Ventures Dialogue

This is the fourth in a series of stories about prominent Canadians in Hong Kong and their reflections on current and potential opportunities between Hong Kong and China, and Canada.  So far we’ve learned about the natural affinity between Hong Kong and Canada, and the reason why it is a successful gateway into the Asia Pacific region.

Many sectors offer opportunities for Canadian firms, in Hong Kong as well as mainland China, but perhaps none more exciting as the environmental technology sector.

Bruce Hicks was born in Canada but his career took him to Hong Kong in 1984.  Having experience in the telecom industry, Hicks is now Managing Director of TPIZ Resources, an environmental services and investment company.  Operating through two joint ventures, the company provides expertise to small and medium sized companies on how to maximize energy efficiency, indoor air quality and water resources among others, in a way that will improve their environmental record while maximizing the financial returns.  It also funds and develops large scale energy efficiency projects through Asia.

Hicks says that the green technology sector in China offers outstanding opportunities for Canadian firms who have good technology and extensive experience in the sector.  In China, he explains, the sector is fragmented with many small companies yet there is huge domestic demand for techology and services in China. 

Ironically, Hicks says that Canada was very helpful on the policy development side about five years ago.  China now has well developed policies which have created enormous demands for green technology solutions.  Canada was there to help develop the framework, but Canadian firms are nowhere in sight to reap the benefits.   Australians have been quick to capitalize on these opportunities by putting good people in China and spending time to develop relationships.

Canada is commonly compared to Australia in Hong Kong with Australians described as more aggressive and with greater staying power.

“Canadians should just get off the stick and go do it,” says Hicks.

In the next story in this series, find out what one Canadian professional hockey player is doing in Hong Kong to introduce inner city kids to Canada’s game.