New business support service for overseas investors

Invest Hong Kong has launched a new value-added service for overseas investors interested in establishing themselves in Hong Kong and exploring business opportunities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD).

The 'Business Concierge Service Scheme' offers a list of pre-qualified service providers for potential investors.

The scheme has been developed to promote the strategic role of Hong Kong as the ideal location for foreign investors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to set up an office to oversee business operations in the PRD.

Services under the scheme will be available through service providers in the private sector and will cover a range of business development and support services in the planning, organisation and implementation of inbound visit programmes for investors.

"With this new scheme, potential foreign investors will be able to conduct visits to the Pearl River Delta, directly arranged by the pre-qualified service providers," the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Ophelia Tsang, said today (June 4).

She said the new opportunities brought by the Mainland-Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and China's entry into the WTO had increased foreign investors' interest in exploring business opportunities in the Mainland via Hong Kong.

Invest Hong Kong invited proposals and conducted a pre-qualification exercise for service providers. It compiled a list of qualified 'Business Concierge Service Providers' for interested companies and individuals.

To qualify, service providers must demonstrate proficiency and experience in organising business and investment visit programmes, have solid business exposure in China, and have a strong network of enterprises and officials in the PRD region to support and facilitate visits by potential investors.

The services provided include:

* Planning, organising and implementing the visit programme, including a briefing by Invest Hong Kong and a cross-border trip to the PRD to visit enterprises and institutions;

* Arranging and providing all necessary logistics support; and

* Arranging and facilitating meetings with PRD government officials, key business partners and suppliers.

Investors will have sole discretion on whether to use the service and the selection of service provider. Their choice need not be limited to those on the concierge list.

"We believe the 'Business Concierge Service' will provide potential investors with value added assistance in making more informed decisions about their investment in the Greater PRD region. Invest Hong Kong will continue to provide free advice and information to new and current foreign investors, with the aim of attracting and retaining foreign investment in Hong Kong," Ms Tsang said.

Further details are available on Invest Hong Kong's website at www.investhk.gov.hk

Ends/Friday, June 4, 2004