Hong Kong to host Forbes Global CEO Conference

Hong Kong has been selected as the host city for the Forbes Global CEO Conference, a large-scale international business forum for leading decision- makers within the worldwide business community.

The event is scheduled for Spring 2004. It's the second time this high-profile conference will be held in Hong Kong.

The President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes, Mr Steve Forbes, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, held a signing ceremony today (June 28) to seal the arrangements. Invest Hong Kong will be the host sponsor of the Conference.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, who presided over the contract signing welcomed Mr Forbes back to Hong Kong and the return of the Forbes Global CEO Conference to the city.

"The Forbes events certainly represent a major contribution to our ongoing efforts to reassure investors, businessmen, traders and tourists around the world and we would like to welcome them back to Hong Kong," Mr Leung said.

Mr Forbes said he was delighted Hong Kong would be the host city for next year's Conference.

"The fact that this will be the third year in a row that we are hosting this event in China - Hong Kong last year, Shanghai this year and Hong Kong next year - is testimony to the growing importance of the China market to the global economy," Mr Forbes said.

"Hong Kong, the gateway to China and the region, and a model for other economies with its low tax rate regime, is an ideal location to bring together business leaders from around the world."

Mr Rowse said the Conference was one of the most prestigious and recognised events of its kind.

"As part of the government's economic re-launch initiative, the Conference provides the ideal opportunity to further raise Hong Kong's international profile, promote awareness of the SAR as an investment destination and attract international business," he said.

Hong Kong's excellent infrastructure, high-class venues and cosmopolitan way of life make it an excellent destination for international events like these, he said.

The Forbes Global CEO Conference 2004 will attract regional and global Chief Executive Officers and Presidents, as well as other senior executives from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Mr Rowse said that in late autumn, Hong Kong would also host another major Forbes event - the Award Dinner Ceremony for 'Best under a Billion', Forbes global 200 best small companies.

"The event will recognise outstanding Asia Pacific companies with revenues below US$1 billion. These SMEs are among our key targets to attract to Hong Kong for establishing a business presence," Mr Rowse said.

Invest Hong Kong will also sponsor the Forbes US 2003 CEO Forum to be held in Richmond, Virginia on October 1-3.

The US Forum will help promote Hong Kong's advantages to CEOs and leading business executives in one of Hong Kong's most important markets.

End/Saturday, June 28, 2003