REVIEW’S OF THE HKCEA’S MAJOR ACTIVITIES 2003

 

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

I. Supporting the efforts of revitalizing Hong Kong economy by the HKSARG

Supporting the HKSARG in Eliminating the Fiscal Deficit

To revitalize Hong Kong economy and help maintain social stability, the Association backed up the efforts by the SARG in eliminating the fiscal deficit. On 25 February, the Association and other 6 chambers of commerce, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association, etc., paid a visit to Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and submitted a letter of supporting the HKSARG’s proposal of lifting profit tax by 1% and raising revenue by every means to eliminate the fiscal deficit, and expressed their willingness to overcome the tentative hardship with the whole community. The Honourable Tung Chee Hwa expressed his gratitude for the support from the business community including the Association, and wishes to hear more views and suggestion on the HKSARG’s work. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu joined the visit.

 

Participating in Designing the Strategy of Revitalizing Economic

On 21 April, Chief Executive held a conversazione with attendance of representatives from commerce, banking, tourism, real property development sectors to advise the work which had been done by the HKSARG in containing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the updates, and discuss how to help the industries assaulted by SARS to tide over the difficulty. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie and Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu attended the conversazione.  

To revitalize quickly and develop Hong Kong economy that had been serious influenced by SARS, Chief Executive ordered to set up the Economic Relaunch Strategy Group headed by the Financial Secretary. And Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, as a member of the group, took part in all meetings of the group, and provided views and suggestion on behalf of the Association.

 

II. Business and Liaison Activities

Seminars on CEPA

After the conclusion of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement Between the Mainland and the HKSAR (CEPA), the Association, together with other main chambers of commerce, held two important seminars exploring fresh business opportunities brought about by CEPA. On 3 July, the Association, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), the Chinese Manufacturers’ Federation in Hong Kong, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce sponsored a business luncheon on CEPA in Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, and Mr. An Ming, Vice Minister of Commerce of the PRC and the Honourable Anthony Leung, Secretary for Finance were invited to speak. The Association’s Chairman Mr. He Guangbei, Vice Chairmen Mr. Wang Huiheng, Dr. Fu Yuning, Mr. Zhou Jie, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, etc., joined the function together with nearly 50 representatives from Chinese enterprises.

And on 19 November, the Association again in partnership with the abovementioned chambers of commerce, Economic Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and Wen Wi Bo organized the Seminar on Trade in Goods under CEPA, and invited high-rank officials from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, Customs General Administration of the PRC and Department of Industry and Trade of the HKSARG to introduce in detail the concrete provisions and operational procedures for trade in goods under CEPA. And Ms Guo Li, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR delivered opening speech at the seminar, which attracted more than 300 participants from business community.

 

SMEs Expo Under CEPA

To help SMEs in Hong Kong to capitalize the business opportunities under CEPA, Hong Kong Trade Development Council organized at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at the beginning of December SMEs Expo Under CEPA, which consisted of 5 theme divisions respectively for information service, marketing, China business opportunities and industry support, to exhibited the services that could be employed by SMEs. The Association joined the event as a supporting organization and set up its own exhibition booth at the Expo together with some Chinese enterprises. And Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie presented himself at the Expo opening ceremony on behalf of the Association.

 

SMEs Market Day

In the year 2003, the Association as past participated in the SMEs Market Day as a supporting organization and set up a booth to propagate the itself and member companies as well as to help them to promote their services.

 

New Spring Reception of 2003 in Partnership with InvestHK

To reinforce the linkage between Chinese enterprises with InvestHK, the Association and InvestHK hosted together a New Spring Reception on 18 February. Mr. Liu Shanzai, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and the Honourable Henry Tang, Secretary for Industry, Commerce and Technology were invited to officiated the reception. And Mr. Mike Rowse Director General of Investment and Mr. Wang Huiheng, Vice Chairman of the Assciation spoke at the function. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Executive Director Yuen Mo joined the function together with more than 80 executives from Chinese enterprises, including Mr. Zhang Xuewu, Vice Chairman and General Manager of China Travel Service (Holdings) H.K. Ltd., Mr. Jin Zhongming, Senior Vice President of COSCO (Hong Kong) Group Limited.

