Email this article news.gov.hk
Dutch business community briefed on latest developments in Hong Kong (English only)
***********************************************************

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) updated the Dutch business community about the latest developments in Hong Kong at a seminar held in Amsterdam today (December 17, Amsterdam time).

     Around 80 Dutch entrepreneurs attended the seminar, an annual business event organised by the HKETO, Brussels, the Netherlands-Hong Kong Society, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Amsterdam.

     Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, said that business activities continued to be vibrant in Hong Kong in the latter half of 2014. In October and November, for instance, seven trade fairs organised by HKTDC concluded with more than 8 800 exhibitors taking part, representing a 2 per cent increase when compared with the same period last year. The popular Wine and Dine Festival in early November attracted 30 per cent more visitors than last year.

     She also updated participants on the recently-launched Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect initiative, which allowed investors from Hong Kong, from the Netherlands and from all around the world to trade from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange the 570 Shanghai-listed shares directly for the first time. At the same time, Mainland China investors may also trade from the Shanghai Stock Exchange the 270 Hong Kong-listed shares.

     "Hong Kong remains strongly committed to multilateral trade, and is the first member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to accept the new WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement," Miss Choi added. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement is the first multilateral agreement concluded since the establishment of the WTO in 1995.

     At the seminar, two Dutch entrepreneurs shared their successful experience in developing biodiesel and vodka businesses in Hong Kong.

     "Smart and creative Dutch talents are always welcome to Hong Kong to explore new business opportunities," Miss Choi said, "The Hong Kong Government is determined to safeguard the rule of law and freedom of expression, which have been treasured by our business partners all over the world."

     Miss Choi also invited the guests to visit Hong Kong for leisure and pleasure, highlighting the large variety of restaurants and the green spaces which account for 40 per cent of the total land area of the city. She added that the West Kowloon Cultural District will come into operation by phases in the coming few years, and before that international tourists could visit Hong Kong by cruise using the newly-commissioned Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Ends/Thursday, December 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 00:48

NNNN

Print this page