 The
powerful trend of globalization, combined with Hong Kong’s ageing
population and its unique type of economy, is prompting Hong Kong
to reach out to other countries, like Canada, to collaborate in
education and the nurturing of talent.
“In a small, externally-oriented economy such as ours, it is the
vitality, entrepreneurship and hard work of our people that keeps
us competitive in an increasingly competitive world,” said Mr.
Michael Suen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
Secretary for Education, during a recent visit to Toronto.
 New
extensions to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA),
the free-trade pact between Hong Kong and China, are opening up
more opportunities for Canadian businesses keen to establish or
further their presence in Mainland China.
Since its signing, CEPA grants easier access to the China market
for Hong Kong-made products and Hong Kong-based service companies.
Canadian entrepreneurs have been quick to see that outsourcing to,
or partnering with a CEPA-qualified manufacturer or service
provider in Hong Kong presents them with a fast-track approach to
the burgeoning Mainland market.
 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."
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