Toronto business people
came out in numbers to hear the Director-General of Invest Hong
Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, speaking at a luncheon seminar in Toronto on
September 15. Mr Rowse had much experience to share - Invest Hong
Kong has helped over 1,500 overseas and Mainland Chinese companies
to establish themselves in Hong Kong.
 Mr
Rowse’s message for Canadian entrepreneurs was strong and
succinct. He encouraged his audience to take advantage of Hong
Kong’s unique two-way “gateway” role, saying, "With a population
of seven million people and 28 million tourists visiting us
annually, Hong Kong itself is a huge market. Many visitors come to
shop for major brand name products because Hong Kong has no GST
and offers the best IP protection."
He stressed Hong Kong’s role as the business co-ordination centre
for China and the region, pointing to Wal-Mart, which opened its
new Asia regional headquarters in Hong Kong in September to
oversee the company's operations in Mainland China, India and
Japan.
Hong Kong’s location offers Canadian business many advantages,
including that of proximity to the massive China market. By
working via a Hong Kong company, Canadians can tap into that
market, and enjoy a built-in exit strategy.
Hong Kong’s location offers convenience, as well. "Some 3,900
overseas and Mainland companies operate regional headquarters or
regional offices in Hong Kong," Mr Rowse said, pointing out that
Beijing and Shanghai and many other Asian business centres are
within a few short hours’ flight of Hong Kong.
Mr Rowse encouraged Canadian businesses to explore the ample
opportunities available with the Closer Economic Partnership
Arrangement, the free-trade agreement between Hong Kong and the
Mainland, that can help them gain privileged access to the China
market.
Finally, Mr Rowse underscored the advantage of working with Invest
Hong Kong, which offers information, business partner matching,
assistance with government departments and a range of other
services, all free of charge.
The luncheon was co-organized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
and the Toronto Section of the Hong Kong-Canada Business
Association with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade
Office in Canada. |
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