HKGCC Concluded Central Europe Mission

A 20-member delegation of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) led by CEO Dr. Eden Woon concluded an 8-day business mission to the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary last Saturday. The visit helped to pave the way for further business cooperation between Hong Kong and Central Europe. While Hong Kong was promoted as the bridge to connect these newly developed European markets with the mainland China, Hong Kong businessmen can enter the bigger European markets by creating a presence in these three EU candidate countries.

Mr Wong Po Yan, Chairman and Managing Director of United Oversea Enterprises Ltd, acted as Advisor of the mission. Other delegates of the mission came from industries ranging from trading, manufacturing, construction, machinery and cable to professional services. The delegates learned more about the general economic climate, business environment, investment incentives and support provided to investors as well as local business practices of the three countries.

Dr Woon said, "I cannot think of a better time for the visit. There are many business opportunities to be explored between Hong Kong and these three countries. Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic are soon to become members of the European Union. While markets in these countries will be further liberalized, new structures that resemble the financial systems in Western Europe are also emerging to cope with EU requirements. These changes will not only represent more business opportunities but will also mean better protection for businessmen who are unfamiliar with the markets and the systems."

"We understand from the visit that all these three countries are looking forward to expanding their markets in China and that's where the opportunities lie for Hong Kong businessmen. Hong Kong businessmen, who have rich experiences and knowledge in doing business with China, can always come in to fill the gap for their Central Europe counterparts. On the other hand, these three European countries are providing good incentives and can serve as a base for Hong Kong businessmen to enter the bigger European market. Moreover, Hong Kong businessmen can cooperate with their business counterparts as investment partners, either in Europe or China."

The delegation visited Prague, Warsaw and Budapest of the three Central European countries where they met with senior governmental and trade officials, major business organisations and local businessmen.

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H.E. Dr. Istvan Major, Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary (in the middle) with Dr Eden Woon (left), Mission Leader and CEO of the HKGCC and Mr Wong Po Yan (right), Advisor of the Mission and Chairman and Managing Director of United Overseas Enterprises Ltd and other delegates.

The HKGCC Central Europe Delegation visiting the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic.

A group photo of the HKGCC Central Europe Mission in front of the Old Town Square in Warsaw, Poland.

For enquiries or further information about this mission, please call Heidi Lau of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce at 2823 1202.