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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Zhaoqing Municipal Government co-organised a seminar that was held in Taipei today (September 17) to promote their combined business advantages for Taiwanese enterprises looking to expand in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong and Zhaoqing: Your Business Partners in Mainland China", kicked off with welcome remarks by the Director of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan), Mr John Leung, and the Adviser to the Taiwan Association of Industry and Commerce, Mr Yeh Ming-Feng. Keynote speeches were delivered by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Vice Mayor of the Zhaoqing Municipal Government, Ms Chen Xuanqun.
In his speech to more than 270 senior business executives, Mr Galpin highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as Asia's business capital. He also explained the enduring advantages that make Hong Kong a strategic platform from which investors including Taiwanese companies can access unlimited business opportunities in the Mainland and internationally.
He said, "On the one hand, Hong Kong is an international city, with independent judiciary, low tax rates and separate customs, currency and immigration regimes. On the other, Hong Kong is also part of China, and a gateway through which an increasing number of Mainland companies are going global. So if you set up your business in Hong Kong, you will be connected virtually with the whole world while simultaneously gaining access to the entire Mainland market."
Mr Galpin added that Hong Kong is also increasingly attractive for overseas entrepreneurs who look for opportunities in Asia Pacific. He urged Taiwanese entrepreneurs to move fast to join this global trend and "build a foothold in Hong Kong before their rivals do".
At the end of 2012, Taiwan was Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner with a total trade value amounting to over HK$325 billion. According to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's Census and Statistics Department, as at June 1, 2012, the number of regional headquarters, regional offices and local offices in Hong Kong representing parent companies located in Taiwan were 31, 180 and 239 respectively.
Mr Leung said, "While Hong Kong is a services-oriented economy, both Taiwan and Zhaoqing are strong in manufacturing. There is enormous room for co-operation and co-ordination among the three places."
Ms Chen told the seminar about Zhaoqing's latest dual-development strategies in terms of innovative technology and urbanisation. She said, "Zhaoqing is destined to be the scientific development district of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and the new industry base of Guangdong. We are accelerating our integration with the PRD, serving as the gateway to the southwest part of China and an exemplary scientific city in the PRD. Taiwan has become the major trade and direct investment partner of Zhaoqing. Taiwanese companies have strengths in capital, know-how, human resources and branding that complement those in Zhaoqing."
Other speakers at the seminar included the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Branch of the Industrial Bank of Taiwan, Mr Elton Lee; the Director of Ledtech Electronics Corp, Mr Frank Liu; the President of Taiwan Business Association (HK) Ltd, Mr Wong Chang-ling; the Chairman of the Taiwan Compatriots Investment Enterprises Association, Zhaoqing City, Ms Ruby Huang; and the General Manager, Taiwan, of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Silas Chu.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the HKSAR Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwan 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 September 4, 2013, InvestHK has completed 3 000 investment projects creating more than 33 950 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$78.6 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157635556291293/.
Ends/Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:26
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