunities in Hong Kong. This stage includes a targeted nationwide advertising and editorial campaign, followed by large-scale seminars highlighting opportunities in Hong Kong.
"Get-Set" is a series of smaller, focused workshops designed to equip local companies with the information and tools to develop an overseas business strategy, using Hong Kong as a stepping stone.
"Go" the final stage is a series of visits to Hong Kong. Tailored programmes will allow companies that are seriously setting up in Hong Kong to better understand the market, to meet relevant industry associations and to identify business partners, clients and premises.
Interested companies will be assisted by Invest Hong Kong's investment promotion units based in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Ends/Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:16
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