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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government co-organised for the first time a seminar in Auckland, New Zealand, today (November 18) to jointly promote their combined business advantages and how these can benefit New Zealand companies in their expansion into Hong Kong and Mainland China.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong and Guangzhou: Your Business Partners in China", began with opening remarks by the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, Mr Steve Barclay, and welcoming remarks by the Director of the North Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, Mr Grahame Morton. It was followed by keynote addresses delivered by the Director General of the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality, Dr Xiao Zhenyu; and the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis.
In his address to more than 170 senior business executives at the event, Mr Davis highlighted the enduring advantages that make Hong Kong a strategic platform from which to access unlimited business opportunities in the Mainland and internationally. He said, "Hong Kong has its own rule of law and independent judiciary. It is also known for its low tax regime, free flow of capital and information, plus a deep pool of talent with international and Mainland perspectives. It is the ideal platform from which New Zealand companies can gain access to the Mainland and other Asian markets."
Dr Xiao said that Guangzhou is no longer a city that relies simply 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 opportunities in manufacturing, electronics and information technology, energy and resource engineering and dairy products. He emphasised that the municipal government aims to make Guangzhou an international trade centre and a world-acclaimed cultural city, which will offer New Zealand and other foreign companies plenty of business opportunities.
Other speakers at the seminar included the General Manager of Mainfreight Air and Ocean New Zealand, Mr Ben Fitts; the Managing Principal of Crowe Horwath (NZ) Limited, Mr Andrew Sayers; and the President of the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association, Ms Stella Chan.
About InvestHK
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 September 2, 2013, InvestHK has completed 3 000 investment projects creating 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.
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 the 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 implementation of 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.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157637578061654/.
Ends/Monday, November 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:35
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