A high-level delegation organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will visit London next week to spread news that the Hong Kong financial powerhouse will continue whirring at top speed well beyond the turn of the century.
The main thrust of the mission is to "radiate well founded confidence" about Hong Kong's future as one of the world's leading financial centres, notably for the Asia-Pacific region, said TDC's senior manager of services promotion, Mr Andrew Pyne.
Titled "Hong Kong - At the Heart of Asia's Finance", the mission emphasises the territory's financial strength across a spectrum of activities, including banking, investment, equities, bonds and forex.
The one-day event is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 April. TDC executive director Mr Michael Sze, the delegation leader, will open the proceedings. Hong Kong Commissioner in London, Sir David Ford, will be chairman.
"This is the first time TDC has organised a financial services roadshow of this type," Mr Pyne said. "Obviously, we believe that we have a very good story to tell about opportunities for business and investment in Hong Kong's financial services sector. Our central theme will be that there is no better place from which to tap into the opportunities created by Asia's economic miracle."
British business executives will hear leaders from Hong Kong's financial sector present market news and information about investment opportunities and future challenges.
Plenary presentations will be delivered by Hong Kong Stock Exchange chief executive Mr Alex Tsui, Hong Kong Futures Exchange chairman Mr Frank Wong, Hong Kong Capital Markets Association chairman Mr Philip Li, and Hong Kong Financial Markets Association president Mr Andrew Fung.
Workshops on individual financial services sectors and products will follow. The event concludes with a keynote address on "Hong Kong: Your Financial Services Partner in Asia-Pacific" by HSBC Holdings Plc group chief executive Mr John Bond.
High-profile speakers will participate in each workshop. The lineup is:
On the Futures Exchange
Mr Ivers Riley, chief executive officer, Hong Kong Futures Exchange;
Mr Peter Lewis, director, Global Derivatives Group, Robert Fleming Company Limited;
Mr Michiel Alexander de Boer, managing director, MeesPierson Futures Clearing Services Limited; and
Mr A. Belchamber, chief executive, London Futures & Options Association (UK).
On Capital Markets
Mr Philip Li, chairman, Hong Kong Capital Markets Association;
Ms Helen Wong, director, new issues, HSBC Markets;
Mr Tom Hsiao, director, Tokyo Mitsubishi International (HK) Limited; and
Mr Patrick Thomas, managing director, Oakreed Financial Services Limited.
On the Stock Exchange
Mr Robert Bunker, chairman, Hong Kong Institute of Investment Analysts;
Mr Anthony Wong, general manager, private wealth management and planning, Hang Seng Bank; and
Mr Robert Lee, group director, corporate development, Sino Land Company Ltd.
On Foreign Exchange
Mr Andrew Fung, president, Hong Kong Financial Markets Association;
Mr James Yip, treasurer, NatWest Markets;
Mr Anthony Yuen, senior vice-president, head of Asia foreign exchange and regional treasurer - Greater China, Bank of America NT & SA; and
Mr Christopher Tinker, chief economist treasury, Standard Chartered Bank.
The event is co-organised by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Futures Exchange, Hong Kong Capital Markets Association and Hong Kong Financial Markets Association.
Supporting organisations in London include: British Invisibles, International Fund Managers Association, International Primary Markets Association, International Securities Markets Association, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, London Forex Association, London Futures and Options Association, London Investment Banking Association, and the London Stock Exchange.
Similar Hong Kong roadshows are planned for later in the year in New York and Tokyo.
For press enquiries contact Vanapa Ongvises of TDC's Media and Corporate Communications Department on (852)2584 4333.
