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Invest Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government co-organised a seminar in Munich, Germany on June 9 (Munich time) to jointly promote their combined business advantages and how these benefit German companies in their expansion into Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Head of China, Hong Kong and Macao, Korea and Japan of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ms Gabriele Fink, and Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Consulate General of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Munich, Mr Tao Bailiang, officiated at the seminar entitled "Hong Kong and Shenzhen: Your Technology Business Partners in China".
In his speech to more than 150 senior business executives in Munich, 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 Shenzhen.
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. The German business community has been active in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region for more than 100 years."
At the end of 2009, Germany was the 14th major source of inward direct investment (IDI) into Hong Kong, with an IDI stock of HK$37.9 billion. According to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, as at June 1, 2010, the number of regional headquarters, regional offices and local offices in Hong Kong representing parent companies located in Germany were 72, 120 and 99 respectively.
Mr Galpin continued, "Many leading German companies operating in our city are actively involved in technology, logistics, trading, and other services, to secure a foothold in Asia and the Mainland market. Major German companies in Hong Kong include Adidas, Audi, BASF, Bayer, BMW, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, DHL, Gerling-Konzern, Hapag-Lloyd, Mercedes-Benz, Miele, SAP, Schenker International, Thyssenkrupp, and WestLB."
Deputy Director-General of the Science, Industry, Trade and Information Technology Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Lin, said, "Shenzhen and Germany have established close ties in economic exchange and trade cooperation. In 2010, Shenzhen's exports to Germany peaked at about US$5.29 billion and imports amounted to US$2.4 billion. German Foreign Direct Investment in Shenzhen reached US$171 million at the end of 2010, with 112 investment projects. 14 German companies from the Fortune 500 have invested in Shenzhen including Siemens, Bosch, Metro, Lufthansa, DaimlerChrysler and Allianz."
Other speakers at the seminar included Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Andrew Lai; Senior Manager, Marketing and Admission, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Ricky Ma; Sales and Marketing Director of DuPont Apollo, Mr Austin Jwo; Managing Director of Fiducia Management Consultants, Mr Jürgen Kracht; Marketing Manager of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Michael Ries; and Chairman of the Board, Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center Management Co Ltd, Mr Sun Yanwei.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the 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 approaches its 11th 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/72157626874095034 .
Ends/Friday, June 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:52
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