Ventures Dialogue

“Hong Kong Trader” – Complimentary e-delivery of business intelligence that matters to you (http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/hkti/en/index.htm)

Canadian businesses interested in accessing business opportunities in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the region may be interested to note that the HKTDC e-Hong Kong Trader has recently been revamped into a weekly publication. The new content-enriched Trader features news and insights that matter to businesses, with a focus on dynamic Hong Kong and the rapidly evolving Chinese mainland market. 

In today’s extremely challenging business environment, the HKTDC research and editorial teams have re-engineered the Hong Kong Trader to maximize its information value to China-focused businesses around the world by:

• Enhancing overseas companies’ awareness of Hong Kong’s unique strengths as the gateway to the Chinese mainland and the region.
• Providing information on how HKTDC’s world-class trade fairs are enhancing Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s sourcing centre. HKTDC fairs are becoming the preferred platform for launching products and services into the Asian market, and the Trader will keep its recipients informed on how and when to realize these opportunities. 
• Ensuring that readers are up-to-date on Hong Kong’s growing role as a technology trading platform for Asia, and particularly the mainland. Hong Kong is strengthening its international presence in this area through tech-focused trade fairs and growing technology alliances with overseas partners.

To benefit from the Hong Kong Trader for free, and customize your newsfeed to the industries and areas you want to focus on, please complete the simple subscription at:  http://info.hktdc.com/enews_en/index.asp. For further information, interested parties are also welcome to contact Lily Kam of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594 or email: lily.kam@hktdc.org.

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The Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC), in partnership with The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, would like to invite Canadian companies to join the

Canadian Financial Mission to Hong Kong

January 19 – 23, 2010

The major objectives of this Mission are:

• To attend the Asian Financial Forum (AFF), January 20 – 21, 2010, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
• To join the optional additional programmes for overseas and Chinese Mainland delegates, January 22, 2010

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2010 (www.asianfinancialforum.com)

January 20 – 21, 2010, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) is a unique platform for our Canadian delegates to network with over 1,000 international delegates, obtain intelligence and exchange views on the opportunities and challenges facing Asia in the current dynamic global financial environment. Co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, AFF 2010 will bring together the most influential members of the global financial community to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic markets of Asia. Under the theme “Asia in the New Economic Order”, the event will provide participants with insights on various current issues like Asia’s role in global financial markets, the investment opportunities in different regions, the implications of China’s domestic market and the internationalization of the RMB for the global economy, as well as topics relating to energy, natural resources and infrastructure financing. A “Deal Source” business matching session will also provide interested delegates the platform to discuss individual projects and business interests with potential partners.

Who should join this Mission?

This mission is organized for Canadian bankers, institutional investors, fund managers, business leaders, senior executives of leading corporations and other key financial players to build new contacts, gather the latest intelligence and explore business opportunities with the focus on China and the rest of Asia.

Tentative Programme

January 19, 2010 or before          Arrival in Hong Kong

January 20 – 21, 2010                   Participation in the Asian Financial Forum

January 22, 2010                           Participation in the optional additional programmes for overseas delegates

• Option A: Visit to the Pearl River Delta, Chinese Mainland including visit to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and meetings with local government officials and business representatives; Or
• Option B: Programme in Hong Kong including visit to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and networking events

January 23, 2010                           Departure from Hong Kong or extended stay

Participation Fee and Registration

There is no administration fee required for Canadian companies registering to join this mission. Delegates are responsible for their respective airfares, hotel accommodation and incidental expenses. The registration fee for the January 20 – 21, 2010 Asian Financial Forum is US$800. However, there are a limited number of complimentary AFF registrations for members of this Canadian Mission, first-come-first-served. Participation in the January 22, 2010 additional programme in Hong Kong is complimentary, and in the Pearl River Delta programme is at cost (details to be announced).

To register for this mission or for additional information, please contact Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council Toronto Office, at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594, email: andrew.yui@hktdc.org, or Fax: (416) 366-1569.

