Europe Forum 2015

 

Report

The Europe Forum was held in Helsinki on 21 May and 22 May, to coincide with the 30th Anniversary Seminar of the Finland-Hong Kong Trade Association. 

Heads of 14 Hong Kong Business Associations in Europe gathered in Helsinki to brainstorm on the future direction of the Associations. They exchanged ideas on how to expand membership and help more SMEs make use of Hong Kong platform to capitalise on the business opportunities in Asia, in particular the Chinese mainland. 

The Forum was chaired by Mr. Tomi Erkkilä, Chairman of the Finland-Hong Kong Trade Association. He shared his observations of the business needs of SMEs and the challenges they faced, and pointed out the increasing role of the Associations in Europe in helping SMEs make forays and expand into the Asian markets. Association leaders agreed that they should explore more joint promotions of their events, and leverage on HKTDC activities to give more support to the SMEs for their business ventures.

Mr. Stephen Wong, Regional Director of Europe of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, gave an update on the development in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. He highlighted the business opportunities arising from the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. He mentioned that Hong Kong, at the international leading edge of infrastructure, logistics, trade, financial and professional services, could play a significant role in connecting the Mainland market with the economies along the Belt and Road. 

The Association heads were invited to attend the 30th Anniversary Seminar organised by the Finland-Hong Kong Trade Association. They mingled and networked with the Finnish companies and shared experience in using Hong Kong as springboard for doing business in Asia. 

The Europe Forum was concluded with success and the Association leaders would meet again at Hong Kong Forum in December for information exchange.