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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (July 31) hosted a seminar in Shanghai during which local enterprises were encouraged to leverage Hong Kong's enduring advantages to tap into the world market.
Titled "Hong Kong - Your Platform to Go Global", the seminar showcased Hong Kong's position in assisting Mainland enterprises, particularly those focused on consumer products and retail, to develop their international business. The co-organisers of the seminar included the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce. The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Vice Chairman of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Mr Wang Xinping, delivered welcome speeches at the seminar. Invest Shanghai and the Shanghai Small and Medium Enterprises Development Service Centre were supporting organisations.
In his remarks, Mr Galpin said, "Both Hong Kong and Shanghai are port cities with enviable geographical locations. They have long enjoyed close economic and trade relations, as reflected by the frequent flows of people, goods and capital between them, and both rank as two of the region's most important business and economic centres.
"Hong Kong has a high level of freedoms in capital and information flows and a business-friendly environment. It has been named the world's freest economy for 18 consecutive years. Its pool of diversified talent, world-class infrastructure, sound and independent legal system, plus its low and stable tax regime make it a favourable testing ground for companies in Shanghai and other parts of the Mainland to expand their overseas markets and 'go global'."
Commenting on the fund raising opportunities that Hong Kong offers for Mainland enterprises, Mr Galpin added, "Hong Kong plays a leading role in the global fund raising market, topping global rankings for the total amount of funds raised via IPO for three years in a row. It is also the largest market for Mainland enterprises to raise funds. Two of the five largest IPOs in Hong Kong in 2011 were Mainland enterprises.
"Hong Kong has been long acknowledged as the international trade and retail centre for consumer goods. With the growing number of visitors, the city offers the best platform for Mainland producers and suppliers to showcase their brands and keep pace with international trends," he said.
Head of Consumer Products at InvestHK, Ms Yvonne Lin, also gave a presentation highlighting how to use Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities to tap a wider market, and focused on the various types of services that InvestHK can offer to Mainland companies.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (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 at June 2012, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,600 investment projects creating over 30,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$67 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157630648475284/.
Ends/Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:45
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