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Hubert Li is one of the lucky ones. Since opening the Hong Kong Wine Vault almost two years ago, he has been able to turn his passion for wine into a profession.
Mr Li’s wine-storage facility in Wong Chuk Hang, just outside the Aberdeen Tunnel, covers 30,000 square feet, spread over five floors, with three of those floors currently in use. The Vault, at present, has about 40 clients and some 150 cellars, with a total capacity of about 150,000 bottles.
A private collector, Mr Li was running out of space when the Hong Kong Government removed all duties on wine last year. A dinner table conversation with some like-minded friends soon led to a business built on what they saw as a golden opportunity.
“We originally started the business for our own use,” Mr Li explains. “But we have expanded because demand for such facilities has been so great. My partners had quite a lot of wine stored abroad, but the removal of the wine tax meant they wanted to bring it all here, so they could see it and sample it when they wanted.’’

Spawning Ideas

Mr Li says removing the wine duty first brought more attention to the wine industry – and then people started to think more about how they might become involved.
“It has made a huge difference in terms of interest and opportunities,” he says. “Without it, we never would have started our business.’’

Continue reading ‘Stellar Cellar Business’

Invitation to participate in the Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair, November 4 – 6, 2009

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association, the Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair will bring distributors, manufacturers and buyers of a wide variety of medical devices and supplies from around the world, under one roof at the same time, to discuss business co-operation, exchange intelligence and to capitalize on the timely opportunities created by the surging worldwide health expenditure including the recently-announced 850-billion yuan medical care reform package in China.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide expenditure on health now exceeds US$4.1 trillion a year and has been increasing as a percentage of GDP among all major economies. This phenomenon has been further strengthened by outbreaks of bird flu, SARS and, most recently, H1N1 influenza.

Hong Kong has long been a leading international sourcing and trading hub as a result of its central geographical location. The new fair will be the focal point for manufacturers and distributors of medical devices and supplies, together with end-users from around the world, to reach out to their target markets.

Through the fair, manufacturers can line up with buyers from both mature and emerging markets. Many device manufacturers will come to source products from medical component manufacturers. They can also identify reputable distributors to gain a foothold in the lucrative Asia market, in particular the China market, given its strong domestic consumption and purchasing power. Continue reading ‘Market diversification opportunity for Canadian manufacturers and exporters of medical devices and supplies’

Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang put it simply in his February 2008 budget address. In announcing the abolition of wine duties in Hong Kong, he said the government wanted to spur an entire industry into action. The results have been impressive, to say the least.

In the year ending March 2009, Hong Kong’s wine imports soared to US$412.5 million. That’s a year-on-year increase of about 80 per cent – thanks to the scrapping of wine duties.

The Financial Secretary continues to spread the good word on wine in his travels this year. He’s eager to drum up business and to let the international market know just how vibrant the wine trade in Hong Kong has become.

“The wine industry predicts the Asia market to boom in the next decade,” Mr Tsang explained to a “Hong Kong – Asia’s Wine & Gourmet Centre” luncheon, held at a vineyard in the historic wine-growing region of Napa Valley, California, earlier this year.

“In the mainland of China alone, wine imports are estimated to reach US$870 million by 2017. This would account for 58 per cent of the projected market for wine in Asia, excluding Japan.

“Hong Kong,” he added, “is well placed to facilitate the growth of the wine market in our region.”

That’s putting it mildly. There has been an impressive growth in opportunities on the ground in Hong Kong, according to wine industry players, as well as a rapid rise in interest in wine among the general public. In short, the city is a getting a taste for the business of wine – and fast.

A report released in April this year by British industry consultants the International Wine and Spirit Record found that wine consumption in Hong Kong is expected to surge by a third, to 4.2 litres per capita by 2012, which would make it the highest in the region.

Urban Winery

That spells opportunity for companies such as 8th Estate. Hong Kong’s first “urban winery,” 8th Estate is situated in an industrial building in Hong Kong’s Ap Lei Chau district. Continue reading ‘Grape Expectations’

Canadian companies in the optical industry are invited to join the Canadian Buying Mission to the 17th Hong Kong Optical Fair scheduled for November 4 – 6, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This mission is co-organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Toronto Office, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The objective is to assist Canadian companies in diversifying their sourcing and business activities, expanding their contact network and obtaining the latest industry intelligence.

Celebrating its 17th edition, the HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009 is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA).

