Outstanding Canadian companies in Hong Kong recognised (with photo)
************************************************************

     Hong Kong has always been an ideal location for Canadian businesses overseas. The Hong Kong-Canada Business Achievement Award is a new initiative to recognise the achievements of Canada-based companies which have successfully ventured into Hong Kong, or have used Hong Kong as a platform for expansion to other parts of Asia.

     Speaking at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Achievement Award Presentation Gala in Vancouver yesterday (March 12, Vancouver time), the Director of the Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (HKETO), Miss Gloria Lo, told guests from the government, business and information technology sectors that, by showcasing the success stories of Canadian companies in Hong Kong, the award programme will generate more understanding about the great potential for business and investment between Hong Kong and Canada. The gala was a launch event of "Hong Kong under Spotlight", co-presented by the HKETO and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Vancouver Section).

     "Hong Kong enjoys economic freedom, rule of law, a sound regulatory system, a level playing field and superb infrastructure," Miss Lo said. "The city also has easier access to the fast growing Mainland markets with our bilateral free trade agreement with the Mainland. Our simple and low taxation appeals to various kinds of businesses. The double taxation avoidance agreement between Canada and Hong Kong has newly come into effect. Overall, it will reduce tax burden and provide incentives for business and investment between Canada and Hong Kong."

     Bing Thom Architects was the recipient of the Outstanding Business Performance Award, which recognises the achievements of Canadian companies with successful business operations in Hong Kong. Bing Thom Architects and the other finalists of this award, Dr Power and White Spot Limited, have demonstrated outstanding operating success, promising growth prospects, sound management, exceptional ideas and active engagement in the community.

     In another category, HootSuite Media Inc was the winner of the Outstanding Business Innovation Award, which recognises the outstanding achievements of Canadian companies in innovation and having successful business operations in Hong Kong. HootSuite Media Inc and the other finalist of the award, Neverblue Media, have demonstrated innovative ideas and concepts for business, as well as sound management, operating success and growth prospects.

     "All these outstanding companies cover different sectors and areas, reflecting the diversity of the Canadian business community well established in Hong Kong. We give our warmest congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients. Their success stories would no doubt inspire others in the local business community to seek and expand their business overseas," Miss Lo said.

     In addition, the Hong Kong Spirit Film Gala, jointly organised by the HKETO and the Vancouver International Film Centre, will be held from March 14 to 16 to feature three Hong Kong films, namely "Cold War", "The Way We Dance" and "Unbeatable".

Ends/Thursday, March 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:02

NNNN