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| Tuesday, 9 June 2015, 13:00 HKT/SGT | |
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Source: HKTDC | |
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| Bilateral Collaboration Boosted by new Mutual Cooperation Arrangement |
HONG KONG, June 9, 2015 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 1,500 business people from across Canada took part in the largest-ever Hong Kong promotion in the country yesterday. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and held in Toronto, "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" helps companies from Canada, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland explore business opportunities using the Hong Kong platform.
 | | "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" Toronto Attracts 1,500+ |
HKTDC-Canada Sign Commercial Arrangement
As part of the main symposium, the HKTDC signed an Arrangement on Mutual Cooperation with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) to facilitate collaboration in promotion of commercial activities in areas of mutual interest. The arrangement was signed by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, Canada and Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.
Minister Fast said: "Canada and Hong Kong have a long-standing partnership, strengthened by our people-to-people ties. Hong Kong is an important hub for Canadian exports of goods and services to Asia, and this trade promotion arrangement will help our companies work together to take advantage of the rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region."
Ms Fong added, "We are pleased to conclude this arrangement with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. Based on an already robust trade relationship between Canada and Hong Kong, this arrangement further promotes business opportunities in financial services, logistics, food, technology and intellectual property."
Strong Connections
Guests of honour at the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium were Minister Fast and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, CY Leung.
Speaking at the symposium, Mr Leung said Canada and Hong Kong are extended business partners. "I'm here today, leading a delegation of more than 100 high-profile business leaders and government officials, including 27 from the Mainland of China. We're here, because we believe that our strong and longstanding connections, in business and in culture, offer the promise of a far more rewarding future for our two economies and the companies that drive them," Mr Leung said.
In his welcome remarks, HKTDC Chairman Vincent HS Lo highlighted the mainland's "One Belt, One Road" initiative and Hong Kong's competitive edge as a gateway to mainland and the region.
"The Chinese mainland is committed to market-driven growth, and no-one knows the mainland markets better than we do in Hong Kong," Mr Lo said.
"Our strategic position - not only as the gateway to mainland China but also as the global trade hub in Asia - also gives us a natural advantage as a springboard for international companies entering the Asian market." He also underscored the importance of Hong Kong's world-class professional services in helping Canadian companies navigate Asia's complex markets.
Business Elites
Other high-profile participants included, from Canada, Bob Agnes, Executive VP and General Manager, Asia Pacific Operations for Mitel Networks Corp; Donald Guloien, President and CEO, Manulife; Les Mandelbaum, President, Umbra and Janet De Silva, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Among the Hong Kong delegation were Laura Cha, Chairman, Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong; Norman Chan, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority; James Thompson, Chairman, Crown Worldwide Group and Gao Yingxin, Vice President, Bank of China Limited.
Explore + Connect = Opportunities
More than 150 business leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland interacted with delegates and businesses from Canada. In addition to the main symposium, networking activities were arranged and free onsite consultation services were provided by Hong Kong professional service providers from the accounting, legal, marketing, finance and business services sectors.
In total, more than 860 business-matching sessions were organised to connect Canadian entrepreneurs with business partners from Hong Kong and the mainland.
Industry Insights
Sector specific sessions featured almost 30 expert speakers sharing their insights on the topics of Selling to China and throughout Asia, Chinese outward investment - Hong Kong as the gateway, RMB Internationalisation - A New Era for Global Trade and Finance, and Hong Kong - A Base for Technology Companies to Grow Their Asian Business. Canadian companies were able to get practical tips on how to expand their business in Asia using the Hong Kong platform.
Mission Possible
A number of trade missions are taking place to coincide with the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" promotion. They include a Hong Kong Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Mission to foster ICT partnerships between Hong Kong and North America and a Hong Kong Food and Wine Business Mission to explore potential collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada in such areas as wine, food processing and packaging.
A Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Investment and Partnership Mission is also in Canada to explore investment and partnership opportunities and to learn more about the latest developments in automation, clean manufacturing, renewable energy and energy-efficient technology in North America business matching activities and company visits.
Hong Kong Dinner
More than 450 business and political leaders attended a Hong Kong Gala Dinner this evening. Special guests included the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Ontario.
Next Stop Chicago
"Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" moves to the United States city of Chicago on 10 June. Keynote speakers at the symposium include Stefan Selig, Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade; Gebhard Rainer, President and COO of Coach; Morgan McGrath, Managing Director, Head of International Banking, JP Morgan; Michael Sacks, Vice Chairman, World Business Chicago and Scott Schroeder, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Garrett Brands.
Website:
http://www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/2015/en/index.html
Videos:
Think Asia, Think Hong Kong: https://youtu.be/2BAoxSgqsZY
Note to Editors:
Video package for quick review: http://youtu.be/veXlSn8yPpY
Video package broadcast quality for download: http://gofile.me/2jWLE/zNQkHAz7
Video shot list: http://filesharing.tdc.org.hk/hktdc/download.php?fid=_phpir3Sl6
Download photos: http://filesharing.tdc.org.hk/hktdc/download.php?fid=_phpKXBpiy
Contact:
HKTDC
Communication and Public Affairs Department
Parker Robinson
Tel: +852 2584 4341
Email: parker.robinson@hktdc.org
Topic: Trade Show or Conference
Source: HKTDC
Sectors: Trade Shows, Daily News
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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