Mary Covatta, founder and managing director of Covatta Communications says Hong Kong is a testing ground for entering the complex mainland market

Hong Kong really is the gateway to China for professional services, according to Australian - Italian Mary Covatta, founder and managing director of Covatta Communications Ltd.

"For the retail industry Hong Kong can act as a testing ground before making the leap into such a complex market as China, and also as a risk manager once the company is ready to take that leap." according to Ms Covatta.

"I chose Hong Kong as a base for my company because this is where the action is and where I have developed my network over the last 10 years. It's the nucleus of business activity in the region," said Ms Covatta. "Where else in the world can you set up a company and be in contact with top business leaders, all within 24 hours? The infrastructure here is outstanding."

Covatta's clients include companies of all types and sizes, across the spectrum from public sector to small medium sized enterprises and multinational corporations and MNCs. Her company offers a unique one-stop marketing platform for getting connected and building a brand in Hong Kong and the Greater China region, and works with affiliates in Beijing, Shanghai and across the mainland to offer expert advice.

"We provide a personalised, one-on-one advisory service, in Italian or English - something international clients really appreciate. We work and grow together with the client and their business, getting them connected or introducing them to other specialists. Given the extensive network we have developed over the last 10 years, we're also able to connect our clients with other professional services they may require whether legal, corporate or financial investment services," explained Ms Covatta.

Ms Covatta said the Cepa free trade pact signed between Hong Kong and the mainland in early 2004 has had a positive effect on the number of companies flooding to open an office in Hong Kong. "We have definitely noticed an increase, post-Cepa, because what it offers is very attractive. Whether the international companies are from Italy, the USA or Australia, they can find and carve a niche in this market quite easily, given the infrastructure in place."

Related link
Covatta Communications Ltd.
More info on HK’s Professional Services