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| Over 28,000 visitors attended the World SME Expo which provided enormous networking opportunities for SMEs around the world |
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Thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gathered in Hong Kong for two mega events held from 16-18 November - the Hong Kong Forum and World SME Expo.
It was the first time that the World SME Expo, organised by the Trade Development Council (TDC), and the Hong Kong Forum, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide were held concurrently in Hong Kong. The events provide enormous networking opportunities for SMEs.
More than 1,000 businessmen from 30 countries and regions came to these two events, as well as 3,000 representatives of Chinese mainland enterprises. More than 28,000 visitors in total attended a series of seminars, conferences, and business matching meetings.
World SME Expo offers unrivalled networking opportunities
Bob Armstrong, president of Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, led the biggest delegation of more than 30 companies to Hong Kong.
"This was the first world congress for SMEs anywhere in the world so it is a great opportunity for Canadian SMEs to network with other SMEs, to see what we can learn. The delegation has been really impressed by what they have seen and with the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"We encourage Canadian SMEs to come to Hong Kong and use it as a gateway to China. We have many companies that have gone on their own and have not done well. We've encouraged our SMEs to look for Hong Kong partners as they have already created a system Canadian SMEs can follow," said Mr Armstrong.
Anthony Solimini, managing director of US-based Sandler Sales Institute said that his company believed Hong Kong was the best entry point to get a foothold into China because of its English language proficiency and the large number of multinational companies.
"This is our first time at the SME World Expo and we wanted to see what the market would be like. I have been very impressed by people in different disciplines and different regions. In fact, I had a lengthy discussion with a very interested company in Shanghai about franchising possibilities," said Mr Solimini.
A central template for overseas companies
Alex Tolias, president of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association - Victoria, said the Hong Kong Forum was a unique opportunity for Australian companies to network and learn about the latest developments in the region.
"Being a member of the Federation of Business Associations Worldwide, and the Hong Kong Australia Business Association has created a whole new international network. Our members are using Hong Kong as a central template and this has opened up enormous opportunities. We come to the Forum every year to take advantage of the networking opportunities and exchange information with business and government leaders from around the world," said Mr Tolias, who led a delegation of 16 Australian companies to the twin events.
One of the events held during World SME Expo, entitled "Roundtable Forum: Global SME Development" attracted many international experts, concerned about raising awareness about challenges facing SMEs (Details in Need for greater recognition of SMEs).
Vice president of US-based Charter One Bank, Dawn Haghigi, said, "The two events are an outstanding opportunity and venue to get the full picture of how Hong Kong can act as a gateway to China."
The next World SME Expo will be held 21-23 November 2005, and the Hong Kong Forum is also expected to run concurrently next year.
Related Links
Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide
World SME Expo
