Many HKGCC member companies are keen to access the huge opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, but have questions about different issues. At the same time, we also have members that have been active in the GBA for some time. 

To help Hong Kong businesses learn more about expanding into the region, the Chamber's GBA Working Group has set up an email enquiry hotline that aims to find solutions and answer questions. 

Petrina Tam, Convenor of the GBA Working Group, explained why they decided to set up this service. 

"We realised that a lot of our Chamber members – especially SMEs – haven't really tapped into the GBA opportunities," she said. "Some members have tried to expand into the GBA, but withdrew after encountering various challenges." 

Many businesses struggle because they are not familiar with the regulations, or the procedures around setting up a new company, Tam explained. While there are consultants available, these can be costly, and SMEs are sometimes not sure where to start. 

"In our GBA Working Group, we have members from a wide range of industries," Tam said. "Many of them are already in the GBA, and have resources and staff based there, so they can provide this service of sharing information." 

Members of the Working Group are in fields including accounting, law, finance, IT, logistics, retail, property and healthcare, so they have a broad range of expertise.  

If members want to make use of this service, they can simply email the Chamber, introduce themselves and their company, and share the issue or question that they need help with. The HKGCC Secretariat will then assign it to one of the GBA Working Group members who will try to help. 

A few caveats: the service is for HKGCC members only, who must use their company e-mail address. It aims to be a "a door to knock on" to try to help with initial problems, and Working Group members will not provide in-depth or ongoing consultation as part of this helpline service. The Chamber will also not be responsible for any advice given.

While the border with the Mainland remains closed, Hong Kong companies and entrepreneurs have not been physically able to explore the GBA. But they should not delay their plans, Tam said.

"Covid has put the brakes on companies expanding in the Mainland GBA cities, but businesses should get ready for when the borders reopen."

The email address is [email protected] and members can also check out the Greater Bay Area Corner on the Chamber's website: https://www.chamber.org.hk/en/information/greater_bay_area.aspx