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Robust developments and enormous opportunities in various fields ranging from infrastructure to financial services continue to make Hong Kong a preferred destination for foreign direct investment.
About 130 people from the government and business sectors in Nagasaki, Japan, were briefed on the latest developments and opportunities offered by Hong Kong as Asia's prime business hub and China's global financial and services centre at a business seminar organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) today (July 20).
Outlining the enduring advantages of Hong Kong, the Principal Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mrs Jennie Chok, said at the seminar that investors' confidence was reflected in the fact that Hong Kong was the second largest foreign direct investment recipient in Asia after only the Mainland of China.
Hong Kong's advantages include a free economy, the rule of law and a low and simple tax system, as well as a strategic location with efficient communications networks and great infrastructure.
Apart from the traditional role of being a gateway to China, Hong Kong has emerged as China's global financial centre in recent years, Mrs Chok told the participants.
"As China's global financial centre, Hong Kong has been a testing ground for the liberalisation of the Mainland currency, the Renminbi. Today, Hong Kong is the offshore centre for Renminbi banking, Renminbi trade settlement and the issuance of Renminbi bonds.
"Japanese firms doing business in the Mainland can also take advantage of our Renminbi experience by using Hong Kong as the centre to settle trade using the Renminbi," she said.
Mrs Chok added that another opportunity for international businesses, including Japanese companies, was to list on Hong Kong's stock market.
"By doing so, they can attract wealthy institutional investors from Mainland China and throughout Asia as well as promote their brands across China's vast markets," she said.
Mrs Chok hoped that more Nagasaki companies would capitalise on the enormous opportunities available in Hong Kong.
Also speaking at the seminar were the Regional Director (North Asia) of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Kunio Kano, and the Director, Japan, of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mrs Shigemi Furuta.
Organised with an aim of promoting closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Japan, the seminar was attended by government officials and business leaders including the Vice Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, Mr Keinosuke Tanaka, and the Vice Chairman of the Nagasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Takamitsu Sato.
Ends/Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:27
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