An upsurge in interest in Hong Kong among British businesses keen to develop new markets overseas formed the backdrop to the annual Hong Kong dinner in London tonight (3 November).
The event was hosted by Hong Kong Trade Development Council Chairman Jack So and attended by 350 business leaders and senior government officials from the UK and Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong guest of honour was Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang who told guests about Hong Kong’s enterprise and creativity, described the city’s development as a cultural hub in Asia, and noted opportunities for UK firms in the ambitious plans for the West Kowloon Cultural District (the CS’s speech is available from ISD).
The UK guest of honour was Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for the Armed Forces. He took up the position June 2009, prior to which he was Minister of State for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office where his responsibilities included the UK’s relations with Hong Kong.
“We are seeing an increase in interest in Hong Kong from British business seeking to develop new markets overseas,” Mr Rammell said. “Last October only two UK companies made the journey to participate in Eco Expo. This year 20 UK companies participated.”
He pinpointed creative industries, environmental services, technology, infrastructure and transport as sectors of particular promise for British companies.
Mr Rammell commended Hong Kong for making the low carbon economy a priority.
“Building a low carbon global economy demands a worldwide commitment. It requires billions of pounds of new investment in clean energy. And it means there will be extensive opportunities for expanding cooperation in the near future,” the Minister said, noting that the UK is a leading supplier of electric cars and that several companies are developing hybrid buses.
Other guests at the dinner included Institute of Export National Chairman Ms Lesley Batchelor; Li & Fung Europe Senior Vice President Ulf Brettschneider; British Chambers of Commerce Director General David Frost; Haymarket Media Group Chairman The Rt. Hon. The Lord Heseltine ; John Swire & Sons Ltd Chairman James Hughes-Hallett; Standard Chartered Bank (HK) Ltd Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Hung; British Standards Institution Executive Chairman Sir David John; Matheson & Co Ltd Chairman Sir Henry Keswick; Giftware Association Chief Executive Ms Isabel Martinson; British Consul-General in Hong Kong Andrew Seaton; China Netcom(Europe) Operations Ltd President William So; British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman; The Hong Kong Association Honorary President Lord Wilson of Tillyorn; and W. Wing Yip plc Chairman Mr Wing Yip;
