The Better Hong Kong Foundation’s delegation has just returned after a successful 8-day mission to Germany, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands.
This mission signified the importance that Hong Kong’s major trading partners in Europe, attached to Hong Kong’s geo-economic position and their confidence in its people and business strength in Asia.
Delegates presented state secretaries, ministers, senior government officials and business leaders in host countries with the latest political and economic situation of Hong Kong, its investment outlook and development on technology and innovation.
During the visit, the delegation also held discussions with influential think tanks and non-government organizations on issues of common interest and mutual concerns.
Delegates also met with the senior management of world famous corporations, including Germany’s DaimlerChrysler and Siemens, Finland’s Nokia, Sweden’s Ericsson and Dutch Philips.
The mission toured science parks in Berlin, Stockholm and Amsterdam, and discussed Hong Kong’s partnership prospects with them. The group also addressed at luncheons and dinners hosted by important forums and business associations in Berlin, Munich, Helsinki, Stockholm and Amsterdam.
Delegation leader and Foundation’s Chief Executive, George Yuen described the mission a tremendous success as Hong Kong had a content-rich and laudable story to tell and continued to capture the interest of its major trading partners in Europe.
“Clearly the visit has been an eye-opening experience for there are so many to learn especially on issues such as human resource and research and development, being key components in building a successful technology and innovation hub since Hong Kong is working towards this goal.
The mission has also established links with major think tanks and NGOs on future educational exchange and business partnership.” Mr. Yuen added.
Among the delegates were distinguished members in Hong Kong’s business and academic communities, including Professor LAU Siu Kai, Associate Director, Hong Kong Institute of Asia Pacific Studies, the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Professor Francis LUI, Director, Centre for Economic Development, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Mr. Daniel FUNG, Senior Counsel, Des Voeux Chamber and former Solicitor-General, Hong Kong Government; Mr. Peter LO, CEO, Provisional Hong Kong Science Park/Hong Kong Industrial Estates and Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre; Dr. SUDIRTO, President Director, PT Bomar Securities, a member of the CP Group; Ms. Anne CHEN, Partner, Wlkinson & Grist; and Ms. Bing-ling CHOW, Vice President, Wong’s Electronics. For the first time, a Hong Kong Government Principal Investment Consultant from Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Europe, Mr. Y. C. TAM, had joined the Foundation-led business mission.
At public forums and business meetings, Professor Lau briefed the interlocutors on Hong Kong’s constitutional development, major social issues after the Handover, public aspirations and political landscape in years ahead. Professor Lui asserted the importance of Hong Kong in Asia Pacific as an international business centre and a gateway to China. Foreign investors would benefit from their investment and partnership with Hong Kong corporations or using it as a regional base to China. China’s imminent accession to WTO would provide even greater business opportunities for Hong Kong, especially in the financial and service sectors, for there would be many more and bigger commercial activities to be realised in much vigor.
As a keynote speaker at business gatherings, Mr. Daniel Fung articulated the four pillars of strength for Hong Kong’s continued top rank as the freest economy in the world. The level-playing field practice, the WTO business compliance, the zero tolerance for corruption and the rule of law make up the formula for Hong Kong’s success. Mr. Fung further remarked, “In keeping abreast with today’s knowledge economy and trade globalization, Hong Kong is expanding its business portfolio to embark on a bold and visionary infrastructure development on technology and innovation, such as Cyberport and science parks, and a mission-critical education, and human resource policy and strategy package to upgrade the quality of our work force.”
Delegate Peter Lo capitalised the visit to introduce his three related technology and industrial organizations to business communities and prospective clients. Additionally, Mr. Lo had initiated partnership discussions with the science parks in the host countries.
Mr. George Yuen thanked the governments of host countries and their consuls-general in Hong Kong for organising such a high-level visit. He also gratefully acknowledged the support of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the visit.
“Equally important, we have a great team in our successful endeavours to Europe as every body did an excellent job in conveying the right message.
Mr. Yuen added, “We all took part in useful dialogues pivotal to future co-operation, business ties and educational exchanges. We will keep up our good efforts and build on our relations with opinion leaders, business community, research institutes, non government organizations overseas for the economic health and public well-being of Hong Kong”
For enquiries, please contact Ms. Jocelyn Cheung, Better Hong Kong Foundation by telephone at (852) 2861-2622, fax at (852) 2861-3361 or by Email: jocelyn_cheung@betterhongkong.org
The Better Hong Kong Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit, non-political organization, formed by leading Hong Kong business people to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as the leading regional, financial, shipping, trading, communication and technology center. The Foundation also serves to enhance greater international understanding between East and West by facilitating communications between Hong Kong, China and the international community.