InvestHK Presents the Business Benefits of Internationalising via Hong Kong to Fujian Enterprises

Fuzhou, June 17: InvestHK launched the Fujian series of seminars of the “On Your Marks, Get-set, Go!” three-year nationwide marketing campaign.  The purpose of the seminars is to show Fujian enterprises the benefits of using Hong Kong as their springboard to go global.

Over 300 private-owned-enterprises (POEs) joined high-level government and business officials to hear the business advantages and details of the free services InvestHK can provide to ensure their business set up and expansion in Hong Kong is a success.  InvestHK is the award winning department of the Hong Kong SAR Government responsible for attracting and growing foreign and Mainland investment into Hong Kong.

Opening the event, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, encouraged Fujian enterprises to leverage the unique business attributes of Hong Kong to go global, “Our well-established professional service industries and the experienced multi-lingual workforce can assist Fujian enterprises to go out and reach the world.  Additionally, as one of the international logistics hubs and tourist centres with profound experience in conducting international business, Hong Kong serves as an ideal platform of corporate development and capacity build-up for Fujian enterprises.”

Mr Mike Rowse, Director-General of Investment Promotion said, “There are over 50 Fujian-related enterprises listed in Hong Kong, with a total raised-fund of HKD15 billion.  In 2007, 47 Fujian enterprises have set up companies or subsidiaries in Hong Kong and the total investment was over HKD 230 million.  The entrepreneurial spirit of companies from Fujian in partnership with Hong Kong’s international business environment and the world’s freest economy provides a winning combination.  We are delighted to partner with local government and business leaders to enhance the global competitiveness of local companies in Fujian.”

Fujian Province is situated on the southeastern coast of China, at the juncture of China’s economically most developed areas: Yangtze River Delta to its north and Pearl River Delta to its south.  For the past thirty years, Fujian has sustained a high rate of economic growth, and in the last decade its GDP has grown annually by 12.5% on average and the per capita annual average growth rate has reached 11.3%, both being among the highest in the country. 

“These seminars are designed to reinforce the business benefits of using Hong Kong as a gateway to internationalise and to make POEs aware of the free services and advice InvestHK can provide to ensure the successful set up and development of their businesses in Hong Kong,” added Mr Rowse. 

The seminar outlined the business and especially the marketing and finance advantages Hong Kong represented for Mainland companies wanting to expand internationally.  After opening remarks from, Mr Ye, the Vice Governor of Fujian Provincial Government, the audience heard information, case studies and practical tips on investing in Hong Kong as well as having the opportunity to share experiences during question and answer sessions.  The presentations covered Hong Kong’s economic development and the opportunities it offers, the benefits of brand creation, marketing and exhibiting to a global audience and fundraising and listing in Hong Kong.

A press conference was held after the opening ceremony, at which Mr Ma and Mr Rowse briefed the media on how Hong Kong is the perfect springboard for Mainland companies to go international.  They also provided details of the ‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Go’ nationwide marketing campaign.

The three-year campaign comprises three distinct phases.

‘On Your Marks’ covers promotional activities aimed at raising awareness among China’s growing class of POEs of business opportunities in Hong Kong.  This stage includes a targeted nationwide advertising and editorial campaign, followed by large-scale seminars highlighting opportunities in Hong Kong.

‘Get-Set’ is a series of smaller, focused workshops designed to equip local companies with the information and tools to develop an overseas business strategy, using Hong Kong as a stepping stone.

‘Go’ the final stage is a series of visits to Hong Kong.  Tailored programmes will allow companies that are seriously setting up in Hong Kong to better understand the market, to meet relevant industry associations and to identify business partners, clients and premises.

Interested companies will be assisted by InvestHK’s investment promotion units based in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

InvestHK is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas companies establish or expand a business presence in Hong Kong.  For more information: www.InvestHK.gov.hk.

Ends/17 June 2008