'HK's IP system and advantages help brands go global'

Chief Executive John Lee vowed on Sunday to help Hong Kong businesses build their own brands, while also paving the way for those from the mainland to expand overseas. He made the remarks during a video speech at the World Brand Conference in Hong Kong. Lee said Hong Kong's advantages under 'One Country, Two Systems' make it a global platform. He added that Hong Kong's intellectual property system offers strong brand protection, and the government will keep improving trademark rules and fighting infringements. He said that with a stable and transparent system, brands can safely innovate and grow on the regional and world stages. "The SAR government actively supports mainland enterprises and brands to go global. Last year, we set up the GoGlobal Task Force to help mainland enterprises and brands use Hong Kong's international platform to expand business overseas," he said. "Hong Kong, as a city of exhibitions, can provide a high-level platform for exhibitions and major events for different mainland enterprises, promoting excellent mainland brands to more overseas markets, and serving the country's high-quality economic development." He added that the government helps local businesses build their own brands through funding schemes, supporting SMEs to upgrade, reach new markets, and become more competitive. Edited by Aaron Tam