News

The Opportunities of Hong Kong as a Main Business Platform in Asia were Discussed in Moscow and Saint Petersburg

The seminar “Hong Kong: Aspects and Opportunities” organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and the Russia-Hong Kong Business Association was held on February 21, 2012 in Moscow. 160 representatives of the official and business circles, public organizations, and mass media took part in the seminar. Among the main topics of the seminar there were the opportunities of Hong Kong as the world’s top financial center, aspects of interaction between Russian and Hong Kong companies, status and prospects of trade-economic, technological and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Hong Kong.

Mr Ivan Polyakov, Chairman of the Russia-Hong Kong Business Association, highlighted in his opening speech the importance of the visit to Moscow by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Donald Tsang in 2010, and the first-ever visit to Hong Kong by the Russian Federation President Dmitry Medvedev in 2011 for the development and strengthening of Russia-Hong Kong economic and cultural relationships.

Mrs Agnes Allcock, Director-General of the London ETO of the Hong Kong SAR Government, spoke of the increasing importance of the three way relationship between Russia, Hong Kong and Mainland China. She said that the annual average growth of sales turnover between Russia and Hong Kong amounts to 19%, which is one of the maximum figures in external economic relations of Hong Kong.

Mrs Allcock explained the crucial role of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in allowing Hong Kong to benefit from its close economic ties with the Mainland while enjoying a high degree of autonomy and maintaining its unique way of life. Hong Kong as the global financial center with 70 of 100 the world’s largest banks, has won the title of “World’s Most Free Economy” in world’s ratings for 10 years. Mrs Allcock highlighted Hong Kong’s high quality of life and fantastic natural conditions attracting the tourists from all over the world, including Russia, and mentioned the visa free travel agreement between Russia and Hong Kong which came into force in 2010 and has increased tourism, helped by 10 direct flights between Moscow and Hong Kong weekly.

Mr Leonid Orlov, Director of the Moscow office of HKTDC, spoke of the main benefits of Hong Kong such as stable and easy tax system; well-developed infrastructure, high grade telecommunications and Information Technologies, providing free movement of capitals, information and professionals. Mr. Alexander Saveliev, President & CEO of “Kosmos” Group of Companies, shared his experience in trading with Hong Kong and Mainland China.

On February 22, 2012 the seminar “Hong Kong: Aspects and Opportunities” was held in Saint Petersburg.