Press Releases

Hong Kong SME Delegation's visit to Chongqing achieved its objectives
Friday, November 30, 2001

Mr Chan Wing-kee, the head of the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Delegation (the Delegation) which participated in the "Chongqing-Hong Kong Week", said that the 3-day (November 27-29) exchange programme had enhanced mutual understanding between the governments and enterprises in Chongqing and Hong Kong, and had opened the door for further cooperation between the two cities.

"The visit has achieved its objective of strengthening trade and economic interaction between Chongqing and Hong Kong. It has provided a platform for the enterprises in both places, in particular the SMEs, to know more about one other. It has also helped pave the way for both parties to further explore investment and co-operation opportunities between the two cities," Mr Chan said.

"Hong Kong SMEs have been playing a very active role in the economic development of the Mainland. I am confident that, with a deeper understanding of the business opportunities there, Hong Kong SMEs would move fast in positioning themselves for the vast business opportunities in Chongqing," Mr Chan added.

He added, "With their flexibility and versatility, SMEs can play an important role in promoting the economic development of Chongqing. Hong Kong SMEs can either invest directly in Chongqing, or they can form strategic partnership with enterprises in Chongqing and act as their product or service providers."

Mr Joseph Lai, Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry, and a member of the Delegation, also remarked that the outcome of the visit was fruitful. He said: "Hong Kong had been maintaining close trading relations with Chongqing since the opening up of the Mainland in 1978. Hong Kong is the largest single source of its foreign direct investment. According to statistics kept by the Chongqing authorities, as at the end of October this year Hong Kong enterprises account for 46% of the "Sanzi" enterprises in Chongqing. China's accession to the WTO should provide further scope for business opportunities and cooperation between Chongqing and Hong Kong.¡¨

He also said: "The Chongqing-Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Business Round Table held on November 27 attracted over a hundred participants from Chongqing, including Chongqing Government officials and representatives of enterprises. At the Round Table, members of the Delegation were briefed on business opportunities in areas such as textiles and clothing, automotive parts and components, and metal-ware. We were also briefed on the regulations, policies, and incentives put in place by the Chongqing government in support of the Western development and China's accession to the WTO.

The Chongqing authorities said that they will exercise flexibility within the framework of relevant policies to attract foreign investors. A one-stop enquiry, payment and complaint service has been set up to facilitate foreign investors. The contact telephone for this service is 86-23-69019579.

The Delegation met with leaders of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government on November 28, including Mr. Wang Yunlong, Chairman of Chongqing People's Congress and Ms Chen Ji-we, Vice Mayor of Chongqing. The Delegation was briefed in broad terms on the trade and investment opportunities in Chongqing, including a new development zone in the Jiangbei District.

The Delegation also attended the opening ceremony of "Chongqing ¡V Hong Kong Week" on November 27, visited a few Chongqing enterprises on November 28 and took part in a briefing on November 29 given by the local authorities on Chongqing's business environment. The Delegation noted that Chongqing would speed up the economic restructuring of its industries to enhance their competitiveness. Three high technology industries, viz. information engineering, bioengineering and environmental protection, would be developed to lead Chongqing's economic development in the coming five years.

On November 29, Mr Joseph Lai visited a Hong Kong enterprise and held an informal meeting with a number of Hong Kong businessmen in Chongqing to exchange views on general issues of interest to the businessmen.

The Delegation comprises 39 members, including members of the SME Committee, representatives from SME associations and other major trade and industry associations, SME operators, as well as representatives from the Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

The Delegation returns to Hong Kong in the afternoon.