Invest Hong Kong encourages Gansu companies to "go global" via Hong Kong (with photo)
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     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (August 5) hosted a "Hong Kong - Your Platform to Go Global" seminar in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, encouraging companies in Gansu to leverage Hong Kong's business advantages to access overseas markets through Hong Kong.

     The seminar showcased Hong Kong's business advantages and the latest developments in its modern service industry, updating Gansu company representatives on how their companies could expand overseas via Hong Kong. The event was jointly organised by the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, the Department of Commerce (DOC) of Gansu Province, and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Gansu Provincial People's Government. It was also supported by co-organisers including the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Gansu Sub-Council, the Information Office of the Gansu Provincial People's Government and the Bureau of Economic Cooperation of Gansu Province. The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Dr Simon Galpin, and the Vice Governor of Gansu Province, Mr Xia Hongmin, delivered welcome speeches during the seminar.

     In outlining Hong Kong's enduring business advantages, Dr Galpin said, "Hong Kong is known for having a business-friendly environment, free flows of capital and information, free trade and a free market economy, a deep pool of international talent, world-class infrastructure, and a sound and independent legal system, plus a low and stable tax regime. Against this backdrop, it serves as an ideal testing ground for Mainland companies to 'go global'."

     He continued, "As an international city in Asia, Hong Kong offers effective financial, insurance, accounting and legal services, all of which work together to create a comprehensive and modern service industry platform ready to assist Mainland companies. It is also an ideal location for corporate treasury centres. In 2014, Hong Kong ranked second in global foreign direct investment inflows for the first time. Under the 'One Belt, One Road' policy, Hong Kong is well positioned to be the 'super-connector' between Mainland China and the rest of the world and serves as a hub for service professionals in financing, logistics and transportation, as well as legal services and many other areas. InvestHK will strengthen the co-operation with the provinces and cities along the routes and jointly organise investment promotion activities to encourage companies in the regions to use Hong Kong as the platform to 'go global' and promote Hong Kong as the important hub under this policy."

     The Head of the North China Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Mr Matt Hu, also spoke at the seminar, highlighting Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities. He shared examples of successful Mainland companies setting up in Hong Kong and the various types of free services and assistance that InvestHK offers to Gansu companies that intend to make use of Hong Kong to "go global".

     Other speakers at the seminar included Senior Manager, Corporate Marketing Management, Bank of China (HK) Ltd, Mr Choa Kin-chi; Tax Partner, International Tax Services, EY China, Ms Lucy Wang; and Principal Immigration Officer, Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing, Mr Benson Kwok. They talked about how Hong Kong's financing environment and tax advantages can help Gansu companies "go global", and visa arrangements for entry to Hong Kong from the Mainland.

     In the last session of the seminar, a panel discussion entitled "Experience sharing by Gansu institutions" under the theme of "Going Global" was presented by the Deputy Director-General of the DOC of Gansu Province, Mr Zhang Shien; the Deputy Director of the Admin Committee of Lanzhou New Area, Mr Zhang Yongping; the Vice President of Jinchuan Group, Mr Zhang Sanlin; and Deputy General Manager of Baiyin Nonferrous Group, Mr Ma Huizhi. They talked about the policies provided by Gansu governmental departments for supporting local companies to "go global", and success stories from local companies that have a presence in Hong Kong.

     Following the first seminar in Gansu, the InvestHK delegation will head to Beijing to host the second seminar tomorrow (August 6) under the theme of "Innovative Entrepreneurship", presenting Hong Kong's business advantages to local entrepreneurs and start-ups.

About Invest Hong Kong

     InvestHK is the department of the HKSAR 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 at June 2015, InvestHK had assisted over 3 700 companies which have created more than 40 200 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$99 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For an event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157656303203850.

Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:06

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