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To coincide with the visit by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, to Scotland, Invest Hong Kong joined hands with Scottish Development International and Scottish Financial Enterprise to hold a financial and business services conference entitled "Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Centre" in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 15 (Edinburgh time).
Commenting on the deep historical ties between Hong Kong and Scotland in business and finance, public administration and education, Mr Tsang said, "I believe there is no better time than now to expand the already strong links between our two business communities. Hong Kong has successfully evolved into an international business and financial centre. And we are not done yet.
"We bring to the table what no other city in China has ― a freely convertible currency and free flows of capital and information. Our financial system is highly transparent and driven by international best practice. The future in our part of the world is extremely bright. We look forward to seeing more great Scottish ideas, innovations and products coming to Hong Kong soon," Mr Tsang added.
In an subsequent presentation to the more than 100 Scottish business and finance executives gathered at the event, the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, further highlighted the opportunities in Hong Kong for Scottish companies. "The push by Mainland China's privately-owned companies to 'go global' presents tremendous opportunities for business and financial service providers to support and assist these companies in their mergers and acquisitions and expansion overseas." Mr Galpin said.
The conference began with welcome remarks from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, Mr John Swinney. A panel session wrapped up the event, focusing on the growth of Hong Kong as an offshore Renminbi centre for Mainland China, the key investment trends in Asia, and the characteristics of a successful global financial centre.
Panel speakers included the Senior Vice President and Head of Issuer Marketing, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr Eric Landheer; the Executive Director (Monetary Management), Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Edmond Lau; the Chairman of Stirling Finance Limited, Mr Stuart Leckie; and the Managing Director, UK Corporate Banking, Scotland, RBS, Mr Kenneth Barclay.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 11th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2 300 investment projects creating more than 28 000 new jobs in their first year of operation or expansion and HK$60 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk .
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157627514311102/
Ends/Friday, September 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:35
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