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Invest Hong Kong today (September 8) encouraged Mainland enterprises to build up brands and access the world market through Hong Kong by promoting the city's advantages in the creative and financial industries at a press conference and seminar at the 15th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
Entitled "Hong Kong - Your Platform to Go Global: Capitalising on Hong Kong's Creative and Financial Services for International Expansion", the seminar began with remarks from the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John C Tsang; the Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, Mr Yu Jianhua; the Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commerce Office, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Yang Yi; and the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Miss Victoria Tang. The seminar attracted an attendance of over 130 representatives from Mainland enterprises.
In his keynote speech, Mr Tsang said, "Hong Kong has always been one of the most important trading partners of Mainland China. In this, the first year of the country's 12th Five Year Plan, Hong Kong, as an international financial, trade and shipping centre, can help Mainland companies enhance their competitiveness and expand internationally through its marketing expertise, low tax rates and strengths in financial services and corporate governance."
Mr Tsang added, "Hong Kong is also known for its well-developed service industries, offering marketing skills, international connectivity and a rich pool of professionals, making it an ideal platform for Mainland companies to 'go global'. The well-regulated and mature financial market of Hong Kong perfectly meets the needs of Mainland companies in capital-raising and familiarising with international standards. Up to the end of July 2011, the number of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was 1,460, of which 616 companies were from the Mainland with a market value accounting for some 56 percent of all listed companies. Meanwhile, Hong Kong will also continue to develop its cross-border RMB business and grow as an RMB offshore centre to facilitate trade and outward investment by Mainland companies."
In highlighting the business advantages of Hong Kong, Miss Tang said, "Hong Kong has a business-friendly environment supported by an open economic system, world-class infrastructure, free flow of capital and information, and professionals equipped with an international perspective and knowledge about the China market. It is an excellent testing ground for Mainland companies to 'go global' and access the world market."
Miss Tang emphasised, "Hong Kong is the hub for culture and creative industries in Asia, attracting companies in these service sectors from all over the world, with a focus on media, multimedia, design and architecture, and benefiting from a strong pool of creative talent. The HKSAR Government has accorded priority to six growth industries, including the creative industry, in which Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages, and impetus can be provided to the city's economic development."
She indicated that Invest Hong Kong will continue to support the national policy of "going global" by enhancing the promotion of its services in Mainland cities, and encouraging Mainland companies to devote resources to brand-building in the international arena by leveraging on Hong Kong's advantages in the creative industries.
In today's seminar, Miss Tang; Member of the Hong Kong Brand Development Council Mr Charles Ng; and the Deputy General Manager, Business Optimisation Centre of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Stephen Chan, spoke on how to assist Mainland companies to build their international operations, how to strengthen product innovation and brand promotion, and how Hong Kong's banking services can help companies "go global", respectively.
The Vice President of ANTA Sports Products Ltd, Mr Zhang Tao, was also a guest speaker at the seminar, sharing the company's experience in setting up business in Hong Kong.
2011 marks the 10th consecutive year that Invest Hong Kong has exhibited with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in the Hong Kong Pavilion at CIFIT. The exhibition showcased a wide spectrum of Hong Kong services and how the city can assist Mainland enterprises in expanding their overseas operations through its business and trade platform.
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 celebrates its 11th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,300 investment projects creating over 28,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$60 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157627498415516/.
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:30
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