“Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” Campaign Comes to New York City

By Na Ma, bostonese.com

New York City, May 14, 2013, — Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) hosted a “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” press briefing at Del Posto Restaurant in New York City today. “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” is the biggest business promotion the HKTDC has ever put on in the United States.

HKTDC Chairman Jack So speaks at the press briefing. (photo by Eric Wong, HKTDC)

"It showcases Hong Kong’s advantages for American companies looking to sell their products and services in Asia, particularly on the Chinese mainland." Jack So, chairman of HKTDC, on behalf of the HKTDC, gave welcome remarks before the beginning of press briefing. Mr. So said, "In the HKTDC's nearly 50-year history, we've organized plenty of business missions, trade events and other major activities in the US. All of them created to boost business between our two economies."

Mainland China is the US’s third largest export markets. Mr. So emphasized that US brands are as popular on the mainland as they are in Hong Kong. "From Apple and Disney, to Citibank, ToysRUs, GM, Starbucks and many more household names, Chinese consumers can hardly get enough American brands. Chinese shoppers are willing to pay a premium for US products. They value the quality that the 'Made in the USA' label promises." Mr. So mentioned that it was not easy for small and medium-sized enterprises to break into the markets of the East. However, Hong Kong, as Asia’s central business district, could play an important partnership role introducing US products into the East. He explained that Hong Kong had low-tax system, world-class professional services practitioners, outstanding communications and logistics infrastructures and etc. It was also one of the world’s three great financial centers, alongside New York and London.

Last year, around 7,250 international companies have established regional headquarters and offices in Hong Kong. US had the largest numbers of regional headquarters. "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" will open in New York for four weeks, before shifting to Los Angeles on June 14. Nearly 2,000 U.S. corporate leaders, government officials, heads of small and medium-sized enterprises, services providers, academics and opinion leaders with a special interest in Asia are expected to attend.

Fourteen Hong Kong partners, representing technology, finances and the professional services, will also come together for this high-powered event.