Hong Kong forum launches in North

The Northern Chapter of the Hong Kong Business Forum was launched in Leeds yesterday at the offices of law firm DLA Piper. Around 120 Yorkshire businesses attended the event to find out more about the forum, which is part of a network that provides members with market intelligence and news about opportunities in China.

As well as local events, an annual global forum is held each year, which is attended by chapters from around the world, allowing members to find out more about opportunities in China and develop relationships with members from other countries.

With support from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Northern Forum has been brought together by local partners Marketing Leeds, UKTI (UK Trade & Investment), Grant Thornton, HSBC, China Britain Business Council, The Metier Centre, ConnectChina, and DLA Piper, whose partner Josh Wong will chair the forum.

Mr Wong said: "For those interested in trading with China, Hong Kong offers an ideal entry point.

"Not only is it an economic powerhouse in its own right, but it is also uniquely positioned as being a Chinese city with a UK business infrastructure.

"This dual personality goes a long way to easing the culture shock that concerns many companies going into China.

"The Hong Kong Business Forum has been designed to provide its membership with the information and contacts they will need to make the most of the opportunities offered in the Chinese market.

"The global membership of the forum also means that members can access new contacts worldwide – creating huge scope for the

internationalisation of their business."

Deborah Green, the chief executive of Marketing Leeds – the city's strategic marketing organisation – said she wanted to work with the Hong Kong Business Forum and UKTI to help businesses to gain an understanding of the opportunities in China.

Companies wishing to find out more about membership of the Northern Chapter of the Hong Kong Business Forum should contact [email protected].