Hong Kong : “We have one of the lowest and simplest taxations in the world”

Cadrexport : Can you introduce the activity of your department ?

Karen Winton : Invest Hong Kong was set up in 2000, with the mission to attract and retain economically and strategically important investment in Hong Kong.  

As part of the Hong Kong SAR Government, we have industry specialists in Hong Kong looking after priority sectors and an overseas network with representatives based in 27 key business cities across the world.

Cadrexport : How does Invest HK help overseas companies to set up and expand in Hong Kong ?

Karen Winton : InvestHK offers free, customised and confidential services to help businesses succeed in our vibrant economy. Our comprehensive range of services includes:

Latest information on Hong Kong’s business environment:
- Sector-specific advice and opportunities
- Business incorporation procedures
- Tax and business regulations
- Cost-of-business models
- Employment legislation
- Immigration requirements
- Business networking opportunities

Introduction to business contacts and referrals to service providers such as lawyers, accountants, human resource specialists, consultants, designers, interior specialists and real estate agents.

Arrangement of visit programmes and meetings with professional associations and government officials and departments.

Business support facilitation, such as assistance with business licences, visa applications, trade-mark registration, intellectual property and trade regulations. Many companies find our marketing services during launch and expansion very useful in increasing awareness of their products and services.

In addition to supporting the corporation, we understand that the well-being of the relocated staff is also paramount. We provide extensive advice on living and working in Hong Kong, including housing, healthcare, schooling and networking opportunities.

All our services are provided free of charge, customised and we keep our investors’ information in the strictest confidence.

Cadrexport : How does this help concern French companies ?

Karen Winton : Hong Kong is a great place for business. Strategically located at the heart of Asia Pacific, half of the world’s population is accessible within a 5 hour flight time. We have one of the lowest and simplest taxations in the world. Hong Kong enjoys free flow of capital, talent, information and goods and services. The city has been ranked the “World’s Freest Economy” for over a decade.

Key favourable factors affecting the choice of Hong Kong as a location for Regional Headquarters and offices are the simple tax system and low tax rate; the free flow of information; and the absence of exchange controls.

The “2009 Annual Survey of Companies in Hong Kong Representing Parent Companies Located outside Hong Kong”, is conducted by the Census and Statistics Department and Invest Hong Kong. Of the 6,397 overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies representing parent companies located outside Hong Kong, there were 1,252 regional headquarters, 2,328 regional offices and 2,817 local offices. The survey results reaffirm investors’ confidence in Hong Kong's enduring advantages.


Mainland China is an important market for Invest Hong Kong and we have devoted a lot of resources to support Mainland enterprises to establish business operations here. The number of local offices from the Mainland saw an increase of 6%, from 499 in June 2008 to 527 in June 2009 and the number of regional headquarters and regional offices remained stable. The total number of companies in Hong Kong surveyed that represent parent companies located on the Mainland now numbers 750.

Given the current economic climate, Asia - particularly the Mainland China market - is an attractive source of business potential with its strong growth rates as compared to traditional developed markets like North America and Europe. French companies setting up in Hong Kong can easily service Mainland and regional clients.

Cadrexport : How many French firms are established in Hong Kong? Could you give us examples of successful areas and examples ?

Karen Winton : There are over 600 French enterprises in Hong Kong across many industries. Companies decide to set up in Hong Kong for a many different reasons, some of the latest cases are :

Tourbillon – Antique and vintage watches. The entrepreneur decided to set up in Hong Kong and move his young family here because of the quality lifestyle, strategic geographical location at the centre of Asia and access to the Mainland.

Gameloft -  is a developer and publisher of video games with a focus on mobile games with 12 development studios around the world employing over 3,500 staff. The South East Asia office is located in Hong Kong because of the strategic location in the centre of Asia and with excellent transportation links. The mix of Chinese and Western influences in Hong Kong is also an important factor.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was founded in 1919. It is the premier provider of services to world business, operating through its policy commissions, special projects and specialised divisions. ICC chose Hong Kong as the location of the first branch of the Court Secretariat ever to be established outside Paris, because of the excellent infrastructure, legal services and independent judiciary. Hong Kong also has a solid and transparent regulatory framework and a well-respected, pro-business government.

Other companies that have recently set up in Hong Kong are :
All Rights Entertainment
BSO Network Solutions
DESSANGE Paris
Maltem
Maya Press
TheTMSway

Interview réalisée par Diane Pinelli, Cadrexport - Janv 2010

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Karen Winton
Chief Marketing Officer
Invest Hong Kong

25/F Fairmont House
8 Cotton Tree Drive
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3107 1003
kwinton@investhk.gov.hk

www.investhk.gov.hk