 

The Dinner Reception Welcoming Shanghai’s Mayor Mr. Han Zheng

In late October, Mr. Han Zheng, Mayor of the Municipal People’s Government of Shanghai headed a mission to Hong Kong to further consolidate the cooperative relations between Shanghai and Hong Kong. During the visit, the Association sponsored a dinner reception with Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co., Ltd., and other main chambers of commerce in Hong Kong to welcome Mr. Han and the delegates. And Ms Guo Li, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Wu Hailong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC in the HKSAR, the Honourable Elsie Leung, Secretary for Justice of the HKSARG and the Honourable Frederick Ma, Secretary of Financial Services and the Treasury were invited to the reception. And the Association’s Chairman Mr. He Guangbei, Advisor Mr. Che Shujian, Vice Chairmen Mr. Yang Chao and Mr. Zhou Jie, Executive Director Mr. Yuen Mo also joined the function with some other executives of Chinese enterprises.

 

Liaison Reception with HKGCC

On 3 July, the Association held a liaison reception jointly with Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). Mr. Liu Shanzai, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Wu Hailong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, and Mr. Hu Guocai, Director General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR was present upon invitation. Around 100 people joined the function, among them were the Association’s Chairman Mr. He Guangbei, Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Secretary Mr. Liu Guoyuan, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Executive Directors Mr. Zhao Bin and Mr. Zhang Xianlin as well as Chairman Mr. Anthony Nightingale, and Vice Chairman Dr. Lily Chiang of the HKGCC. Mr. Nightingale and Mr. He spoke at the reception, expressing their common wishes that the two chambers work hand-in-hand to get their members cooperate more to contribute to the recovery and development of Hong Kong economy.   

 

Exchanges with Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong

In 2003, the Association kept in close contact with foreign chambers of commerce in HK, particularly with the Dutch Business Association, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (Amcham). And the linkages generated opportunities for the Association’s member companies to forge cooperative relations with their counterparts.

The Amcham and its China Committee hosted New Spring Luncheon 2003 on 8 April, and the Association’s Vice Chairmen Dr. Fu Yuning and Mr. Zhou Jie presented themselves upon invitation. As the Guest Speaker of Honour, Mr. Ji Peiding, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKASR delivered his speech of “China Diplomatic Policy and Sino-US Relations” at the event.

And on 9 June, the Association’s Vice Chairman Dr. Fu Yuning, President of China Merchants Holdings Co., Ltd., was warmly welcomed by members of the Amcham to address at a special luncheon, introducing logistics business of his group and the outlook of logistics market on Mainland China. And Mr. Zhou Jie, Vice Chairman of the Association attended the luncheon with a handful of executives of Chinese enterprises operating in logistics industry.

On 4 September, the Association and the Amcham jointly sponsored Mid-Autumn Festival Reception. And Mr. Xia Deren, Mayor of the Municipal City of Dalian of China, and Ms Karen L. Zens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations, US Commercial Service, who were in visit to Hong Kong, were invited to the function together with Mr. Hu Guocai, Director General of Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and Mr. Barry Friedman, Chief Commercial Consul of American Consulate General in the HKSAR, to officiate the function. More than 60 representatives from the Association member companies attended the reception, including Vice Chairmen Dr. Fu Yuning, Mr. Li Fuyou and Mr. Zhou Jie, Executive Directors Mr. Yuen Mo and Mr. Zhao Bin, etc. At the party, Mr. James Thompson, President of Amcham, and Dr. Fu Yuning expressed in welcome speeches their wishes to get members of both sides to cooperate more and develop friendship, and to work side-by-side to contribute to the development of Hong Kong economy as well as long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

 

