************************************************************
A seminar held on May 4 (Sao Paulo time) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, promoted the business opportunities and advantages of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao to more than 200 senior Brazilian business executives. Speakers at the seminar provided first hand experience of the business environment and practical insights on how to succeed in Greater China. The event was followed by one-on-one consultation sessions with the organisers, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Invest Zhuhai and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). It is the first time that InvestHK, Invest Zhuhai and IPIM have joined hands to promote the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region to Brazilian enterprises.
Sao Paulo City Hall Secretary of International Relations, Mr Alfredo Cotait, and Consul General of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Sao Paulo, Mr Sun Rongmao, officiated at the seminar and delivered welcome remarks.
In 2010, China surpassed the US as Brazil's largest trade partner, with bilateral trade worth US$56 billion, more than triple that of 2005. Brazil ranked first among Hong Kong's trading partners from Central and South America. Many Brazilian 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.
In his presentation, Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest HK, Mr Simon Galpin, outlined the multiple advantages of Hong Kong as the natural gateway to Mainland China and the easy access it offers to markets in the neighbouring GPRD. "Hong Kong is an international financial, trade, tourism and logistic centre in Asia Pacific. Its rule of law, low and simple taxes, free movement of capital, talent, goods and information, world class infrastructure and level playing field continue to ensure the city is the preferred business location in Asia," he said.
"Overseas investors wishing to establish a presence in the Mainland will find it advantageous to set up regional headquarters or offices in Hong Kong for sourcing, marketing, finance, management and research and development, and to form strategic partnerships with Hong Kong entrepreneurs," Mr Galpin added.
Executive Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, Mr Liu Xiaolong, addressed the delegates and said: "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."
"Brazilian 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.
Noting Macao's role as an economic platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Executive Director of IPIM, Ms Echo Chan said, "The US$1 billion Sino-Portugal Co-operation and Development Fund announced during the forum attended by Premier Wen Jiaobao and the senior officials of seven Portuguese-speaking countries in November 2010, together with the 'Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement' signed in March this year, provided a clear direction to the cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and strengthened Macao's role as an economic platform between the GPRD and Brazil. Macao surely can help provide huge potential business opportunities to the bilateral enterprises."
Two panel discussions were held during the seminar. The first featured several case studies about companies that had expanded their business into Hong Kong, Macao and China. Speakers included CEO of China Invest, Mr Thomas Machado; Co-Head Investment Banking of BTG Pactual, Mr Jose Vita; and CEO of Teikon Asia, Mr Gilberto Canabarro. The second panel offered practical tips on how to succeed in the China market with speakers including Director China Desk, KPMG, Mr Daniel Lau; Advisor of BG Corporativa Cultura, Mr Rafael Guanaes; and Foreign Trade Advisor of the National Trade Confederation, Mr Carlos Tavares.
The seminar was followed by one-on-one consultations for seminar participants to discuss their business expansion needs with representatives from InvestHK, Invest Zhuhai, and IPIM.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 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/72157626480147095.
Ends/Thursday, May 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:15
NNNN