********************************************************
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality jointly held a seminar in Taipei today (October 15) to promote their combined business advantages for Taiwanese enterprises looking to expand in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong and Guangzhou: Your Business Partners in Mainland China", began with welcome remarks by the Director of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan), Mr John Leung, and the Secretary General of the Taiwan Association of Industry and Commerce, Mr Fan Liang-tung. Keynote speeches were delivered by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Director General of the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality, Dr Xiao Zhenyu.
In his speech to more than 200 senior business executives, Mr Galpin highlighted the unique advantages that Hong Kong has in terms of its proximity to the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD), the most affluent region in Mainland China with gross domestic product exceeding US$665 billion. He said, "With its low and simple tax regime, free flows of capital and information, deep pools of talent with international and Mainland perspectives and a level playing field, Hong Kong is the perfect springboard for Taiwanese companies to access the GPRD in their expansion."
He added, "Hong Kong has established close links with Taiwan in areas such as trade, culture and tourism. Many overseas companies who look for opportunities in Asia-Pacific have already leveraged Hong Kong's business advantages and set up their presence in the city." He urged Taiwanese entrepreneurs to join this trend and build a foothold in Hong Kong.
At the end of 2013, Taiwan was Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner with a total trade value amounting to over HK$339 billion. According to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's Census and Statistics Department, as at June 1, 2013, the figures for regional headquarters, regional offices and local offices in Hong Kong representing parent companies located in Taiwan were 33, 166 and 249 respectively.
Dr Xiao said that Guangzhou has become a favourable investment destination with comprehensive advantages in terms of 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. He emphasised that the municipal government aims to make Guangzhou an international trade centre and a world-acclaimed cultural city, which will offer Taiwanese and other foreign companies plenty of business opportunities.
Other speakers at the seminar included the General Manager of Systex Information (HK) Ltd, Mr Rayman Hui; the Director of Guangzhou Hai Pa Wang Food Co Ltd, Mr Zhong Rungde; the Executive Vice President, Head of the Commercial Banking Department and General Manager of Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co Ltd, Mr Mike Chen; the Director of Zhaobang Financial Group Company Ltd, Mr Chen Lung-pei; and the Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Taiwanese Enterprises Association, Mr Sidney Wan.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the HKSAR 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.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157648337167217/.
Ends/Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:30
NNNN
