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Logistics and shipping enterprises in Tianjin were encouraged to "Go Global" in a seminar hosted by Invest Hong Kong today (April 29).
The seminar, titled "Hong Kong-Your Platform to Go Global: Logistics and Maritime Development", was co-organised with the Commercial Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Tianjin Commission of Commerce. Supporting organisations included the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China. Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Miss Victoria Tang; Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of Commerce Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the CPG in the HKSAR, Mr Yang Yi; and Assistant Inspector of Tianjin Commission of Commerce, Mr Xiao Dong; delivered welcome speeches. Supporting organisations include the Financial Affairs Office of Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the Office of Border Control Service of Tianjin Municipal Government, Tianjin Transport and Logistics Association, Tianjin Federation of Industry and Commerce as well as the Tianjin Development Holdings Ltd.
In her remarks, Miss Tang said, "Both Hong Kong and Tianjin enjoy well-equipped and conveniently-located port facilities. The two cities also maintain very close economic and trade ties. Tianjin is at the centre of the Bohai Economic Sphere, and embodies the cultural influence of North China evident in cities like Beijing and Tianjin while displaying the attraction of a growing marine economy. Over 100 Tianjin companies were set up in Hong Kong, and as at the end of 2010, nine Tianjin companies are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange."
Highlighting Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities for Tianjin logistics and shipping companies, Miss Tang said, "Hong Kong has world-class transport and logistics infrastructure, including first rate roads and rail links, the world's busiest cargo airport and the world's third busiest container ports. Its strategic geographical location enables goods to be delivered to half of the world's population within a five hour flight, including Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Australia and Southeast Asia.
"As an international financial centre, Hong Kong offers a wide range of quality professional services in the legal, arbitration, insurance and capital raising sectors, to meet the needs of Mainland shipping companies in building up their international operations. The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement also grants Hong Kong registered shipping companies preferential policy for operating in the Mainland," Miss Tang added.
At the seminar, Partner of Tax and China Business Advisory Services of PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd, Ms Cathy Jiang; Deputy Representative of Beijing Representative Office of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, Ms Judy Huang; and President of Hong Kong Logistics Association, Mr Stephen Cheng spoke about Hong Kong's advantages in taxation; public listing and the maritime industry, encouraging Tianjin logistics and shipping companies to leverage Hong Kong's facilities and excellent services, particularly the flexible and diversified capital raising platform.
Vice President of Business Development of DTW Supply Chain Management, Ms Sharon Ma, shared with participants of the seminar the company's successful experience in setting up logistics and shipping business in Hong Kong.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the HKSAR Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,100 investment projects creating over 26,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$57 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157626471435053.
Ends/Friday, April 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:59
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