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Jointly organised by Invest Hong Kong of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Science, Industry, Trade and Information Commission (SITIC) of Shenzhen Municipality, an investment promotion seminar entitled "Hong Kong and Shenzhen: Your Ideal Partnership in China" was held in Venice, Italy today (April 15, Venice time). More than 150 senior business executives listened to the combined advantages of the two cities and the Greater Pearl River Delta (PRD) region as a whole.
The seminar began with welcoming messages from the Deputy Chairman of Sviluppo Cina, Mr Massimo Burghignoli; Consul Economic and Commercial of the People's Republic of China in Milan, Mr Li Bin; Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Mary Chow; and Deputy Chairman, Centro Estero Camere di Commercio del Veneto, Mr Paolo Doglioni.
Addressing the audience, Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "The further integration and cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, plus the complementary strengths of the two cities, have produced substantial growth and excellent business opportunities for Italian enterprises. And Hong Kong is an ideal gateway for you to access the Greater PRD region."
"In addition, the cross-border infrastructure projects will enhance connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and thus boost the competitiveness of the two cities. These projects include the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link; the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; and a possible rail link between Hong Kong International Airport and Shenzhen Airport."
Mr Galpin explained that the Italian business community is one of the most vibrant and diverse groups in Hong Kong. And Italy is one of the important markets for Invest Hong Kong in attracting foreign investment.
More than 400 Italian enterprises have set up their businesses in Hong Kong, with a strong presence in sectors such as fashion design, lifestyle and accessories design. Italian food and wine are also popular. The best known Italian brands in the city include Ferrari, Benetton, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Valentino and Versace.
Deputy Director-General of SITIC, Ms Qiu Xuan, said, "Shenzhen and Italy have established close ties in economic exchange and trade cooperation. In 2009, Shenzhen's exports to Italy peaked at about US$1.77 billion and imports from Italy amounted to US$503 million. Italian FDI in Shenzhen reached US$1,536 million at the end of 2009, with 57 projects. Products exported to Italy mainly include television receivers, electrical processing machinery, modems and handheld walkie-talkies. Those products imported from Italy are largely processors and controllers."
To provide the audience with a better understanding of how to make the best use of Hong Kong as a gateway to expand their businesses into Mainland China and the ways to do business in Hong Kong and the Mainland, experts were invited to share their views and practical experience. These speakers included Managing Director and General Manager of Esaote SpA, Mr Fabrizio Landi; Managing Director of Fedon Far East, Mr Alberto Agostinacchio; Head, Latin Desk of CWCC, Ms Renˆme Rodriguez; Senior Account Manager, Venice Branch (Italian Export Credit Insurance Company) of SACE SpA, Mr Pietro Petrucci; Deputy Chairman of Sviluppo Cina, Mr Massimo Burghignoli; the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Director based in Italy, Mr Gianluca Mirante; Invest Hong Kong's consultant based in Italy, Mr Stefano De Paoli; and the Director of the Shenzhen European Representative office, Mr Zhang Yiping.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government responsible for Foreign Direct Investment, supporting overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up and expand in Hong Kong. We provide free advice and customised services to help your business succeed in our vibrant economy. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157623712318159 .
Ends/Thursday, April 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:01
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