International business leaders will gather at the Hong Kong Forum in December as a platform to build on their multilateral business relationships and connections with Hong Kong.

The business leaders are from the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, encompassing 28 associations from North America, Europe, Australasia and Asia. The Federation has nearly 8,000 members, most from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With its theme Hong Kong – Asia’s Global Platform, the meeting will focus on providing networking opportunities and panel discussions with successful SMEs. The organiser, the Trade Development Council, will have customised trade matching sessions for the association members to capitalise on opportunities brought by the Chinese mainland’s imminent entry to the World Trade Organisation.

The national president of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association, David Chu, said the federation had created an international network. “Hong Kong is not only a platform for China trade, it is a platform for international trade as well. The advantage of Hong Kong is the experience of the Hong Kong people. The sophistication of Hong Kong in international trade certainly helps Hong Kong business people throughout the world.

“By being a member of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations you get in touch with 8,000 other members around the world. I don’t think any other organisation can match that.”

In conjunction with the Hong Kong Forum being held from December 5-9, the Hong Kong Canadian Business Association will hold a Canada Day to provide a platform for Canadian and fellow counterparts to network, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities.

For more information, listen to the Federation Chairman Maxwell Brotman's webcast.