By Joe Ray.
On 4 July 2016, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands hosted a seminar and VIP dinner to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Guests from the Dutch and Hong Kong business communities congregated at the Postillion Convention Centre WTC in Rotterdam to enjoy a series of special presentations from key players in the field of Hong Kong-Netherlands trade and investment. A central focus of the event was on the opportunities provided by the Belt and Road Initiative – the major development strategy launched by the Chinese Government to promote economic cooperation, increase market integration and encourage the free flow of economic factors across Eurasia.
Mr George M. Ammerlaan, Director of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, got the programme underway. After welcoming guests, he introduced Mr Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, who presented an overview of Hong Kong-Netherlands commercial relations.
Mr Poulis was followed by Ms Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, who highlighted the extraordinary connectivity that makes Hong Kong so attractive as an investment destination. She emphasised the unique relationship that Hong Kong enjoys with mainland China, and noted the territory’s privileged role as a major trade settlement centre for the renminbi.
Further insights into the Belt and Road Initiative were provided by Mr David Marsden, Director for the UK, Benelux and Ireland at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Mr Marsden underlined the sheer magnitude of the project, which will eventually traverse a vast area within reach of 60 per cent of the world’s population. He added that Rotterdam, already a world class international port, stands to benefit as the termination point of the Belt and Road maritime route.
Mrs Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Director of the Koehler Group, set out the wide array of opportunities for Dutch companies arising from the Chinese Government’s 13th Five-Year Plan. She explained that Hong Kong acts as a gateway for international businesses seeking to enter the vast Chinese market, and serves as a hub for the Asia Pacific more broadly.
The benefits of Hong Kong’s strategic location were reiterated by Ms Paula Kant, Senior Investment Promotion Executive at Invest Hong Kong.
Half the world’s population is within a five-hour flight, she said, and the territory hosted some 59 million visitors in 2015. Alongside its many other attributes, Hong Kong also offers investors a highly favourable tax environment.
Following a short break for refreshments, the first of three case studies was presented by Mr Maarten Roos, Managing Director of R&P China Lawyers. Mr Roos addressed in detail some of the practical challenges faced by businesses seeking access to the vast Chinese market. He observed that the opportunities for businesses are immense, especially in retail and e-commerce, but stressed that dealing with the changing legal framework in China requires expertise and adaptability.
The next case study was presented by Ms Min Zhang, Business Manager China at Rotterdam Partners, who focused on the many opportunities for the Rotterdam region arising from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. She explained that the vision underpinning the project is one of mutually beneficial cooperation, aimed at creating shared prosperity and development.
Mr Bert Gevers, International Trade, Customs and VAT attorney at Loyens & Loeff, wrapped up proceedings with an analysis of the new EU Customs Code and how it will affect trade between Europe and Asia.
After an enlightening afternoon seminar, guests made their way to the historic Maritime Museum for a networking reception and dinner.
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Photos courtesy of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.
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