sponsored by

Hong Kong & ChinaFeature

“Hong Kong is an excellent base from which UK companies Marco Polo Hotels can enter the mainland Away from the comforts of home on a business trip – you might as well enjoy the comforts of one of Kong China market.” Ian Bailey, Trade Commissioner, British Consulate General Hong Kong Kong’s most elite hotels p2

Hong Kong Sevens Choose the timing of your business trip and take in one of the world’s most thrilling sports events p4

Oasis Hong Kong Buy one get one free is the amazing offer on flights from Oasis p8 Marco Polo Hotels

Who is who

John A. Girard, General Manager of Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and Area Director of Marco Polo’s three hotels in Hong Kong, has lived in Hong Kong since 1987.

Maltese-born John joined the Marco Polo Hotel Group in 1992 as General Manager of Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. In 1998, he was appointed as General Manager of all three hotels, giving him the distinction of having the largest room inventory (1,500 rooms) of any hotel GM in Hong Kong!

John has carved something of a reputation for himself for his unwavering enthusiasm for the hotels under his care, personally endorsing the hotels by appearing ` in countless promotions and PR activities such as posing as the in- ituated on the waterfront three Marco Polo hotels to suit all house poolside model for a summer overlooking Victoria Harbour, tastes and budgets: the promotion. He has been both a Sthe Marco Polo Hongkong Hongkong, Gateway and Prince. snowman and Santa Claus in winter Hotel has without doubt one of promotions, and even donned his pyjamas for a photo shoot to the best views in the world. During The three hotels are all adjacent to promote the hotel’s wide range of different pillows! John’s latest the day it is so relaxing to watch each other starting at the waterfront ‘costume’ appearance was at the Hong Kong 7’s, where he was the ferries, boats and ships passing and featuring throughout promoting the latest Marco Polo headgear. and by night the lights across the Harbour City, Hong Kong's harbour on Hong Kong Island are largest shopping, entertainment simply fascinating. and commercial centre. Edward E. Snoeks, the General Manager of Prince Hotel, joined the Designed for the pleasure and Marco Polo Hotels are easily Marco Polo Group in 2003. Edward comfort of the modern business accessible by all modes of started as Resident Manager of and holiday traveller, there are transport. The pleasant ride on Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and by the Star Ferry to Hong Kong August 2006 had been promoted to Island's central business district General Manager of Prince Hotel. He takes only seven minutes and the is a recent graduate of the Cornell MTR (Mass Transit Railway) University Hotel School’s prestigious stations and bus stations to the General Manager Program. airport or mainland are all nearby.

www.marcopolohotels.com No hotel is complete without a good Concierge, and the Marco Polo Hongkong and Prince Hotels have two of the world’s best…..Tony Lo (below left) has been at the Hongkong for 20 years and Lewis Li (below right) at the Prince for 23 years. Next time you are staying at their hotel, stop by for a chat with these icons of the hotel industry - their depth of knowledge about Hong Kong will amaze you!

China:2 How Hong Kong can help companies in their strategy for the China market

ong Kong is one of the cargo airport, handling 3.4 more open Chinese mainland major centres for business million tonnes in 2005, and has economy to shift manufacturing Hin Asia and an increasingly hundreds of international from Hong Kong to the Pearl integral part of the mainland passenger flights each day River Delta region, helping to China economy. It is an important • Its container port handled 22.6 drive China's remarkable recent market in its own right (third million container units (TEU) of economic growth. It is estimated largest export destination in Asia cargo in 2005 that over 60,000 Hong Kong after Japan and China) as well as companies employ over 10 million being an excellent base for British Stable government and rule of people in the Pearl River Delta. businesses looking to extend their law activities into the Chinese In response to this movement mainland, and also into the wider •Hong Kong is politically of manufacturing industry, Asian region. Hong Kong was stable, with an independent Hong Kong took on higher Despite moves towards improving returned to China in 1997, having judiciary and an effective value-added roles, developing the rule of law and developing a become one of the leading civil service expertise in management and more business-friendly financial centres in Asia. Concern •Intellectual property rights law business services. This environment, mainland China that Chinese control would affect and enforcement is robust concentration of expertise close remains a potential risk for any its position was largely •There is transparency in to mainland China is a great business investment. Hong Kong's unfounded, as Hong Kong retains regulation, a low level of resource for businesses wishing legal system and pool of a high degree of autonomy over corruption and a level playing to access the mainland market experience in dealing with the its own affairs, including setting field for business and Asia more widely. Hong mainland makes it an option for its own taxes, fiscal policy and Kong's characteristics have led companies who want to mitigate laws. It is only in the fields of Availability of business to over 1,200 global companies this risk. Hong Kong's laws on defence and foreign policy that services and workforce choosing it as the location for intellectual property and the China has full control. their Asian regional effectiveness of their enforcement •There is a very well-developed headquarters. are attractive for companies with Hong Kong's benefits market for financial, IT and high-value intellectual property. business support services Hong Kong's companies also Geographical location •Also a skilled, productive have extensive relationships with The special characteristics of labour force their counterparts in mainland Hong Kong's business • Ideally placed on the doorstep •, English and China. By forming partnerships environment provide valuable of the Pearl River Delta, Putonghua are all widely spoken with Hong Kong firms, overseas resources and opportunities that centrally located in East Asia companies can make use of should be considered in any • Excellent communication and Hong Kong was already a major these links which would business strategy to expand into transport links investor in China when it was otherwise take a long time to Asia, and especially into the • Hong Kong International handed back in 1997. Hong Kong build, easing the route to doing mainland Chinese market. Airport is the world's leading companies took advantage of a business in the mainland.

