Ventures Dialogue

Hong Kong’s academic research and education on biological science and medicine had a good reputation and ranked among the best in the Asia-Pacific region, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Duncan Pescod, said recently at a conference.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Denmark Joint Conference on Nanomedicine and Synthetic Biology at Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Pescod said the conference marked a step towards closer collaboration on science and technology as a direct result of the collaboration agreement on science and technology signed by Hong Kong and Denmark in May 2009.

“Under the agreement, biotechnology and medical life science, nanotechnology and advanced materials, solar energy and energy efficiency were identified as areas where our initial collaboration efforts are most likely to bear fruit,”  he added.

Deputy Director General, Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Hans Muller Pedersen, said the co-operation agreement was an important point to enhance the exchange of knowledge between Hong Kong and Denmark.

As a follow-up to this agreement, the Hong Kong and Danish governments have jointly organised the conference to explore the latest issues in the development of nanotechnology and synthetic biology.  Continue reading ‘Hong Kong among best in biological science and medicine in Asia-Pacific’

China is gaining increasing influence on the global economy and it is time for Hong Kong and Canada to strengthen co-operation by collaborating and complementing each other to make the most of these opportunities, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Professor K C Chan, said in Toronto on March 8 at a mining convention.

Speaking at a seminar on “Listing and Capital Raising in Hong Kong for Mining and Natural Resources Companies” of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC 2010), Professor Chan said Hong Kong could serve as the financial gateway for Canadian companies to reach the Asian market in the same way that Canada served as a gateway for Hong Kong companies to invest in the North American market.
 
He called on Canadian companies to consider listing in Hong Kong to tap the local liquidity pool, quoting the examples of British Columbia and Ontario of Canada which are overseas jurisdictions already accepted by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx).

“At the same time, companies listed in Hong Kong and other Asian markets can also consider a listing on the Canadian exchange to tap the liquidity there. We would also welcome Canadian fund management companies to market their services to Asia through Hong Kong,” he added.
     
Turning to market regulation, he said Hong Kong believed in being predictable and consistent in regulation, and had been careful in striking a balance between the goals of having a quality market and being market friendly.

Using the HKEx as an illustration, he said listing decisions were made by a committee of market professionals who applied their expertise in reviewing listing applications in a dual filing system overseen by the securities regulator.

He described such regulatory environment in the listing process as  working well.  “The HKEx has full control over its development strategy, and it has responded to market needs. The efficiency and quality of the listing process are further ensured with the regulatory oversight,” he added.

In 2009, Hong Kong was the most active market for IPO funds raised globally.  Hong Kong ranked number one globally in IPO fund raised for 2009 (US$31.3 billion), and number four in the world in 2009 in terms of total fund raised (including post-IPO) of US$81.4 billion.  A total of 73 companies were newly listed on HKEx and they included overseas companies which have listed their Greater China related business operations in Hong Kong.

“Earlier this year, we saw the first Russian company listed on our stock market, and I am confident that more foreign based companies will be looking to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange in the near future,” he added.

In the afternoon, Professor Chan also spoke at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, on “China’s Rise as an Economic Power – Implications for HK, Canada and the Rest of the World”.

He told his audience that the new wave of financial globalisation has brought a new wave of financial talent to Asia, and to Hong Kong, and that as countries in the West continued to grapple with the aftermath of the financial tsunami, Asia was rebuilding, refocusing and rebounding. 

He said financial and trade experts not only looked to Hong Kong for future growth potential these days, they were also based right in Hong Kong which was a vantage point and actually the best available platform for seeking out the best opportunities in China and throughout Asia.

Co-organized by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and Invest Hong Kong, a morning seminar on “Listing and Capital Raising in Hong Kong for Mineral and Natural Resources Companies” will be held March 8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (Room 717B, South Building).

For mining and natural resources companies planning to raise funds, this seminar will provide them with an opportunity to better informed of Hong Kong’s securities market – one of the most active and liquid markets in the world. In 2009, US$31 billion was raised through new listings in Hong Kong, which was the top global IPO fund raising centre for the year.

Special guest speakers at the seminar include: Prof K.C. Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Ronald Arculli, Chairman of HKEx.

Senior executives of HKEx and intermediary firm representatives and advisors will also be present to offer complimentary advice and insights on “Why and how mining companies can list in Hong Kong” including such practical subjects as “Preparing for IPO in Hong Kong:  the process and common issues” and “How mining companies can attract investors in Asia through listing in Hong Kong”. On experience-sharing, the President & CEO of SouthGobi Energy Resources, Alexander Molyneux, will discuss with the audience the “Benefits of dual listing on HKEx”.

