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Invest Hong Kong and Zhuhai Government promote synergy between the two cities to Latin American business community (with photo)
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     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and Zhuhai Municipal People's Government co-organised a seminar in Bogota, Colombia, on May 2, Bogota time, to jointly promote the combined business advantages of the cities in the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD), and how they offer unique opportunities for Colombian businesses looking to expand into China and the rest of Asia.

     President of Analdex, Mr Javier Diaz, and Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Colombia, Mr Zhou Quan, officiated at the seminar entitled "Hong Kong and Zhuhai: Your Business Partners in China".

     In his speech to more than 180 senior business executives in Bogota, Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, highlighted the unique advantages that Hong Kong offers as an ideal location in which to set up regional operations with manufacturing facilities located over the border in Zhuhai.

     He said, "Under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, Hong Kong has its own rule of law, low and simple tax system, free movement of capital, talent, goods and information, and a level playing field. Many leading Latin American companies operating in our city are actively involved in trading, logistics, shipping and other services, to secure a foothold in Asia and the Mainland market. Small and medium-sized enterprises from Latin America also flourish, particularly in the areas of import/export and IT."

     "Increasing numbers of Colombian firms are engaging in business with the Mainland, and are using Hong Kong as a service platform, particularly now that they can settle their transactions with Mainland buyers and suppliers in renminbi in Hong Kong," he added.

     Executive Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, Mr Liu Xiaolong, remarked, "The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta released by the State Council of the PRC promoted Zhuhai as the core city and transportation hub on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary."

     "Colombian enterprises should make full use of Zhuhai's advantages in terms of its neighbouring Hong Kong and Macao to tap into the flourishing market in South China," Mr Liu added.

     Six key manufacturing sectors comprising of electronic information, home electric appliances, power and energy, biomedicine and medical devices, petrochemical, precision equipment and two characteristic sectors featuring printer consumables and yacht making have taken shape. Emerging industries like general aviation and marine engineering equipment manufacturing are booming.

     A panel discussion featuring case studies about companies that have expanded their businesses into China and Hong Kong followed the speeches. The second session of the seminar offered practical tips on how to succeed in the China market. Speakers included CEO of Dima Toys, Mr Ivan Moncada; Business Development Director of World Solution Trade, Mr Edgar Mauricio Garcia; CEO of Aviomar China, Mr Juan Carlos Rico; Manager of Agroindustries of Proexport, Mr Alberto Lora; President of Araujo Ibarra and Associates, Mr Martin Gustavo Ibarra; and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Consultant in Santiago, Mr Alvaro Echeverria.

     A second seminar in Latin America, to be held on May 4 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will be hosted by InvestHK, Invest Zhuhai and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. It will mark the first time that the three partners have worked together to promote the GPRD in Latin America.

About Invest Hong Kong

     Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,100 investment projects creating over 26,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$57 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157626480130965.

Ends/Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:19

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