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Overview
Aloha! The 2004 U.S. Regional Business Forum was held in conjunction with
the U.S. Caucus Executive Meeting in Honolulu at the beautiful state of Hawaii
from February 18th to 20th, 2004. Almost twenty representatives and guests traveled
from different parts of the U.S. mainland to take part in the program. Among the
guests was Mr. Stephen Wong, who has recently assumed the role of Regional Director,
Americas of the Hong Kong Trade Development (HKTDC).
The program was
highly enriched by the presence of two prominent keynote speakers from Hong Kong,
Mr. Daniel Fung (Former Solicitor General of Hong Kong 1994-98), and Mr. Paul
Chan (Council Member of the Hong Kong Society of Accountants).
With complete
Hawaiian hospitality, Ms. Laisin Lee, on behalf of the Hong Kong Business Association
of Hawaii, coordinated the event and hosted some parts of the program. All of
the delegates found the program very fruitful and thoroughly enjoyed the lovely
sunshine on the renowned Waikiki Beach, with the exception of, perhaps, Mr. Eugene
Hanratty of the Hong Kong Business Association of Atlanta who had been volunteered
to organize and chair the Caucus Executive Meeting.
Undoubtedly, the
most important accomplishment was the formation of a new umbrella organization,
National U.S. Hong Kong Business Association (NUSHKBA), with eight founding Member
Organizations including Atlanta, Hawaii, Midwest, New York, Northern California,
Northern Texas, Southern California and the newest family member of the Federation,
Hong Kong Club of Washington. The new organization will be representing almost
2,000 individual members in the United States.
Program
February 18, 2004 (Wednesday) ~ Welcoming Reception
After enjoying a magnificent sunset at the poolside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel
at the welcoming reception hosted by the Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii,
Mr. Christopher Leu, Chairman of the Federation, introduced Mr. Stephen Wong to
the delegation, members of the Hawaii association, local businessmen, as well
as State officials. Following the introduction, Ms. Laisin Lee extended a warm
welcome and presented souvenirs to the guests from the U.S. mainland.
February 19, 2004 (Thursday) ~ Caucus Executive Meeting
The Caucus Executive Meeting was held at the Iao Needle Room of the Sheraton Waikiki
to discuss agenda items such as the formation of an umbrella organization and
marketing plan of other upcoming activities.
February 19, 2004
(Thursday) ~ 2004 Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii Installation Banquet
The 2004 Installation Banquet of the Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii
(HKBAH) was held at the Kauai Room of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Observing the
modern and ancient tradition of Hawaii, Ms. Laisin Lee and other HKBAH Board Members
presented leis to the association heads and representatives, marking them as
special guests of the evening.
With great honor, Mr. Christopher Leu
was invited to install a group of business executives in the Honolulu business
community to serve as Officers and Directors on the Board of Hong Kong Business
Association of Hawaii in the year of 2004.
The keynote speech, "Political
Future of Hong Kong", was delivered by Mr. Daniel Fung, SBS, QC, SC, who is the
former Solicitor General of Hong Kong in 1994 to 1998, currently the Senior Counsel
of the Hong Kong Bar, Chairman of the Des Voeux Chamber, Chairman of the Hong
Kong Broadcasting Authority, and holding many other distinguished positions.
Mr. Fung's prevailing and remarkable presentation included an overview and
outlook on the social and economic development of Hong Kong; and an outline of
the advantages of doing business with China through Hong Kong, such as political
stability, rule of law, an appellate system, international currency exchange and
adaptable business model. At the Q&A session, he also touched on the latest infrastructure
/ transportation development between Hong Kong and China; the importance of the
role of Hong Kong as an international financial center; and how Hawaii companies
can develop business relations with Hong Kong and China. The audience was very
pleased to have this unique opportunity in sharing the extensive knowledge of
Mr. Fung, and as an added bonus, his occasional humorous remarks.
The
evening could not be better complemented by the lion dance performance in celebration
of the Chinese Year of Monkey, and hula dancing by beautiful Polynesian natives.
