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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Jiangmen Municipal People's Government, Guangdong Province today (September 23, Lyon time) co-hosted a seminar in Lyon to promote the combined business advantages of the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong and Jiangmen: Your Business Partners in China", began with opening remarks by President of the International Development Commission of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Philippe Eyraud, and welcoming remarks by Acting Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Lyon, Mr Duan Jinzhu. They were followed by keynote addresses delivered by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Director of Jiangmen Bureau of Commerce, Mr Zhou Wen.
Addressing an audience of about 80 people, Mr Galpin encouraged the Lyon business community to come and experience the efficient business environment of Hong Kong and its fast-developing role in the context of the GPRD.
Mr Galpin said, "The GPRD is the most affluent area in Mainland China with an aggregate Gross Domestic Product of US$1 trillion. The region as a whole has grown in size and importance over the years.
"Hong Kong, as one of the world's most business-friendly cities in the world, plays a leading role in this fast-growing region as a conduit for direct investment to and from the rest of the world because it offers a range of enduring business advantages like the rule of law, low and simple tax system, free flows of capital and information, deep pools of talent, and a level playing field," Mr Galpin said.
He added that the French community is one of the fastest growing communities in Hong Kong. "The rising number of French people and businesses in Hong Kong clearly show the attractiveness of Hong Kong to the French," he said.
Mr Zhou said that Jiangmen is one of the most attractive cities in the GPRD for French enterprises, citing the strong two-way flow of investment between Jiangmen and France. He said, "Our city's total import and export value to France reached US$510 million (HK$3.98 billion) last year. We have established good cooperative relationships in investments with French merchants."
Mr Zhou added, "Jiangmen city offers not only a strategic location in the GPRD but also sound infrastructure, low cost of investment and a positive living environment for Lyon businessmen to consider setting up their businesses."
Other speakers in the seminar included Partner and Head of Hong Kong Office, Lefˆovre Pelletier & associˆms, Mr Nicolas Vanderchmitt; Director for France, Spain and Portugal of the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, Mr Marc Allard; CEO, Hydrokarst, Mr Jacques Bordignon; and Director, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Mr Philippe Deymˆos.
About InvestHK
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 of June 2014, InvestHK had completed over 3 300 investment projects creating more than 36 400 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$88 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:35
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