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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality co-organised a seminar on September 11 in Bristol, UK, to promote the combined business advantages of the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD).
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Mr Charles Ng, and Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality Deputy Director, Mr Li Yue, and Bristol City Council・s Bristol Futures・ Future City Service Manager, Mr Ian MacDougall, spoke at the half-day seminar entitled ：Hong Kong and Guangzhou: Your Business Partners in China；, which marked the first joint promotion between the two cities in the southwest of England. The event offered participants the latest information on the business opportunities and economic environment in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, plus case studies and practical tips from executives of leading British companies that have successfully gained a foothold in the region via Hong Kong.
In his speech to senior business executives attending the event, Mr Ng highlighted the unique advantages that Hong Kong has in the GPRD, which is home to more than 55 million people and plays a key role in spearheading China・s economic growth.
He called on companies in southwest England to make good use of the economic ties between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. He said that Hong Kong is part of Mainland China but sets itself apart with its own rule of law, level playing field, low and simple tax system, and free movement of capital, talent, goods and information. ：With these enduring advantages, Hong Kong offers a reliable platform for English companies to manage their operations in Guangzhou and the GPRD, while seeking to expand into the wider Mainland China market,； he added.
Mr Li said that Guangzhou is no longer a city that relies on low labour costs for competitiveness but has become a favourable investment destination with comprehensive advantages in its central location, market catchment, high-end workforce, business-friendly environment and cultural dynamism. The city provides huge opportunities in manufacturing, creative industries, international outsourcing of services, education and training and more. He said that the municipal government aims to make Guangzhou an international trade centre and a world-acclaimed cultural city, which will offer British and other foreign companies plenty of business opportunities. Foreign investors are welcome to invest in Guangzhou, and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality will offer the best assistance for them.
Other speakers in the seminar included veteran technology businessman Dr Paul Johnson who has extensive experience in doing business in China, China Business Adviser for the UKTI CBBC South West Manager, Ms Antoaneta Becker, Hong Kong Trade Development Council Corporate Communications Europe Regional Manager, Mr Martin Evans, DPS (Bristol) Holdings Ltd Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, Mr David Parkinson, Avory Dairy Solutions Managing Director, Mr Paul McDonalds, and Bristol Chamber of Commerce Manager, Ms Sarah Cooper.
About Invest Hong Kong
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 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, InvestHK has completed over 2,600 investment projects creating more than 30,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$67 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality
Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality is a comprehensive administrative authority of Guangzhou Municipal People・s Government, responsible for Guangzhou・s foreign trade and economic cooperation. Its main functions and responsibilities are international trade promotion, investment promotion, and implement the government・s relevant policies. Its subsidiary, Guangzhou International Investment Promotion Centre, is responsible for providing professional services to foreign companies investing in Guangzhou. For more information, please visit www.gzboftec.gov.cn.
Ends/Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:27
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