************************************************************
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced today (March 9) that it is hosting a series of events across the US in March to continue raising the profile of Hong Kong as a leading offshore Renminbi centre and an international asset management hub. The series of events is supported by Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission.
* The main conference will be held in New York on March 15. A panel luncheon will be held in Los Angeles on March 12 and a breakfast event will be held in Chicago on March 14.
* Speakers at the New York conference will include the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, Professor K C Chan; the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission; and the Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
* Delegates at all three events will be told about Hong Kong's role as an attractive destination for expanding companies and businesses seeking fundraising via Initial Public Offering, secondary listing and "dim sum bonds" (the nickname given to bonds denominated in Renminbi and issued in Hong Kong); its appeal as a leading international asset management centre; and the access it grants investors to China's wealth and assets.
These topics will be discussed in the panel events in Los Angeles on March 12 and in Chicago on March 14, with a focus on the advantages of using "dim sum bonds" for companies looking to raise funds in the HKSAR. The roadshow will be concluded by the main event, a half-day conference in New York on March 15 attracting senior executives from leading financial and professional services companies, as well as other large businesses.
The keynote speaker for the New York conference will be Professor Chan. His speech will be followed by panel discussions among senior representatives from Allianz Global Investors, BlackRock Asset Management, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, HSBC Hong Kong, Ping An of China Asset Management and Harvest Global Investments as well as Hong Kong's financial and securities regulators.
The events form part of an ongoing global campaign which includes similar events previously held in London, Zurich, Geneva and Luxembourg, as well as a conference in New York last year.
Following the announcement, Professor Chan said, "Hong Kong continues to hold clear advantages for American companies wishing to establish a presence in Asia. The continued growth of China and business opportunities it offers cannot be overlooked by these companies. Hong Kong's unique position as the principal gateway to China and its well-established links with Western economies make it the ideal base for businesses looking to expand into Asia."
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. In its 12th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,400 investment projects creating more than 29,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$62 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, March 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:21
NNNN