It is now nearly ten years With its autonomy in trade since Hong Kong was and financial matters, handed back to China Hong Kong is free to set under what is known as up its own treaties and the “One Country, Two agreements in these areas Systems" arrangement. (it is a member of the This allows Hong Kong to WTO in its own right). have a high degree of People who think that Ian Bailey, Trade autonomy in all areas Hong Kong is now just Tony Collingridge, Head of the Africa Team in London, Commissioner, British apart from foreign affairs another Chinese city are Asia Pacific and Africa Team, managing the effort to attract Consulate General Hong Kong and defence. Hong Kong badly mistaken. Hong Inward Investment Group inward investment from the therefore has retained its Kong has maintained all UK Trade & Investment Region. He was recently Ian was recently appointed capitalist system and has a the attributes that have appointed as Head of the Trade Commissioner at the separate Government from made it successful, Tony Collingridge has had UK Trade & Investment Asia British Consulate General in the mainland. It has its including the rule of law, more than 12 years Pacific Regional Team based Hong Kong having spent eight“own currency, passport, free movement of people experience of working with in Hong Kong, where his years at the Foreign Office. His customs regime and legal and goods, and freedom companies in the Asia Pacific responsibilities now include previous postings include Seoul system, the latter still of expression. It is an Region, first working with UK regional trade opportunities and Oman. based on UK Common excellent base from which companies looking to do for UK companies, as well as Law. People from UK companies can enter business in Australia and New inward investment. [email protected] mainland China need a the mainland China market. Zealand, and more recently, visa to enter Hong Kong. as Head of the Asia Pacific & [email protected]

www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk ” China:3 Hong Kong Sevens

n one of the most joining the fun in 2008 as arco Polo Hotels Heinz wishes he had time bizarre Cup finals ever the 40,000 tickets sell out is the official to get to the Sevens, but Iseen in the history of in no time, a true Mhotel group for he is so dedicated to his the Hong Kong Sevens, testimony to the the /Credit catering team at the Samoa scored five first popularity of this amazing Suisse Hong Kong Sevens. Marco Polo Hongkong half tries, three by an event that Hong Kong Hotel that he has yet to awesome Mikaele showcases so magnificently Heinz Oertli, the Swiss- make it to a match. Peasamino, and then to the rest of the world. born executive chef at the Maybe one year he’ll get somehow managed to Marco Polo Hongkong there! hold off tournament Hotel, has served meals favourites Fiji during the for all 24 hungry teams second half for a much for the last three Sevens deserved 27-22 win. tournaments. With the teams, the coaches and The Cathay Pacific/Credit officials, that’s about 400 Suisse Hong Kong Sevens guests to cater for - three are a “must attend” event meals a day, for a whole of the global sporting week. Plus of course, the calendar. Book early if gala dinner on the you are thinking of Sunday for 700 guests!

