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About 150 Hokkaido government officials and business leaders were briefed at a business seminar today (February 7) on recent economic developments in Hong Kong, and on how the city's business opportunities will further boost bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Japan.
The seminar, held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, was organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
Speaking at the seminar, the Principal Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mrs Jennie Chok, noted that Hong Kong has bounced back strongly from the global economic crisis, thanks to a strong demand for its exported goods and services as well as healthy growth of domestic consumption.
"The number of overseas and Mainland Chinese companies setting up or expanding in Hong Kong has been continuously on the increase in the last 10 years.
"This demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong as a business location with enduring advantages," Mrs Chok said.
These advantages include a free economy, the rule of law, a low and simple tax system and a business-friendly environment where all firms can compete on a level-playing field.
Apart from being a destination for trade, investment and tourism, Hong Kong is also a platform for accessing the huge Mainland market, Mrs Chok said.
"Our closer economic co-operation with the Mainland and our neighbouring province of Guangdong is greatly assisted by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation. These agreements directly benefit Hong Kong-based companies, including Japanese firms which are incorporated in Hong Kong.
"Also, as China's global financial centre, Hong Kong has unparalleled access to the Mainland's huge capital markets," she explained.
Noting the fact that there was a daily average of over 62,000 visitors coming from Mainland China to Hong Kong last year, Mrs Chok said that enterprises, by doing business in Hong Kong, can reach out to those Mainland consumers easily, build up their brand image and, through leveraging the Hong Kong advantage, penetrate the Mainland market.
During her stay in Sapporo, Mrs Chok will call on the Vice Mayor of Sapporo City, Mr Masaaki Ozawa, and the Chairman of Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Iwao Takamuki, tomorrow (February 8) to further enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Hong Kong and Sapporo.
Ends/Monday, February 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:31
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