Pre-registration is required. For event details, please contact Andrew Yui, HKTDC Toronto Office at email: andrew.yui@hktdc.org or Tel: (416) 366-3594

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’

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′

CCBC is pleased to announce the 3rd Canada China Business Forum on Sept. 15 at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

As many as 150 Chinese corporate leaders will join a strong contingent of senior Chinese business regulators. The delegation includes many large State-Owned Enterprises and a very strong contingent of small-to-medium-sized enterprises that are here looking for business partnerships, looking for opportunities to invest in Canada as well as seeking out new customers and suppliers.  The business delegation includes representatives from Finance and Investment, Commerce and Trade, Real Estate, Building Materials, Construction and Industrial Machinery, Agriculture and Food and other sectors.

While morning sectoraly-focused sessions are free to all Canadian companies, everyone is encouraged to attend the whole day. You are encouraged to visit the Canada China Business Council website at www.ccbc.com to see details of the Forum.

Canadian ICT Partnering Mission to Hong Kong, April 12 – 17, 2009
(Coinciding with International ICT Expo 2009)
The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), would like to invite Canadian companies to join the Canadian ICT Partnering Mission to Hong Kong scheduled for April 12 – 17, 2009. The main objective of this mission is to assist Canadian ICT companies to diversify their business to Hong Kong, China mainland and the Asian market. This initiative is supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Governments of Alberta and Ontario, Manitoba Trade and Investment, Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance, Hong Kong – Canada Business Association, Monte Jade Science & Technology Association and Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation.

Participating companies will have the opportunity to exhibit in the Canadian Pavilion at the International ICT Expo: http://ictexpo.com at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and/or join the mission programme specially arranged for the this Canadian mission. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Services and the HKTDC Business Matching Services will be available to help add value to the delegates’ participation in the mission.

For further information, registration details and incentive packages, interested parties please contact Adrian Cheng or Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel: (416) 366-3594 or email: adrian.ch.cheng@tdc.org.hk or jill.chien@tdc.org.hk

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, one of the most important trade events of its kind in the world, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 4 – 8, 2009. Canadian buyers are invited to join their worldwide counterparts to visit the event and enjoy the extra sparkle created by the various new zones this year.

“Hong Kong is the perfect place to stage a jewellery industry event, given its expertise in this sector,” said Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. “Hong Kong’s own jewellery manufacturing industry is a sparkling success story: it is the world’s fourth largest exporter of fine jewellery after Italy, the US and India. Hong Kong’s total exports of fine jewellery amounted to US$3.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008. Total exports have maintained strong momentum in recent years, posting increases of 14%, 17% and 21% in 2006, 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, respectively.”

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is one of Asia’s premier jewellery trade events. Not only is it a key platform for sourcing quality jewellery, but it also adds value with a series of networking and information-exchange activities. The 2008 event attracted 2,300 international exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, while a total of 31,333 buyers from 135 countries and regions came through the doors. Continue reading ‘Extra sparkle for Canadian buyers at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2009′

Next month, a 180-member Canadian delegation from the fashion industry will be in Hong Kong to explore business opportunities at the HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter http://hkfashionweekfw.hktdc.com/ and HKTDC World Boutique, Hong Kong http://worldboutiquehk.hktdc.com/.

Once again, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) brings the fashion industry together for these two important events in the global fashion industry. They will take place concurrently from January 12 – 15, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is the largest fair of its kind in Asia, and the second largest in the world. World Boutique, Hong Kong is Asia’s pioneer show promoting designer collections and brands from around the world. The two fairs will gather more than 1,600 exhibitors under one roof, to provide a wide spectrum of ready-to-wear garments, accessories and designer collections as well as lifestyle products. Continue reading ‘Canadian delegates to tap business opportunities at global fashion industry event in Hong Kong’

With new Christmas toys still a novelty and wrappings barely discarded, it’s time to consider what’s hot in the toy and games market once again!

A sizeable contingent of Canadian business delegates from the toys and games industry will be in Hong Kong next month for Asia’s largest fair of its kind – HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair which will be held from January 5 – 8, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. http://hktdc.com/hktoyfair.

To meet the demands of the ever-changing market, the fair will introduce a new zone – Paper Products & Toys Packaging. As attractive packaging is one of the keys to success, toy manufacturers will find the new zone meets a vital need.

At the previous Fair in January 2008, over 2,000 exhibitors from 36 countries & regions were featured and some 30,000 buyers from 130 countries & regions attended the event. Continue reading ‘Over 170 Canadian delegates have signed up to attend the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair 2009′