At seminars in Mumbai and New Delhi, Indian companies will learn first-hand market information from Hong Kong business leaders

Indian companies wanting to explore opportunities in China's booming economy should take advantage of the know-how and expertise of Hong Kong companies, according to entrepreneur Raj Sital. He is also Chairman of the Hong Kong-based Council of Indian Associations, an umbrella group of nine Indian associations.

Mr Sital's father, K. Sital, founded Style Asia Ltd in Hong Kong in the 1950s. The company started as a consumer electronics and watch manufacturer with production facilities in southern China, and has since diversified into trade financing and other businesses around the world. (Two generations leverage HK advantage)

Raj Sital will be one of the speakers at the Hong Kong Business Seminar to be held in Mumbai and New Delhi on 12 and 14 December respectively. Called "Hong Kong: Your high-speed connection to China opportunities," the event is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The guest of honour is Hong Kong's Financial Secretary John Tsang. Mr Sital and another entrepreneur, Mahesh Lalvani, Director Wheeler Leather Corporation, will provide real examples of how Hong Kong helps Indian businesses grow and succeed. Industry leaders from Hong Kong's financial, logistics and legal sectors will tell the audience how to utlilise the Hong Kong platform for their business entry or expansion in the China market.    

Mr Sital said there are many opportunities in Hong Kong but Indian companies wanting a slice of the Chinese pie would do well to use the services of a Hong Kong middleman. "We have the experience in dealing with the mainland," he said.

Spectacular trade growth

Total trade between China and India is rising rapidly amounting to US$30.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2007, up a spectacular 53 per cent year-on-year. The same is also true of the Hong Kong-India trade links. Hong Kong's re-exports of China-origin to India in the first nine months of 2007 amounted to US$1,135 million growing by 36 per cent which is faster than the respective growth rates of 29 per cent and 11 per cent in 2006 and 2005.

Ma Foi Management Consultants, a leading human resources firm in India, set up its Hong Kong subsidiary in June this year to capitalise on the strong demand for quality recruitment services. It joins around 1,000 firms in the city which are operated by more than 1,000 Indian businessmen, in industries ranging from trading, financial services, shipping and information technology, to professional services and jewellery. (Global talent scout finds huge opportunity)

The regional financial centre has been a favourite destination for Indian banks to open their branches. ICICI Bank opened its first branch in Hong Kong in 2005 (India's second largest lender establishes North Asian hub) following others like Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and UTI Bank (Leading Indian bank licenced to operate). In May 2007, Punjab National Bank opened its Hong Kong branch.

Participation for the two business seminars is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Mumbai, please register here 
For New Delhi, please register here 

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