Notably one of the leading optical fairs in Asia, the fair attracted over 10,000 trade buyers from 96 countries and regions in 2008. A total of 523 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, representing the optical design, manufacturing, retail and related services sectors, took part. They included first-time exhibitors from Spain and the Netherlands, as well as group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The fair reaffirmed its worldwide reputation as the leading one-stop business platform for international buyers and exhibitors to connect and build business. Continue reading ‘Cdn Buying Mission to HK Optical Fair 2009′

Canadian Environment Trade Mission to Hong Kong
October 26 – November 1, 2009

This mission is organized for Canadian environmental companies interested in expanding their business to China and Hong Kong. Companies with technologies, equipment, products and/or services in air quality, energy efficiency, waste management & recycling, water & wastewater treatment, renewable energy and eco-friendly products are encouraged to participate.

Co-organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), this mission aims at assisting participants to find potential business and partnership opportunities, access to targeted business networks and first-hand market intelligence.

This initiative is supported by the Canada China Environment Forum (CCEF), Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), as well as the Provincial Governments of Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

The mission programme will help delegates find:
• Potential business partnership opportunities
• Access to targeted business networks
• First-hand market intelligence
• An opportunity to participate in the concurrent Eco Expo Asia international trade fair and conference on environmental protection (http://ecoexpoasia.hktdc.com/).

Highlights of the programmes include: a special programme consisting of a market briefing session, roundtable discussion with industry experts, pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings with key Hong Kong and China businesses and other networking activities on October 27, 2009. There is no registration fee required for joining this mission. Delegates are responsible for their respective airfares, hotel accommodation and incidental expenses. Group programmes will be sponsored. Delegates are also eligible to apply for partial hotel accommodation sponsorships. For more information, contact Adrian Cheng or Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594 or email: adrian.ch.cheng@hktdc.org, jill.chien@tdc.org.hk. The registration deadline is September 30, 2009.

This mission is designed for participation by those Canadian companies which are involved in natural health products, life sciences, and health care and are interested in expanding their business to China and Hong Kong. 

Co-organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), this mission aims at assisting participants to find potential business and partnership opportunities, access to targeted business networks and first-hand market intelligence.

This initiative is supported by BioNova, Nova Scotia’s Biotechnology and Life Sciences Industry Association, the Canadian Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet), Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Monte Jade Science & Technology Association, Western Canada, Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI), Western Canadian Functional Food & Natural Health Product Network (WCFN) as well as the Provincial Governments of Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Highlights of the programmes include: a special programme consisting of briefing session, roundtable discussion, pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings, site visits and networking activities on August 12, 2009, and participation in the International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM) starting on August 13. There is no registration fee required for joining this mission. Delegates are responsible for their respective airfares, hotel accommodation and incidental expenses. Group programmes will be sponsored. Delegates are also eligible to apply for partial hotel accommodation sponsorships. For the full announcement and registration form of this mission, interested parties please contact Adrian Cheng or Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel. No.: (416) 366-3594 or email: adrian.ch.cheng@hktdc.org, jill.chien@tdc.org.hk. The full announcement of the mission can also be available from the following website: http://202.64.102.92/hktdc/download.php?fid=_phpsVSgCA

The registration deadline is July 3, 2009.   

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The sixth edition of HKTDC Summer Sourcing Show for Gifts, Houseware and Toys, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from July 6 to 9, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A major mid-year sourcing event, the fair allows international buyers to place last-minute orders for the coming holiday season and size up global market trends.

In 2008, Summer Sourcing Show attracted nearly 20,000 buyers from 83 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. Buyers from emerging markets, including Brazil, India, the Middle East, Russia and South Africa also took part in the fair. Continue reading ‘Canadian Buying Mission to Summer Sourcing Show in Hong Kong, July 6-9, 2009′

Stockwell Day, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, sees Hong Kong as a springboard to the great business opportunities of China. Leading a trade mission to China last month, the Minister expects trade relations between the two countries to more than triple in the next decade.

During his stay in Hong Kong, he was interviewed by the HKTDC Editor. A webcast interview and an article have subsequently been produced. To share the Minister’s advice, below are the links to the hktdc.com webcast interview and to the e-Hong Kong Trader article:

Webcast interview:

http://www.hktdc.com/info/webcast/en/webcast.htm

Hong Kong Trader article “City of Hope”:

http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/hkti/en/index.htm

The Hong Kong Trader is a weekly e-publication featuring news and insights that matter to business, with a focus on dynamic Hong Kong and the rapidly evolving Chinese mainland market. Interested parties can subscribe to the Hong Kong Trader on a complimentary basis, and customize their newsfeed to the industries and areas of their interest. Below is the link to the subscription page:

http://info.hktdc.com/enews_en/index.asp