Fit, healthy rugby players come with healthy appetites. The big meals are breakfast and dinner, with a bit less ‘intake’ for lunch. There are no special requests from any team, so a balanced spread of dishes to suit all nationalities is prepared. Players prefer energy providing food with minimal oil and fats and Heinz Oertli, Executive Chef, so popular dishes include Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel pasta, French bread, steamed rice, lean meat, skinless poultry, egg white omelettes and a lot of fruit. Cream and cheese are generally avoided. www.marcopolohotels.com

China:4 CIFIT Elite Enterprises Conference

nother great event and trade exhibition, the that attracts global International Investment Amedia coverage is Forum, and serial seminars CIFIT, the China on hot investment International Fair for opportunities. Investment and Trade. Held annually in Xiamen, Dozens of investment 8-11 September, this event promotion agencies from attracts an incredible around the globe also 10,000 foreign visitors feature at CIFIT as it offers and more than 50,000 an optimum opportunity Chinese participants. for business people within he Elite Enterprises China and abroad to get a Conference in CIFIT is sponsored by China’s bird’s-eye view on the TShenzhen on 30 Ministry of Commerce and investment climates in March was attended by focuses on investment China and beyond. CIFIT over 500 delegates, Yingchun Chen, Vice-Mayor of Shenzen and Jeff Tucker, negotiation and investment, has become a one-stop including 97 of the top Publisher of International Trade Focus policy promotion, national arena for all involved in 100 companies and and regional economic international investment organisations in Shenzhen coordinated development and is poised to become and numerous local and and economic and trade the world’s most prestigious regional government exchanges. international investment representatives. exposition. The Fair has three major Organised by the components: an investment www.chinafair.org.cn Shenzhen Special Zone daily newspaper, this event typifies the scale and importance of business networking events taking place in Shenzhen and throughout China.

Marco Polo Shenzhen is one of the finest hotels in Shenzhen. The media coverage at Located in the heart of the new Futian Central Business District this event and the profile with close proximity to the Shenzhen Government Offices, the for all involved is The numbers of readers all of them will be new Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Centre enormous. Five TV crews and viewers runs into watching at once, but a and the subway station. It is only 20 minutes to Lowu train from local, regional & hundreds of millions. To fair percentage will be! station, 25 minutes each to Shekou Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen national TV stations and put this into context, Bao An Airport, and 5 minutes to Huanggang border. dozens of newspaper national TV coverage in www.szdaily.com.cn reporters provided China extends to 1.3 The 391 guest rooms and suites are equipped with broadband extensive media coverage. billion people. Sure, not Internet access, luxurious bathrooms, in-room safe, state-of-the- art communications and entertainment facilities. Recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, health & fitness centre and the internationally-renowned Mandara Spa. Top Science and Technology Show The Marco Polo Shenzhen has 6 restaurants, including a 600 seat Chinese restaurant, a bar, a ballroom and 30 multi-functional rooms including an auditorium which can accommodate up to 3,000 people, providing an ideal venue for meetings, conventions, seminars and social events.

A seasoned hotelier with more than 25 years experience, James began his career at the hina Hi-Tech Fair practical, professional and Special Events, Hi-Tech prestigious Westin St. Francis (CHTF) is the largest all-year-round identities. Human and Intellectual Hotel in San Francisco and has Cand most influential With a total exhibition area Resources Exchange and a since held executive positions hi-tech trade show in of 105,000 square metres, year-round fair. CHTF 2007 with Sheraton Hawaii, Caesar’s China. CHTF has been it has 6 key components: will be held in Shenzhen Palace Las Vegas and Castle & staged successfully for 8 Commercialisation of Convention & Exhibition Cooke Resorts Hawaii and most consecutive years and Technological Innovation, Center (SZCEC) from recently at the award wining benefits from distinct Specialised Shows, World 12-17 October 2007. James McStay Ong, General Marco Polo Omni Saigon Hotel state-level, international, Technology & Economy Manager, Marco Polo Shenzhen in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. high standard, large-scale, Forum, super-SUPER www.chtf.com

China:5 Visit by the Lord Mayor of London

expertise on global business services sector and climate change. welcomed the news of Standard Chartered receiving The London-based their permission to start Securities and Investment operating RMB accounts. Institute (SII) signed a Memorandum of The Lord Mayor also met Understanding with the with the Vice-Mayor of Shenzhen Financial Shenzhen and discussed Engineering School at their deepening Nankai University as a cooperation now that the further step to build on City of London has its the excellent relationship representative in place between the City of London and also discussed the and the city of Shenzhen. prospect of the Financial Services training centre In Guangzhou the Lord and continued opening Mayor opened a seminar up of the financial and on Best Practice in business services market. Worldwide Healthcare Insurance (sponsored by For more information, e-mail BUPA), where he lobbied [email protected] or (L-R) Mr. Li, Shenzhen government, Simon Culhane, CEO, Securities & Investment Institute, for even faster opening up [email protected] Mr. Li Hong Yang, Nankai University and Alderman John Stuttard, The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London of the financial and

