South China’s Pearl River Delta region is set to become a logistics hub for Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, according to Guangdong Governor Lu Ruihua.

“Efforts will be made to gradually develop the Pearl River Delta, with Guangzhou and Shenzhen as its axis, into an important logistics base for the whole country and even for the Southeast region,” Mr Lu announced at the opening of a seven-day annual meeting of the Political Consultative Committee (PCC) in Guangzhou on 28 January. (full story)

Hong Kong’s stock exchange is preparing for a sharp increase in the value of initial public offerings (IPO) this year led by several giant Chinese mainland state-owned enterprises, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international fund-raising centre for mainland companies. (full story)

The International Finance Corporation, a World Bank unit, has recognised Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as engines of growth by investing HK$155 million (US$20 million) in a Hong Kong specialty finance company to help expand its innovative business model in the Asia-Pacific region. (full story)