Scott Miller: Hong Kong is becoming a packaging powerhouse

"Chinese packaging has had a major impact on our business in the US," said mission leader Albert Hoodwin, president of Michigan City Paperbox Company. "We needed to come to the region and explore opportunities for integration. The delegation has been truly amazed at the high quality of the manufacturing facilities and the calibre of the workforce in southern China."

Mr Hoodwin said Hong Kong's role as a gateway to China was important for the industry. "Value-adding activities such as design and creative services are of exceptional quality in Hong Kong. This factor and the proximity to factories in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). make a powerful combination for the print and packaging industry."

Before our trip, many of us believed we would find substandard quality products and extremely poor working conditions.  Our four factory visits showed us the high level of quality that can be achieved with a Chinese manufacturing operation and the care for the employee's needs and education.  Our delegates truly understood the Hong Kong Plus business model by the end of their trip.

Already 75% of the delegates who attended this mission are interested in returning on another mission to further develop their business relationships and partnerships, said Mr Hoodwin.

President of Climax Manufacturing Company, Liz Hirschey, said her business had reached new heights during the trip. She met with more than 17 Chinese companies in just one day to discuss possibilities of partnership.

"Everyone is looking at the valuable opportunities in China right now. And Hong Kong is an excellent intermediary for doing business with the Chinese mainland, especially for small companies like mine doing business overseas [outside the US] for the first time. Hong Kong has years of experience dealing with China, and an unrivalled services industry," said Ms Hirschey.

"A growing number of American manufacturers are interested in the Asian market," said executive vice president of the National Paperbox Association, Scott Miller. "Hong Kong already has a strong printing industry and is becoming the next packaging powerhouse. The variety and the product mix available is this region is very impressive."