Hong Kong's Biggest U.S. Trade Promotion Opens

NEW YORK, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong," the largest Hong Kong promotion ever launched in the United States, opened today in New York and will move to Los Angeles on June 14. The U.S. campaign highlights Hong Kong's advantages for American companies seeking new business opportunities in Asia, particularly the Chinese mainland.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130611/PH30578LOGO-a )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130611/PH30578LOGO-b )

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive C.Y. Leung is among the more than 200 senior government officials and business leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland on hand for the event, as well as representatives from 12 business and industry sectors. The event in New York attracted over 1200 U.S. corporate leaders, government representatives, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders with a special interest in China and Asia and 800 or more are expected in LA.

Gateway to Opportunity

Chief Executive Leung opened the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium this morning, highlighting Hong Kong's advantages for U.S. business. "Our message to the U.S. business community today is simple," he said. "The best route for your companies to reach the vibrant Chinese and Asian markets is not a straight line on a map, but the route through Hong Kong."

He also added, "When you think of Hong Kong, think of us as the Chief Information Officer, or Chief Knowledge Officer for the mainland of China."

Mr Leung was followed by Francisco J. Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr Sanchez emphasized that, "When we think about doing business in Asia, we have to think about doing business in Hong Kong."

Jack So, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)­­ noted that the economies of Asia offer "new business prospects for companies from the United States." Added Mr So: "We believe these opportunities are best realized through Hong Kong, the prime gateway" to mainland China and Asia in general.

In Los Angeles this Friday, opening-session speakers will include Hong Kong SAR Government Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, California State Controller John Chiang, and Andy Bird, Chairman of Walt Disney International.

Prestigious Speakers

In all, nearly 60 influential speakers from Hong Kong, the U.S. and the mainland are addressing the symposiums and thematic sessions in the two cities, including: Norman T.L. Chan (New York only), Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Dr William Fung, Group Chairman, Li & Fung Ltd, and Stephen Bird, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific Citi.

Thematic Sessions

A series of afternoon sessions are taking place in both cities, offering participants marketing research and other practical information on how U.S. companies can work with Hong Kong to do business in Asia. Topics include technology opportunities, Chinese outbound investment and, in New York, Hong Kong as the global hub for China's offshore renminbi business. In Los Angeles, a special session will focus on entertainment business opportunities in Asia.  Professionals from Hong Kong's accounting, ICT, legal and marketing sectors are offering free business consultation to U.S. participants at "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong."

Business Missions

In addition, five senior Hong Kong business missions, ranging from technology to fashion and fine food and wine are visiting New York, Los Angeles and other U.S. cities this month. They include a Hong Kong-Guangdong joint investment mission seeking opportunities in green technology, manufacturing and fashion, as well as department store executives looking for American brands for the China market. Some 750 business-matching meetings were arranged connecting mission members with U.S. companies.

Supporting Organisations

"Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" is organized by the HKTDC, with support from 14 Hong Kong partners and nearly 120 U.S. organizations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/usa/en/index.html

To view the newly launched Think Asia, Think Hong Kong Video, please click here: http://youtu.be/Ql02yXD-jg4

About the HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)