Around 20 percent of HKSAR companies have job openings for Hong Kong youths to work in the Pearl River Delta, yet they would only consider working in the Mainland if they were unable to find a job here.

Moreover, even though they realise that pursuing a career in the PRD is a rising trend, many parents are unwilling to allow their children to take up jobs there, because they fear the Mainland is not as safe as Hong Kong.

These are some of the findings of two surveys conducted by HKGCC and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) earlier this year. The results, released at a briefing luncheon on October 13, provide a vivid picture of how much Hong Kong youths know about working in the delta and their attitude toward doing so.

Speaking at the luncheon, former HKGCC Chairman Christopher Cheng said that Hong Kong must provide more opportunities for youths and help them become talented professionals.

"Now that the details of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between Mainland China and Hong Kong have been clarified, we need more talented youths who have confidence in their abilities and a good understanding of Mainland China to help drive Hong Kong's economy forward," he said.

Peter Wong, director of Standard Chartered Bank, sponsor of the event, added: "With the standard of living in the Mainland rising, coupled with the strong growth potential of the Mainland market as well as the "CEPA effect," a new "going north" tide is not far away. To capitalise on this trend, not only do enterprises need to transform, but they also need talent to help them accomplish it."

Over 300 companies and 1,500 young people were polled for the studies, "Employment of Hong Kong Youths in the Pearl River Delta (PRD)," earlier this year. The results show that for the most part, Hong Kong youths' attitude toward working in the Mainland is still immature, though more open and pragmatic than before.

However, even if they opt to explore career prospects in the PRD, Mainland employers are reluctant to take on Hong Kong youths over Mainlanders because of their poor Mandarin skills and high-salary expectations.

Based on the results of the surveys, a number of suggestions have been put forward to the government, the business community and the academia to help youths go north. These include organising educational visits, internships and other training activities to help youths better understand opportunities in the Mainland and to help them establish their own network in the PRD.

With the implementation of CEPA, economic growth and prospects for cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland look extremely attractive. This will drive job opportunities for the able.

HKGCC CEO Dr Eden Woon said if Hong Kong youths want to grasp opportunities in the Mainland, they must not only have international business skills, but also possess a sound understanding of China.

"They also need to be far-sighted when pursuing careers in the Mainland and ask for reasonable starting salaries and remuneration packages when applying for jobs," he said.

To help youths learn more about building careers in the Mainland, HKGCC and HKFYG have produced a "Guidebook on Living and Working in the PRD." The free, 64-page guidebook provides detailed information on working and living in the Mainland, professionals that are in demand there, job seeking channels, job interview skills, employment procedures as well as living in a new culture, medical care and the law.

HKGCC and HKFYG will also organise a "Youth Study Mission to the PRD" in late December for about 100 Hong Kong youths. During the three-day trip, participants will meet with Guangdong and local government officials in charge of business and youth affairs, learn about the job opportunities, visit local enterprises and see first-hand the lifestyle of Hong Kong citizens working in the Mainland.