Hong Kong's role as the trade and business platform in the Asia-Pacific is set to grow enormously with the mainland's entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), according to chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide Maxwell Brotman. He was speaking this week at a global gathering of association, held for the second year at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mr Brotman said that association members were "very excited" about the business opportunities unfolding for overseas and Hong Kong firms with China's WTO accession.

"Federation members are in Hong Kong to find out at first-hand about the possibilities for partnership with Hong Kong firms about doing business in the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong firms are ideal allies for entering an unfamiliar, complex market like the Chinese mainland. This Hong Kong Forum provides an ideal opportunity to explore these possibilities," said Mr Brotman. "Business is all about networking, networking, networking, and many of our events at the Forum are based around this."

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), the Hong Kong Forum is the flagship annual event for the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, which, between gatherings, networks via its website. Some 170 delegates attended this year's event, up from 146 last year, despite the global economic slowdown and travel concerns since the US terrorist attacks.

Delivering the Forum's keynote speech, TDC chairman Peter Woo said that Hong Kong is an ideal "risk manager" for overseas companies wishing to enter the China market.

"It is a huge, diverse country; many different markets at different stages of development. The solution is to find a Hong Kong partner who knows the language, customs and business networks. This Hong Kong Forum is a ready-made opportunity to share experiences and best practices," he added.

The Federation is made up of 28 Hong Kong Associations from 22 countries around the world, with 7,700 members. Members are mainly senior business executives with strong ties to Hong Kong.

A highlight of this year's forum was a reception at Government House hosted by Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa. TDC also organised a side-trip to the Pearl River Delta, so association members could view its rapid development as the world's largest manufacturing basin.

"Hong Kong's role as a regional hub is rapidly expanding," said Mr Brotman. "Our newest challenge is to get this message across. The Federation is a powerful partner for Hong Kong and a strong voice for Hong Kong's interests around the world."