HKETO, Brussels celebrates 18th anniversary of HKSAR with business seminar and VIP dinner in Rotterdam (English only) (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) celebrated the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with a business seminar and VIP dinner in Rotterdam, the Netherlands yesterday (June 30, Rotterdam time).

     The afternoon business seminar, followed by a networking cocktail reception and a dinner, was co-organised by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands; Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK); the City of Rotterdam; the Port of Rotterdam; Rotterdam Partners; and Finnair.

     Speakers at the seminar were Investment Promotion Executive, InvestHK, Mr Jesus Rodriguez, and Director, UK, Benelux and Ireland, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr David Marsden, who explained the advantages of Hong Kong when doing business in Asia; Chairman, the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, Mr Hans Poulis, and two Dutch businessmen who gave presentations on their personal experience of doing business with Hong Kong.

     Welcoming participants and guests to the dinner, the Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, said that the past 18 years had been a huge success story for Hong Kong, which had firmly established itself as the "super-connector" between China and the rest of the world.

     "More and more companies have noticed Hong Kong's strengths as a Special Administrative Region of China under the 'one country, two systems' principle.  Being part of China, we enjoy preferential treatments in trade and market access.  But because of the 'two systems', you can do business with China in accordance with international practices with a high degree of transparency and certainty".

     Turning to recent and upcoming opportunities, Miss Choi mentioned the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect launched last November and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect anticipated to come into operation later this year.  Hong Kong is also well-positioned to play a central role in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

     "I invite Dutch companies, and investors, to join up and get your business to a new horizon under this 'One Belt, One Road' umbrella," she said.

     Miss Choi also invited more smart and creative talents to come to Hong Kong, saying they could benefit from the recently-relaxed immigration arrangements for entrepreneurs, young qualified people and start-ups.  

     Other speakers at the dinner included George Ammerlaan, Director, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands and Mr Poulis.

Ends/Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:08

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