Hong Kong Forum 2006 Celebrates 40 Years of Business Success

Uncovering China's business potential was the theme of day one of the Forum, which opened with a panel discussion on Hong Kong's conduit role in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PRD). Speakers Ronnie Chan (Hang Lung Group Limited), Professor Lau Pui King (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) and Anthony Lau (BALtrans Group) provided an overview of the region that provided for 30.9% of the mainland's GDP in 2005 and explained how its resources and facilities have made the Pan-PRD both an ideal production and distribution market.

With consumerism in China on the rise, Francis Gouten (Gouten-Consulting Ltd.) and Alan Johnson (Fortis Intertrust Hong Kong) led a focus session on how investors and retailers can successfully establish and protect their brands, using Hong Kong as a base for risk and supply chain management, brand testing and overall development of the business process from manufacturing and distribution to wholesaling and retailing.

Technology was the focus of a second session fronted by Daniel Cheng (Dunwell Enviro-Tech Ltd.) and Christopher Britton (Deacons). Speaking against the misconception that Hong Kong is not a technology marketplace, Cheng and Britton point out the strengths of HK industries in areas like innovation, commercialization, application and industrial engineering, which are backed by a technology cluster composed of local as well as foreign enterprises in the territory. Furthermore, Hong Kong's established legal infrastructure provides intellectual protection for companies marketing products in both Hong Kong and China.

Hong Kong's strengths were further expounded by Financial Secretary Henry Tang in his keynote address on the role of Hong Kong as China's international financial center, given during the Forum's welcome luncheon. A subsequent series of regional caucus meetings presented delegates from U.S. Hong Kong Business Associations an opportunity to discuss recent developments and new initiatives. Day one concluded with a dinner and award presentation hosted by HKTDC Executive Director Fred Lam, where the HKASC was honored with the Outstanding Initiative Award.

The International Business Convention, along with the HKTDC-sponsored World SME Expo, Innovation & Design Expo and Business of Design Week, kicked off day two of the Forum, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the HKTDC. Featured speaker Dr. Chan Kim, author of "Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant," impressed Convention attendees with provocative real-life examples of the theory behind his management guide, followed by a panel discussion on rejuvenating business via new innovations.

Site visits to Kerry Logistics, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP), China Aerospace Telecoms Ltd. and DHL Central Asia Hub were offered to convention-goers following a welcome luncheon hosted by HKTDC chairman Peter Woo. The event then reconvened with panel discussions on globalization and the WTO, brand-building, sourcing and selling, and business opportunities in China, featuring experts such as Stuart Harbinson (Office of the Director-General, WTO), Viveca Chan (WE Worldwide Partners), Robert Willett (Best Buy International) and Steve Gilman (B&Q Asia). Celebrating the success of Hong Kong's trade achievements over the past four decades, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, himself the former chairman and executive director of the HKTDC, joined Forum participants at a special cocktail reception marking the council's anniversary.

An annual tradition, the Forum closed with an optional trip to Pan-PRD region. The destination of the trip was Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan, the most developed center of trade, finance, transportation and communication in southwest China. Focusing on technology, retail and culture, the trip showcased the city's developments in biotech, software and electronic circuit design, its vibrant consumer sector and distinctive culture and heritage. With economic growth and prominence extending across the mainland, the development of Chinese business and trade can directly be seen in the growth of the Hong Kong Forum. We hope to see you at Hong Kong Forum 2007.