III. Exploring Overseas Market

Mission to Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam

To implement “Going Out” Strategy and help Chinese Enterprises to explore overseas market, the Association’s Advisor Mr. Che Shujian headed a mission to Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam from the end of July to the beginning of August. The Association’s Vice Chairmen Mr. Wang Huiheng and Mr. Yang Chao as deputy head of the delegation. And Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Executive Directors Mr. Ou Binchang and Mr. Shi Cuiming also joined the mission. The Chinese Embassy in the three countries attached great importance to the mission. And Mr. Ning Fukui, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, and Mr. Qi Jianguo, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, honoured the delegation with a banquet, and introduced in details political, economic condition and investment environment of the countries. During the visit, the mission members participated in the 7^th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Conference held in Malaysia, and paid visits to related government bodies and business promotion organizations respectively in Cambodia and Vietnam, and held conversaziones with representatives of China-funded enterprises in the country. Through the meaningful visit, the delegates deepened their understanding on local investment environment and laid down a base for future business development. Besides, it also gave rise to a few business cooperative projects.

 

Participating in China and Portugal Countries Economic Cooperation Forum

On 12 October, the Association’s delegation, under the leadership of Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, participated in “China and Portugal Countries Economic Cooperation Forum” organized by the Ministry of Commerce of PRC and sponsored by the Government of Macau SAR. The Forum aimed to promote Macau as the platform of business cooperation among the Portugal Countries. Besides Chinese delegation, minister-level missions and many entrepreneurs from 7 Portugal countries joined the forum. Ms Wu Yi, Vice Premier of the State Council, received heads of the missions. The Association’s delegates joined the business exchanges activities among entrepreneurs and chambers of commerce from different countries.

 

Mission to Brazil and Chile

In December, the Association’s Vice Chairmen Mr. Chen Shoujie and Mr. Li Fuyou led a delegation to Brazil and Chile, with Mr. Hu Guocai, Director General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR as Advisor. And Mr. Ou Binchang and Mr. Zhang Xianlin, Executive Directors of the Association also joined the mission. Chinese Embassies and Consulate Generals in the country attached great importance to the visit, and Mr. Chen Xiquan, Consul General of PRC in Sam Polo, and Mr. Li Changhua, Chinese Ambassador to Chile warmly received the delegates and introduced in details the political and economic condition as well as local investment environment. The delegates also paid visits to relevant government organizations and business chambers, and held conversazione with representatives of local China-funded enterprises. The mission’s visit gave rise some cooperative projects, and enriched the delegates’ understanding on local investment environment, and laid down a base for capitalization of the market in future as well. 

 

SOCIAL AFFAIRS

I. Contacts with Chief Executive of the HKSAR

The Banquet in Honour of the Chief Executive

On 21 January, the Association hosted a banquet in honour of Chief Executive the Honourable Tung Chee Hwa, and the Honourable Anthony Leung, Financial Secretary of the HKSARG, Mr. Andrew L T Sheng, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, Mr. Joseph Yam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the Honourable Lam Woon-kwong, Director of Chief Executive’s Office, also were present upon invitation. The Association’s Advisors Mr. Chen Xinhua, Mr. Qin Xiao and Mr. Che Shujian, Vice Chairman Mr. Wang Huiheng, Mr. Fu Yuning, Mr. Chen Shoujie, Mr. Yang Chao, Mr. Cai Laixing and Mr. Zhou Jie, Secretary Mr. Liu Guoyuan, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu attended the banquet. The Honourable Tung Chee Hwa expressed his gratitude for the support from Chinese enterprises, and congratulations on the good economic efficiency they achieved, and wishes for further development.

 

The Banquet hosted by Chief Executive in Honour of the Association’s Office-Bearers

The Honourable Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, hosted a banquet on 26 November in return for the Association’s Office-Bearers to collect views and comments from them on Hong Kong social and economic issues. At the invitation, the Association’s Chairman Mr. He Guangbei, Vice Chairmen Dr. Fu Yuning, Mr. Yang Chao, Mr. Li Fuyou, Mr. Zhou Jie were present at the banquet. And Mr. Joseph Yam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Honourable Lam Woon-kwong, Director of Chief Executive’s Office were in accompany.

