The Government is helping both local and Mainland businesses to expand their global reach. In an exclusive interview with news.gov.hk, Chief Executive John Lee outlined that the establishment of the “GoGlobal Task Force” last year was aimed squarely at supporting enterprises in navigating their pathways to international markets.
Mr Lee said: “When we talk about being a ‘Super Connector’, we can of course introduce and connect – but it is more than connect – we do value-adding.”
The Chief Executive explained the Government adds value to firms’ operations. This includes sharing networks and knowledge, advising on business plans, explaining how professional services can help, offering guidance on raising money, and advising on compliance with local laws, all areas in which the Government has good experience.
He elaborated that the Hong Kong SAR Government’s networks can help to ease the path for Mainland businesses to gain a foothold in other countries.
“That is why I have done my recent visit to Central Asia, taking with me a big delegation comprising both Hong Kong and Mainland delegates, including professionals, and industries which are involved in mining, logistics, solving water problems, or new energy.”
Mr Lee explained that through hands-on partnerships, these Mainland businesses gain a deeper understanding of what Hong Kong can offer.
“Through doing it with us, they understand what Hong Kong can do for them. It is not just by reading about information. In the process, the experience has told me that they really appreciate much more what Hong Kong can do for them.”
Highlighting the potential of both traditional overseas markets and new ones, Mr Lee stressed that Hong Kong aims to engage with established markets in the US and Europe, while also exploring opportunities in the Middle East and Central Asia.
“It is important to first examine whether it would be a good idea to set up an economic and trade office in Central Asia so that they can start doing the groundwork to take things further, to build or even consolidate the path, and also to create a momentum for two-way flow.”
Looking ahead, the Chief Executive hopes to make the GoGlobal platform better understood and appreciated by enterprises so that it can serve more clients and expand its reach in terms of locations.
He said users will be asked which services they find most beneficial and helpful, and which needs remain unmet, so that the platform can function at its best. He added that the task force will continue to reflect on how support can be delivered most efficiently while producing measurable returns.
