Event

The Australasian Regional Caucus Forum was held in Brisbane, Queensland on 28th & 29th March 2007. The meeting was organised to maximize the effectiveness of the visiting contingent and coincided with the HK/Shenzhen Roadshow organised by HKTDC.

Programme

28th March 2007

The forum kick started with the Caucus delegates participated at the Hong Kong – Shenzhen: “Your Business Partners for Success in China” seminar on 28th March. The seminar was very well attended with more than 230 people. A total of seven speakers from Hong Kong and Australia addressed a range of topics relating to successful businesses in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Caucus delegates found the seminar informative and interesting.

A networking cocktail was held after the seminar. It provided Caucus delegates the opportunity to meet with local business people who were interested in doing business with Hong Kong and China. They could be potential members of the HKABA.

HKTDC hosted a dinner in honor of the Caucus delegates and the seminar speakers. The Caucus delegates had a chance to mingle and get to know the seminar speakers in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. There was much exchange of information and ideas.

29 March 2007

The Caucus Meeting started with an opening address by Wilkin Fon, HKABA National president, followed by welcome remarks from Bonnie Shek, Director of HKTDC, Australia and New Zealand. During the morning session, the Caucus delegates reported on major achievements and activities during 2006 and outlined key initiatives for 2007

Mr Ivan Chu, General Manager of Cathy Pacific Airways was invited to make a speech and presentation during the Caucus Meeting as a potential sponsor of HKABA at 11:30am.

A networking luncheon was hosted by HKTDC with the following guests attending:

Mr Richard Seeto of Queensland Govt
Mr Adrian Weeks of Austrade
Ms Nussara Smith of Queensland Govt
Ms Janice Humphreys of AEEMA International
Mr Ivan Chu of Cathay Pacific Airways

Each guest gave a short introduction on their organisation and their business activities. They also updated the Caucus delegates on the latest development in Queensland.

The afternoon brainstorming session saw active participation from Caucus delegates. A number of issues were addressed including membership fee and sponsorship. It is noted that significant improvement was made to the HKABA website in 2006. Further enhancement will be made with the sponsorship from HKTDC.

Outcome

The feedback from the Caucus delegates was very positive. They found the 2007 Forum program comprehensive and well put together. The benefits of the Forum were:

• Establish and network with local contacts in Brisbane.
  
  
• Gain updates on local economic development in Australia and Hong Kong/China.
• Raise the profile of HKABA in Queensland.
  
  
• Enhance working relationship with local government and business organizations.
  
  
• Provide a platform for constructive discussions of issues or challenges facing HKBAs. Brainstorm possible solutions and ideas.
  
  
• Exchange ideas and share experience among committee members relating to the operating and promotion of HKABA.