Canadian entrepreneurs could benefit from many advantages
offered by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA)
between Hong Kong and the Mainland. This was one of the messages
heard by Deputy Premier and Minister of International and
Intergovernmental Relations of Alberta, Mr. Ron Stevens, on his
recent visit to Hong Kong.
In a meeting with the Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and
Economic Development, Mrs. Rita Lau, Mr. Stevens explored
further opportunities for Alberta businesses to work with Hong
Kong companies to tap the potential of the China market.
 Alberta
and Hong Kong enjoy strong business and social ties stretching
back many years. Alberta has had a Hong Kong Office since 1981,
helping numerous Alberta companies establish and expand their
presence in the region.
The Alberta-based Banff Centre has a MOU with the Hong Kong
Cyberport on R&D, scientific and professional exchange, and the
fostering of technology and business partnerships of SMEs in the
digital media sector in Hong Kong and Alberta.
Hong Kong also welcomed the establishment of the Alberta
International Business Partnership Programme Office at Hong
Kong's Science Park in November 2008. With its Biotechnology
Centre, Solar Energy R&D Support Centre, and many other
resources, Hong Kong Science Park offers infrastructure and
service support for Canadian firms to develop and commercialise
their innovative ideas to tap into the huge China market, as
well as Asian regions.
Mrs. Lau and Mr. Stevens exchanged views on further
collaboration between the two economies in the sectors of
commerce and trade and innovation/creative industries. Mrs. Lau
took the opportunity to fully brief Mr. Stevens on the potential
afforded by the recent expansions to CEPA, including the mining
sector, which is of particular interest to Alberta. |
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