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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Guangzhou Municipal Commission of Commerce (GMCC) co-organised for the first time a seminar in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), today (March 23) to jointly promote their combined business advantages and the benefits such advantages bring to UAE 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 Senior Vice President of Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Atiq Nassib, and welcoming remarks by the Chinese Consul General in Dubai, Mr Tang Weibin. It was followed by keynote addresses delivered by the Director General of the Guangzhou Municipal Board for International Investment, Dr Qin Hong, and the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Francis Ho.
In his address to more than 100 senior business executives at the event, Mr Ho highlighted the enduring advantages that make Hong Kong a strategic platform from which to access unlimited business opportunities on the Mainland and internationally. He said, "Hong Kong has its own rule of law and independent judiciary. It is known for its low tax regime, free flows of capital and information, plus a deep pool of talent with international and Mainland perspectives. It is the ideal platform from which UAE companies can gain access to the Mainland and other Asian markets."
Dr Qin said that Guangzhou had 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. She emphasised that the municipal government aims to make Guangzhou an international trade centre and a world-acclaimed cultural city, which will offer UAE and other foreign companies plenty of business opportunities.
Other speakers at the seminar included the Chief Executive Officer of Cazar, Mr Guy Rickett; Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Guangdong Chamber of Commerce in UAE, Mr Yuan Yongjia; Managing Director of TMF Group's offices, UAE and Qatar, Mr Julian Dietz; Director Assistant of Guangzhou Nansha Investment Promotion Service Center, Mr Wu Xiao; and Regional Director of Middle East and Africa from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Perry Fung.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract 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 2014, InvestHK had completed over 3,440 investment projects creating more than 37,500 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$91 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
About GMCC
GMCC is responsible for promoting inward investment and providing relevant services for enterprises. The organisation is dedicated to offering investors a comprehensive service from negotiation all the way to operation as well as free-of-charge client-oriented consultancy services on various aspects including laws and policies, taxation, project investigation, education, living conditions and more. For more information, please visit www.gzboftec.gov.cn
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157651497869062/.
Ends/Monday, March 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:18
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