he Lord Mayor has views heard from UK- London as a centre for Chinese women in business made Education based financial and raising capital. CBBC ran TTraining business services “Going Global" seminars Qualifications (ETQ) the companies with in Chongqing and main theme of his operations in China that Guangzhou and a Mayoralty under the the recruitment of roundtable in Shenzhen. banner City of London - qualified staff is the The Lord Mayor also City of Learning. major restraint on visited a CDM project at Seminars on these growth for those Chonqing Iron & Steel, themes were held in companies in China. which offered the Chongqing and Shenzhen opportunity to promote and were well attended, The second major theme London's strengths as the which confirmed the of the visit was to promote leading centre of Investment opportunity

Fujian Nan'an Yourway investment in order to Stone Co. Ltd is a leading become the No 1 supplier Seen here arriving for a meeting at the Marco Polo Xiamen, Jully supplier of natural stone of natural stone in China. Wu is a successful Xiamen career business woman. Jully was (granite, marble, sponsored by the Chinese government to complete her limestone, sandstone, For more details, visit education in the UK where she gained a Distinction in her slate, etc) with excellent www.yourwaystone.com Masters degree in Mass Communications. technical knowledge and superb aftersales service. Jully Wu is the Media Manager at the Xiamen Daily newspaper It is seeking inward and holds regular meetings with senior international business people and senior government officials at the Marco Polo Hotel International in Xiamen. Entrepreneurship China Import and Export Fair IEF Forum Why does Jully use the Marco Polo? August 30th - 31st 2007, he China Import largest and most diverse Shanghai, China and Export Fair, trade fair and is of great “Because it has superb meetings & events facilities and excellent Asian Entrepreneurship: Talso called Canton international restaurants with the best service in town! The lobby lounge has a New Asian Ventures in the Fair, celebrates its 50th importance. great business atmosphere and is a true focal point for local and Global Community of year in 2007. Held twice international business people to meet.” Enterprise and Innovation. a year, in Spring and www.cantonfair.org.cn E-mail [email protected] Autumn, it is China's www.marcopolohotels.com

China:6 Xiamen University In brief Xiamen, on the southeastern coast of China, to the west of the Taiwan Strait, covers a total area of 1,565 square kilometres and has a iamen University has world- permanent population of 2.19 million. class postgraduate Xprogrammes, including Chinese Dubbed "China's cosiest city", Xiamen culture, Chinese civil & commercial has a pleasant climate, picturesque law and the Chinese economy, taught views and a clean and tidy in English. environment. In 2002, Xiamen received the Gold Medal at the The six schools and colleges involved "International Nations in Bloom" in the international programmes are competition. Domestic awards have all top schools and colleges of included "National Garden City", Xiamen University and are proud of "National Model City for their superb learning and working Environmental Protection", "National environment, highly skilled and Excellence in Tourism" and "National well-motivated members and the Top 10 Most Livable Cities". productive partnerships they have created with organisations and Xiamen is one of the most universities worldwide. competitive cities in China. It ranks research institutes or government Library, Xiamen fifth in the "List of the Most The staff teaching on the departments in many countries and University Competitive Cities in China" international programmes are the regions including the UK, Europe published by the Economic Daily and leading academics in their colleges and beyond. has become one of the most who have benefited from extensive important ports in China for study overseas, research or working visit www.admissions.xmu.edu.cn for international trade and cross-Straits experience at major universities, further information. trade with Taiwan, making it a hot destination for foreign investment.

