HK plays irreplaceable role in connecting mainland and world

Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Margaret Fong Shun-man highlighted Hong Kong's irreplaceable role as the connector between the mainland and the world.

Global business owners are eyeing Asia, especially the mainland, for growth amid global economic uncertainties, while an increasing number of Chinese companies are striving to go global. As a connector in the region, Hong Kong can facilitate both of them to achieve their goals, Fong said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

"Hong Kong will continue to make the best use of its advantageous position as a regional commercial and trade hub, and work with mainland, Hong Kong and international companies to explore more business opportunities," she said.

Fong stressed Hong Kong's unique location on the southern coast of China, coupled with world-class infrastructure, international networking, financial expertise, insurance, arbitration and related professional services support, has made Hong Kong a great connector in the region on logistics, commercial and trade fronts.

The HKTDC's role shifted with the expansion of China's economy. "Our work before was to help Hong Kong companies find manufacturing bases in the mainland. But now with the growing purchasing power of China's middle class, we began to introduce more and more Hong Kong brands to mainland consumers," Fong said.

She cited as example the Design Gallery the HKTDC established 1991 to promote creativity, innovation and product excellence of Hong Kong products.

To help suppliers tap the mainland market, Design Gallery opened its first outlet in Beijing in 2009 and has since expanded the network to 18 other major cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan and Qingdao.

In 2010, Design Gallery also partnered with Taobao, the mainland's largest online shopping platform, to establish flagship stores on Tmall.com -- a B2C online platform created by Taobao. In March 2014, Design Gallery opened another online shop on JD.com, the second largest online shopping platform on the Chinese mainland.

Referring to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Fong said it would help the mainland enhance trade ties with neighboring countries and also provide opportunities for Hong Kong to partner with related cities and companies to tap overseas markets.

"Hong Kong and the mainland have different strengths. We'll see greater success if we work together," she noted.