Hong Kong-based British Businesses to Expand Investment in China's Interior AreasThe British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Friday that the British businesses vow to expand their investment in China's interior areas.A recent survey by the chamber showed that 97 percent of its members are optimistic of the future of Hong Kong's economic development and their businesses in Hong Kong, and a majority said they would extend their investment in China's interior areas. Christopher Hammerbeck, the chamber's executive director, told Xinhua that all of the chamber members are active in responding to China's strategic plan to develop the western region. In February this year, over 20 Hong Kong-based British companies made a tour of provinces and cities in west China, including Chengdu, Xi'an and Chongqing, to seek new opportunities, he said. "With China's impending accession to the World Trade Organization, the British businesses will make full use of Hong Kong to expand investment in China's inland," Hammerbeck said. Founded in 1978, the chamber has a membership of over 1,000 companies, hiring more than 300,000 local people, accounting for 49 percent of the total local labor force employed by overseas companies. Hammerbeck added that the chamber's aim is to promote the economic cooperation between UK and Hong Kong and help the British companies seek more business opportunities. Since last August, the chamber has helped about 20 British companies to take part in the market competition in Hong Kong every month, and with the help of the chamber, over 20 British companies set up their offices or regional headquarters in Hong Kong every year. The executive director stressed that in the coming years, it is of great significance for the British companies in Hong Kong to seize the opportunities to go to China's interior areas, especially the western region, to further develop their businesses. |
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