Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Invest Hong Kong and Zhaoqing City Government join forces in encouraging Spanish companies to set up in GPRD region (with photos)
************************************************************

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the People's Government of Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province today (June 19, Barcelona time) held a seminar in Barcelona to promote the combined business advantages of the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region.

     The seminar, titled "Hong Kong and Zhaoqing: Your Business Partners in China", began with opening remarks by the Cónsul General de China in Barcelona, Mr Qu Shengwu, and welcoming remarks by the Head of Asia Pacific Markets of ACCIÓ, Ms Claudia Danesi. It was followed by keynote addresses delivered by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Vice Mayor of the People's Government of Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, Mr Liu Hui-xiang.

     In his speech to more than 120 senior business executives in Barcelona, Mr Galpin highlighted the unique role of Hong Kong for overseas companies seeking to invest in the GPRD region. The GPRD is the most affluent area in Mainland China with an aggregate Gross Domestic Product of US$1 trillion, Mr Galpin said.  "According to the latest edition of InvestHK's GPRD Report, the region has grown in size and importance over the years. Hong Kong, as one of the world's most business-friendly cities, has been able to enhance its leading role in this fast-growing region as a conduit for direct investment to and from the rest of the world.

     "Together with its enduring advantages, including the rule of law, a low and simple tax system, free flows of capital and information, deep pools of talent and a level playing field, our city is the perfect springboard for Spanish companies to access the GPRD for business expansion," he added.

     At the seminar, Mr Liu provided the latest information about Zhaoqing's dual-development strategies in terms of innovative technology and urbanisation.  "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. Spain has become a major trade and foreign direct investment partner of Zhaoqing. Spanish companies have strengths in capital, know-how, human resources and branding that complement those in Zhaoqing," said Mr Liu.

     Other speakers at the seminar included the Vice Chairman of Barcelona Football Club, Mr Javier Faus; Partner of CWCC, Mr Thomas Wong; and Partner of Net Craman Abogados, Mr Álvaro Hernández-Puértolas. They spoke about their respective experiences in expanding a business in Hong Kong and the GPRD, and practical tips on how to succeed in Hong Kong and the Mainland markets.

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 of December 2013, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 3 090 investment projects creating more than 34 900 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$82 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157645208336442/.

Ends/Thursday, June 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:05

NNNN

Photo Photo
Print this page