Pictured above: Mark Eaton
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to
consider using Hong Kong as a gateway into the Chinese and Asian
markets.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Chamber of Commerce is
set to lead a market visit to Hong Kong and the Chinese cities of
Qingdao and Beijing between Monday, March 14 and Friday, March 18
with the aim of helping firms in the region benefit from and
establish themselves in the Asian markets.
Over the past 25 years the Chamber has organised over 65 visits
from the region to both Hong and China.
Mark Eaton, director of China trade liaison office at UKTI,
said: "There are many things which make Hong Kong an attractive
proposition for UK businesses, not least the fact that export of
goods there last year amounted to around £3.5 billion -
making it the country's 16th biggest export market.
"China itself has become an economic powerhouse and continues to
experience good growth good rates.
"Over the years many of the companies we have taken with us on
these visits have established links and, in some cases, even set up
a permanent presence in the region.
"The similarity of the Hong Kong and British legal systems makes
it much easier to begin trading there than is the case with other
areas of mainland Asia. It can also act as a natural stepping stone
for businesses into the China market."
The market visit is open to all business sectors with particular
focus on helping SMEs to tap into the benefits of trading with Asia
and grants towards costs are available to eligible companies.
Eaton added: "Hong Kong is the UK's second biggest export market
in Asia behind China but ahead of Japan - so the benefits of local
companies establishing ties over there are obvious.
"There is a huge amount of support available for organisations
which take part in the visit before, during and after with the aim
of helping them to establish the links which could provide real
benefits for them.
"These visits have helped, and continue to help, businesses reap
many of the rewards associated with Asia and we would encourage
anyone who thinks they could benefit from our support to get in
contact as soon as possible.
"And, in the current climate, it's absolutely crucial that
companies increase their international trade."
For further information on the Hong Kong and China market visit,
contact Mark Eaton on 02476 654295.