The Xiamen Investment Promotion Agency (XIPA) is a professional Mind your manners investment promotion organisation under the Xiamen Foreign Simon Groves, Brand Manager, Atradius UK and Ireland Investment Bureau. Since its establishment in 2001, the Xiamen rading with an overseas Chinese business culture is based Don’t let this deter you. Finding Investment Promotion Agency (XIPA) market that’s new to you on the concept of Guanxi, a a way into the Chinese market has succeeded in bringing in 346 Tcan be daunting. You’ll network of relationships built on isn’t easy and may require a foreign-funded projects with a total need to understand the laws of mutual respect, trust and joint venture with a local agent. contractual foreign investment that country, the banking system, obligation. Developing these Of course, Hong Kong forms the capital of over US$1 billion. customary payment practices… relationships can be time bridge between the West and And just as important, the way consuming but is well worth the China. So finding a partner www.xipa.com.cn people conduct business in that effort, as a valuable relationship there may be a start. country – the business etiquette. established with one customer Founded in 1988, the China Council can soon lead to an introduction Do your homework, understand for the Promotion of International Why is business etiquette so to others. the culture and learn what gifts, Trade Xiamen Sub-Council (CCPIT important? Conducting yourself if any, are acceptable and most Xiamen Sub-Council) is the executive in a way that’s expected and Yes can mean no – and often of all, make it happen. agency for foreign trade and that puts your prospective does investment promotion in Xiamen. It is customer at ease can be the For more information, contact dedicated to promoting mutual trade, crucial factor that wins you the Chinese business people are Eric-Jan den Boogert, investment, economic cooperation and contract. In China, the business polite and charming, and Atradius Hong Kong: technology exchange between Xiamen etiquette is in many respects really don’t like to say ‘no’. So [email protected] and the rest of the world. different to what you may be if your host says ‘Maybe’ or or Martin Jones, used to, so the first rule is… ‘I’ll think about it’, don’t get Atradius Shanghai: www.ccpitxiamen.org your hopes up. [email protected] …do your homework. he Export Marketing Research Scheme is a UKTI-sponsored Tservice that encourages exporters and potential exporters to research projects overseas. Grants of asiabusinesshq .com Think global, Look global up to 50% for desk and field research are available to eligible companies/projects. Please contact Your own office in Hong Kong Richard Gilbert for further details. for as little as £40 per month! visit www.asiabusinesshq.com or call 0845 094 3188 [email protected]

China:7 Oasis Hong Kong Drawing competition celebrates new hotel

he children of the going to the school. Third Deaf School of TBeijing took part in The children are delighted a competition to draw the that their drawings will be soon-to-open 5-star printed. The reception Marco Polo Parkside Hotel and interview with the and the nearby Olympic children was broadcast complex in Beijing. the next day on Beijing TV, Beijing Radio Station The winning drawing was and The Travel Channel. printed on the hotel’s shopping bag. In addition, The Marco Polo Parkside all thirteen entries will opens on June 20 and feature as a set of post advance bookings can cards to be sold at the now be made by visiting hotel once it opens in www.marcopolohotels.com June, with all profits

ince taking off in the rest of the world more entertainment. October 2006, Oasis affordable and accessible SHong Kong Airlines for all and to contribute Oasis also starts to fly to has pioneered a fresh to Hong Kong’s economy Vancouver on June 28th. approach to give and leading position as For more information and passengers the best Asia’s premier aviation * terms and conditions, visit choice in low-fare, long hub and the gateway to www.oasishongkong.com distance travel, making China. long-haul flights accessible to more people. With fantastic offers like Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on Travellers can choose to fly round-trip Business Class non-stop in business class fares to Hong Kong from or economy from London just £1,595 (incl. taxes to Hong Kong and, from and charges)*, you can July this year, Hong Kong get a bonus ticket* which to Vancouver, with further is transferable and good destinations planned. for travel until 29 March 2008. BusinessOasis Oasis Hong Kong Airlines includes free lounge is set to change air travel access, sleeper seats with as we know it. Its aim is 60-inch seat pitch and to make long-haul travel complimentary inflight between Hong Kong and meals, beverages and BusinessOasis sleeper seats CAITEC he Chinese Academy of International Trade and Useful contacts Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) is a research and Tadvisory arm affiliated to the Ministry of Commerce Trade & Investment Section, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce with a particular focus on economic and trade issues. British Consulate General, Guangzhou www.chamber.org.hk 7/F Guangdong International Hotel The predecessor of CAITEC is the International British Chamber of Commerce 339 Huanshi Dong Lu Economics Research Institute that was established in Guangzhou 510098 in Mainland China www.britcham.org Hong Kong in 1948. Its staff of about 200 includes [email protected] more than 80 researchers who conduct more than 300 studies each year on global macroeconomic issues, UK Trade & Investment British Chamber of Commerce www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk in Hong Kong China’s foreign trade and economic relations, www.britcham.com international markets, multinational business, FDI, trade China-Britain Business Council and environmental protection, and development issues. www.cbbc.org Invest Hong Kong www.investhk.gov.hk Dozens of its staff are now working as commercial The Government of Hong Kong diplomats dispatched to Chinese embassies and Hong Kong Trade Development Council Special Administrative Region consulates or working at international organisations. Economic & Trade Office (London) www.tdctrade.com www.hketolondon.gov.hk For more information, visit www.caitec.org.cn

China:8

12