Infra, pro services to improve HK-PH ties

HONG KONG will continue to improve its economic ties with the Philippines through the areas of infrastructure and professional services, an official from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) said.

Margaret Fong, executive director of the HKTDC, is optimistic that there will be new ways of interaction between Hong Kong and the Philippines that can transcend “traditional areas.” The two countries are further engaged in opportunities led by the Belt and Road Initiative, a global policy of the Chinese government on infrastructure development and economic cooperation.

“Whether it is the Philippines market or the Hong Kong market, we provide services that help businesses better manage risk, and more importantly, make business happen,” Fong said in an email interview with The Manila Times. “The HKTDC is committed to this effort.”

Established in 1966, the HKTDC serves as the global marketing arm of Hong Kong- based Margaret Fong, Executive Director of HKTDC manufacturers, traders, and service providers. The organization has two Hong Kong business mission to the Philippines last year. In April 2017, it conducted a mission that focused on the manufacturing sector for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In November, it held another mission that focused on investment opportunities that involved the organization’s major chambers of commerce. It has also opened Kong Toys and Games Fair.

“I am glad to see that our friends from the Philippines had been regular guests at our events in Hong Kong,” Fong said. “We would like to see many more Philippine companies make use of our effective platform in their global ventures.”

Meanwhile, Fong added that 40 exhibitors came from with the Philippines to join the HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair, and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, which she considered the most popular among Philippine exhibitors.

Fong said the HKTDC helps enterprises understand the market by focusing on the trading environment, apart from facilitating networking to assist buyers in the local market in achieving their needs. “We connect companies with

- tory of participating in HKTDC events,” she said. “We invite quality buyers and identify exhibitors who meet their sourcing needs.”

Fong linked this mission to Hong Kong’s centuries of experience as an international hub for trade. “As our role evolved, we have become also a valuable two-way investment hub between enterprises from the Chinese mainland and international markets,” she added.

Citing English and common law as the basis of the country’s business operations, Fong said Hong Kong provides a business environment where international trade risks are

- tion, and people, she said.

“The fact that over 8,200 companies from outside of Hong Kong have set up operations in our city and close to 4,000 of them are

- dence in the open and transparent operating environment of Hong Kong,” Fong added.

Meanwhile, Fong admitted that the HKTDC also wants to help Hong Kong-based companies to effectively connect with the global markets.

“We assist them (companies) to open up new markets and connect with potential partners through various channels, including our trade fairs, conferences, business missions and global network,” she said.

As the executive director, Fong guarantees that her team understands the need of Hong Kongbased businesses to acquire the latest market intelligence as well as effective marketing platforms.

“I personally reach out to our partners and stakeholders around the world to open doors and reinforce our network worldwide,” she said. “At the end of the day, the best indicator is the number of effective business connections made.”

Fong added that the HKTDC’s strategies include attracting the world to Hong Kong. This involves organizing 30 trade exhibitions

world’s largest trade fairs and the region’s premier conferences in

maritime,

invest

- censing, and trading of intellectual property, among others.

“Throughout our work, our added value is our ability to help match buyers with sellers, investors with projects, partner with partner, government with busi nesses,” Fong said.

infrastructure