FS BEGINS HANGZHOU TRIP

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to Hangzhou today by attending a seminar on Hong Kong serving as a multinational supply chain management centre for Mainland enterprises, and touring innovation and technology enterprises.

At the seminar co-organised by Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Shanghai, Mr Chan briefed the management of Zhejiang enterprises on the latest state of the Hong Kong economy and community, and explained to them how the city could assist Mainland enterprises in developing their international businesses, particularly by serving as centre for managing offshore trade and international supply chains.

Mr Chan noted that with changes in the international industry and supply chains, the continued advancement of the Belt & Road Initiative as well as deepening of trade partnerships among Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership economies, coupled with enterprises' own development needs, there will be a greater need for enterprises in the province and the Yangtze River Delta to go global to grasp the enormous business opportunities.

“To prevail in this international game, and make contributions to the dual circulation development of the country, enterprises face both challenges and opportunities in logistics and transport, marketing and sales, investment and establishment of factories, overseas merchandising as well as compliance.

“Hong Kong's professional and high value-added services, and its broad commercial and people-to-people networks can help them achieve greater success,” he said.

The finance chief also pointed out that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong possesses a number of advantages, while Hong Kong people are familiar with international rules and practices, and could create much value for Mainland enterprises in opening up their international business.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomes Mainland enterprises to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing offshore trade and will proactively provide one-stop services to them, such as supply chain management, trade financing, consulting, and talent and corporate training, Mr Chan added.

The Financial Secretary visited three innovation and technology enterprises mainly engaging in smart Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data; biomedical technology, new materials and smart manufacturing; and virtual reality equipment and products.

Mr Chan held exchanges with the representatives of these enterprises to understand the latest technology and products, solutions and development plans.

He introduced to them Hong Kong's latest policy initiatives in attracting businesses and talent, and encouraged them to make use of the city’s advantages, including its fund-raising platform and the free flow of factors production, convergence of talent and world-class professional services, and establish their foothold in the city for expanding international business.

Mr Chan also had lunch with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to learn about their business operations, work and daily lives.

He then had dinner with representatives of Zhejiang enterprises to discuss the latest developments in Hong Kong and the province, sharing with them Hong Kong's business environment, and the outlook and potential for business development in the city.

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