HKTDC’s Largest US Services Promotion Set for June in New York and Los Angeles
March 26, 2013 – The largest Hong Kong promotion ever to take place in the United States will be held this summer to showcase Hong Kong’s advantages for American companies looking to tap new business opportunities in Asia, particularly on the Chinese mainland.
“Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” will feature symposiums in New York and Los Angeles, June 11 and 14 respectively. Speakers will include CY Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and more than 60 prominent senior executives from global companies. The event is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with support from 14 Hong Kong partners and close to 100 US organisations.
US-Hong Kong Ties
“As the global economic balance continues to shift to Asia, Hong Kong is the ideal business platform from which to access the myriad regional opportunities now available in the growing ASEAN area and the Chinese mainland,” said HKTDC Chairman Jack So. “Our low taxes, free economy, rule of law, English-speaking environment and world-class business services make us the preferred partner for any overseas businesses wishing to tap these growing possibilities.”
There are approximately 1,400 US firms in Hong Kong, concentrated in trading, banking and finance, and transport. As of October 2012, there were 869 US companies with their regional headquarters or regional offices in Hong Kong, more than any other country.
In response to the US's National Export Initiative, the HKTDC launched the Pacific Bridge Initiative (PBI) in November 2010, to encourage American companies to work with Hong Kong in exporting to the Asian region. Since PBI’s implementation, the number of successful instances of US companies exporting to Hong Kong increased by 54.8 percent, to 353, as of November 2012.
US exports to Hong Kong from 2010 to 2012 grew by 41 per cent, to more than US$37 billion. Over the past decade (2003-2012), US exports to Hong Kong have surged 177 per cent.
Asian Market Opportunities
The Think Asia, Think Hong Kong sessions will focus on why US companies should use Hong Kong’s business advantages. They will also look at how Chinese enterprises have been expanding their international presence through Hong Kong, and what mainland companies are looking for in global partners.
In addition, some 10 industry sessions will take place. These will provide practical tips on selling consumer brands to mainland China and throughout Asia, explore technology partnership opportunities, discuss finance-related topics, spotlight the latest trends in the mainland’s outbound investment and look at Hong Kong-mainland collaborations in film and digital entertainment.
High-Profile Networking
More than 100 Hong Kong government officials and business leaders from a wide spectrum of sectors, including lifestyle products, fashion, food and wine, technology, finance, accounting, legal, logistics and marketing, will take part in Think Asia, Think Hong Kong. Business-matching sessions will be organised with US companies onsite. The TATHK campaign is expected to attract more than 2,000 American corporate leaders, government representatives, heads of SMEs and opinion leaders with a special interest in Asia.
Think Asia, Think Hong Kong Website
http://www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/usa/en/index.html
US Success Stories (video and text)
http://www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/usa/en/intel_successstories.html
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:
Hong Kong Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
New York Carol Kwok Tel: (1) 212 838 8688 Email: carol.lm.kwok@hktdc.org