February 20, 2004 (Friday) ~ U.S. Regional Business Forum
The U.S. Regional Business Forum 2004 was held on the day following the Caucus
Executive Meeting, giving the visitors from the U.S. mainland one more chance
to enjoy the fabulous beach scenery from the Waianae Room of Sheraton Waikiki
Hotel.
In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Stephen Wong introduced services provided
by HKTDC that may facilitate Hawaiian companies in doing business with the Greater
China market.
The Keynote Address by Mr. Paul Chan embraced on the topic
of establishing a business in China using Hong Kong as an intermediary, and how
to set up a business in Hong Kong. Mr. Paul Chan is Managing Director of Paul
Chan & Partners and holding other public offices in Hong Kong.
A panel
of business executives was also invited to share their hands-on experiences in
doing business with the Greater China market. First, Mr. Walter Jamieson, Phd,
School of Travel Industry Management of the University of Hawaii at Manoa talked
about Travel and Tourism Planning for the Hong Kong and China market. Then, Mr.
Robert Zheng, Director, Business Development Greater China of Wimberly, Allison,
Tong & Goo, and Ms. Anne Li Mapes, President of Belt Collins Hawaii Ltd discussed
the essential nuts-and-bolts details to successful ventures in China. Before the
luncheon, Mr. Andrew Albano, Partner/Vice President, CB Richard Ellis Hawaii discussed
the current real estate investment/development market in Hawaii and gave projections
of the current residential market.
At the luncheon keynote address, Mr.
Paul Chan conveyed another important message on the latest update of the Closer
Economic Partner Arrangement (CEPA), the first bilateral free trade deal between
Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.
The Closing Remarks was delivered
by Mr. Christopher Leu.
February 20, 2004 (Friday) ~ Meeting with
State Officials
In an effort to strengthen the strategic relationship
between Hong Kong and the State of Hawaii, the association heads and representatives
visited the State of Hawaii, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
(DBEDT), and met with the team responsible for the development of the fast-growing
hi-tech and film/entertainment industries and other local industry leaders.
Main Meeting
National Association
The association heads and representatives supported the formation of an umbrella
organization, National U.S. Hong Kong Business Association (NUSHKBA), to strengthen
and maximize the networking and marketing power of the individual Hong Kong associations
in the United States.
The bylaws, drafted by Ms. Dawn Haghighi of the
Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest, was reviewed and revised with updates
on the purpose and organizational structure.
The following Executive
Officers were elected: Chairman, Mr. Raymond Cheng (President, Hong Kong Association
of Southern California); President, Ms. Laisin Lee (President, Hong Kong Business
Association of Hawaii); Vice President, Ms. Dawn Haghighi (Vice President, Hong
Kong Business Association of the Midwest); Secretary General, Mr. Eugene Hanartty
(Executive Director, Hong Kong Association of Atlanta); and Treasurer, Ms. Susanna
Kwan (Executive Director, Hong Kong Association of Northern California).
Hong Kong Forum
Mr. Stephen Wong mentioned that the
HKTDC World SME Expo (November 16-18, 2004) will be held to coincide with the
HK Forum (November 16-17, 2004), giving the forum attendees more business and
global networking opportunities.
Mr. Christopher Leu mentioned that the
Federation Secretariat will soon be announcing special travel packages for early
promotion of the upcoming Forum. In addition, the Federation will be publishing
an annual report with advertising/sponsorship opportunities for the individual
associations to be used as a marketing tool as well as another avenue for funding.
Approximately 10,000 copies will be printed.
Various association heads
and representatives volunteered themselves to seek financial sponsorships from
major companies in their geographical areas to support programs specifically for
the U.S. delegation.
Other Businesses
Mr. Stephen
Wong gave an update on the announcement of the new Executive Director of HKTDC,
Mr. Frederick Lam and the promotion of Mr. Alan Wong to be the Deputy Executive
Director. He also assured the association representatives that HKTDC was supportive
of the activities of the Federation and its members, and shared some of the strategies
of HKTDC in promoting the positive image of Hong Kong.
Conclusion
All the representatives have found the meeting productive and beneficial,
especially with the formation of the new national organization, the individual
associations will be able to collaborate ideas, share and exchange resources,
and have more bargaining power in obtaining sponsorships and other marketing activities. | |
