'HK's service industry helps mainland firms go global'

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) chairman Frederick Ma on Sunday said the city provides essential professional services to mainland enterprises looking to go global under the "GoGlobal Connect" initiative launched last Tuesday. The initiative will set up events and leverage resources from 51 HKTDC offices worldwide to facilitate connections with mainland enterprises and Hong Kong's professional service providers. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Ma said mainland enterprises had been expanding globally and Hong Kong could help more companies achieve their international objectives. "Many people asked why do we want to help mainland companies go global? In fact, this allows Hong Kong to play its role as a super-connector and a super value-adder," Ma said. He pointed out that mainland enterprises need accounting and taxation services to expand overseas, but such services on the mainland were not in line with international standards. "Mainland companies can rely on Hong Kong's professional services, financial services, verification services and other sorts of professional support to go global," Ma said. Ma noted that HKTDC's initiative aligns with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong could leverage its strength to contribute to the country's development. Ma added the Middle East conflict brings uncertainties globally, but had a limited impact on Hong Kong, as its major trade partners are the mainland and Asean countries. He said Hong Kong should treat this as an opportunity to attract more talent and investment to consolidate its position as a global financial hub. Edited by Tony Sabine