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In their fifth joint promotion together, Hong Kong and Fujian province today (April 18) (Birmingham Time April 17) described the business opportunities for British companies in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region of southern China.
Over 100 senior executives from companies in the UK participated in the event in Birmingham - "Hong Kong and Fujian: Your Winning Formula in China." It was organised by Invest Hong Kong of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Fujian Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (DOFTEC). The organisers had previously held similarly successful events in Germany, the US, Canada and Japan.
The Hong Kong and Fujian delegations were led by the Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, Mike Rowse, and the Vice Director-General of Fujian Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Zhang Qiu.
Speakers described both the combined and distinct advantages of Hong Kong and Fujian and the reasons why British companies should be investing and growing their businesses in that region. In particular, Hong Kong as a gateway to access the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and the key business sectors and investment opportunities in Fujian.
Mike Rowse said, "Hong Kong is a natural entry point for British companies to explore China, and a logical place from which to manage China and Asian-wide operations. For historical reasons, Hong Kong and the UK have long been close business partners and the UK remains one of the largest investors in our city, amounting to over ?6 billion. Hong Kong is home to more than 1,000 UK companies and 347 regional offices or headquarters. Our UK business community is vibrant and diverse covering a wide range of sectors, such as business and professional services, technology, telecommunications, engineering and construction, financial services and high-end fashion."
"Fujian offers a very attractive market with strong investment potential for British companies. And these opportunities create demand for world-class business and professional services, a sound and sophisticated financial system and extensive international sales and marketing experience. Hong Kong serves as an ideal strategic hub for British and other overseas investors to expand and manage their businesses in Fujian and the rest of China." Mike Rowse added.
Zhang Qiu said, "Fujian Province is at the juncture of China's most economically developed areas, with the Yangtze River Delta to its north and Pearl River Delta to its south. Being one of the first provinces that opened up to world trade, Fujian is now one of the most dynamic areas in China, with one of the highest economic growth rates. It has a highly educated workforce, and is home to 5,200 scientific and research institutions and 67 higher education institutions producing over 100,000 graduates every year."
"Fujian has developed three pillar industries: electronic and information, machine building and petrochemicals. It is focused on further developing these clusters, as well as a sound investment environment and the supporting infrastructure. By end-2007, 41,663 foreign-invested enterprises had been approved to set up in Fujian."
The one-day programme also included a case study from TAECO, (Taikoo Xiamen Aircraft Engineering Company Limited), a presentation on doing business in Hong Kong and China by HSBC, a question-and-answer session and individual meetings with both Hong Kong and Fujian representatives.
Ends/Friday, April 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:24
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