Hong Kong best place to reach big-spending consumers, Brussels ETO tells Greek businesses (English only) (with photo)
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     Hong Kong is the best place for Greek companies to build their brand name and reach large numbers of big spenders, Greek businessmen were told at seminars organised by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) International Activities Council in Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, on March 17 (Greek time), and in the country's capital, Athens, on March 18. Both seminars were supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO).

     Speaking of the market potential for Greek products, in particular its foodstuffs and beverages, Deputy Representative of the Brussels ETO Miss Alice Choi highlighted that Hong Kong had welcomed over 60 million visitors in 2014.

     "They are highly concentrated in our compacted shopping streets and huge shopping malls. This means that by setting up one retail outlet, or even just occupying a small shelf at one of the busy shops in Hong Kong, you will be able to reach an enormous number of big spenders," she said.

     Companies wishing to build their brand name among Mainland Chinese should sell their products in Hong Kong.

     "This is the most effective way to advertise your products in the Mainland market. They are people willing to pay a premium for quality products, including fine foods and beverages," Miss Choi said.

     Miss Choi said that like Greece, Hong Kong has a strong trading tradition. It has a container port renowned for handling high-value products, and the world's most efficient airport for international cargo.

     "What makes us special is that our highly experienced logistics companies, together with trading and marketing experts, will provide European exporters one-stop service, so that you do not have to worry about all the customs, taxation and legal requirements. The only thing that you have to focus on is how to improve your products to fit the Asian market," she said.

     She added that Hong Kong also welcomes small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Government is strongly supportive of SMEs, which make up over 98 per cent of Hong Kong business establishments.

     The Senior Investment Promotion Executive of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Siegfried Verstappen, explained how innovation and technology start-ups can make use of the various incubation programmes offered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Cyberport and others. He also explained how InvestHK can provide free advice and customised service to any company interested in taking advantage of the business opportunities offered in Hong Kong, and through Hong Kong, in Mainland China and Asia markets.

     Successful entrepreneurs also shared their experience of doing business in Hong Kong. The Business Development Director of Fresh Line, a company that has significant activities in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, Mrs Fotini Voulgari, shared her company's experience with participants at both seminars. The Managing Director Asia, Intraglot Group, Mr Marios Mitromaras, told participants in the Athens seminar about the company's experience of doing business with Hong Kong.

     Other speakers at the seminar in Thessaloniki were the General Director, SEV International Activities Council, Mr Yannis Patsiavos; the Chairman, Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Dimitris Bakatselos; the Chairman, Federation of Industries of Northern Greece, Mr Athanasios Savvakis; and the Chairman, International Business Association, Mr Kyriakos Loufakis. The Chairman, SEV International Activities Council, Dr Athanase Lavidas, addressed participants at the seminar in Athens.

     The presentations were followed by sessions of questions and discussions, as well as individual coaching with Brussels ETO and InvestHK experts.

Ends/Thursday, March 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 01:31

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