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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government today (April 8, Mexico time) held a seminar in Mexico City to promote the combined business advantages of the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region.
The seminar, entitled "Hong Kong and Zhuhai: Your Business Partners in China", began with welcoming remarks by the Director General for Asia Oceania and Multilateral Organisations of the Ministry of Economy, Mexico, Mr Roberto Zapata, and opening remarks by the President of Asia-Pacific Region of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology, Mr Sergio Ley, and the Consul-General of Mexico in Hong Kong, Ms Alicia Buenrostro Massieu. This was followed by keynote addresses delivered by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and the Deputy Director of Administration, Committee of Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai, Mr Wang Ruisen.
In his speech to about 180 senior business executives in Mexico City, Mr Galpin highlighted the unique advantages that Hong Kong has in the GPRD, which is the most affluent region in China with gross domestic product exceeding US$665 billion. He said, "Hong Kong has its own rule of law, a low and simple tax system, free flows of capital and information, deep pools of qualified talent, and a level playing field. All these make our city the perfect springboard for Mexican companies to access Zhuhai and the GPRD in their expansion."
He added, "Hong Kong is not only popular for multinationals with global functions but is also increasingly a magnet for entrepreneurs. Whether you are a multinational or a start-up, you're welcome to make good use of our city's strategic business advantages to start or expand your business in Asia."
Mr Wang said, "Zhuhai has witnessed unprecedented development opportunities in recent years. The Central Government sanctioned preferential policies not found anywhere else in China to stimulate the Hengqin New Area's growth in financial innovation, land administration, customs clearance, taxation, industry and information technology. Mexican enterprises should make full use of Zhuhai's advantageous location neighbouring Hong Kong and Zhuhai's competitive production costs to tap into the flourishing market in south China."
Other speakers in the seminar included the Managing Director of Smartmaps NEUS, Mr Alfredo Vélazquez Baranda; Founder Partner of La Nao Group Mr Evaristo Treviño Berlanga; the Assistant Manager of Latin Department of CWCC, Mr Javier Huerta; and the Coordinator for Internationalisation of ProMéxico, Mr Miguel Angel Leaman. They talked about their respective experiences in expanding business in Hong Kong and the GPRD, and practical tips on how to succeed in Hong Kong and the Mainland markets.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 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 of December 2013, InvestHK had completed over 3 090 investment projects creating more than 34 900 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$82 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157643290638644/ .
Ends/Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 13:15
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