 

II. Exchanges and Cooperation with ICAC

Receiving ICAC Commissioner

On 29 April, Vice Chairmen Mr. Yang Chao and Mr. Zhou Jie, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu and a few Directors of the Association received Mr. Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong, the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mr. Daniel Li, Deputy Commissioner and Head of Operations, Mr. Thomas Chan, Director of Corruption Prevention Department, and Mrs. Susan Mak, Director of Community Relations Department, etc. Mr. Lee spoke highly of the Association’s for its ever active involvement in helping instilling trust in business community and full support in ICAC’s work, and expressed his wishes that the two sides cooperate even more.

 

The Evening Party of Young Staff of Chinese Enterprises to Enrich Understanding of Anti-Corruption

The Association and ICAC jointly held an evening party on 17 January to help staff, particularly young men among them, of Chinese enterprises, to deepen understanding on integrity by means of making fun. Mr. Hu Guocai, Director General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Zhou Jie, Vice Chairman of the Association, Mr. Zhu Qi, Chairman of the Youth Committee of the Association, Ms Julii Mu Fee-man, Assistant Director of Community Relations Department of ICAC and Ms Helen Lee, ICAC Regional Officer officiated its opening ceremony. Mr. Zhou and Ms Mu in their address spoke highly of the cooperative relationship between the two sides and promised to work closely to build a clean society. Over 500 staff of Chinese enterprises joined party and gave a good hand to their colleagues’ vivid performance.

 

Day Camp of Young Staff of Chinese Enterprises to Share Understanding of Integrity

In order to help young staff to reinforce of norm of integrity and ensure a healthy development of Chinese enterprises, the Association’s Youth Committee held a day camp jointly with ICAC on 7 December. Nearly 100 young staff members from a dozen of Chinese enterprises joined the camp activities. They got educated through their self made-up and self-directed drama performance with the theme of trust and integrity. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie spoke on the camp opening ceremony.

Besides, the Association played an active role in participating in the work of the Hong Kong Ethnics Development Advisory Committee and Working Group on IT Related Business Ethnics Programme to help instill trust and integrity in business community.

 

III. Airing Views on the Issue of Hong Kong Future Constitutional Development

On 5 June, the Association wrote to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, and Secretary for Constitutional Affairs of the HKSARG respectively to show its support in the Policy Agenda and Timetable of the HKSARG to initiate constitutional development review in 2004 and 2005.

Again on 16 June, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, on behalf of the Association, attend a public hearing on “Reviewing the Election Procedure Stipulated by the Basic Law” held by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, to reaffirm the Association’s stand on the important issue.

 

IV. Airing Views on Related Policies and Legal Consultation Documents

In the year 2003, the Association continued to air views and comments on important policy and legal consultation documents, including providing amendment suggestion on Companies (Amendment) Bill 2003, Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Companies Ordinance to Facilitate Offers of Shares and Debentures to the Bills Committee on Companies (Amendment) Bill 2003 of the Legislative Counsel and Bureau of Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSARG respectively.

In November, the Association wrote to Bureau of Environment, Transportation and Works and Financial Secretary of the HKSARG to draw their attention to main problems existing in the current project bidding system, and request them to take actions to review and improve it at the earliest time, so as to ensure a normal competition order in the building market and safeguard the legal interests of Chinese enterprises operating in building industry.

 

V. Active Involvement in Anti-SARS Activities

Full Mobilization Against SARS

In the Spring of 2003, an unexpected infectious disease of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) almost melted Hong Kong down, which brought serious threats to health and lives of people as well as a big blow on the economy on the way of getting recovery. In order to encourage Hong Kong people to fight against the disease and get the economy back on track, the Association joined hands with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and 6 other organizations initiating Full Mobilization Against SARS. The participating organizations held a rally with 5,000 people at the Victoria Park on 4 May aiming to mobilizing and unifying people’s courage, and later set up over 140 stations across the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territory to mobilize donations for the medical workers of the forefront of the fight against the epidemic. Besides, China Art Troupe of the Disable was invited to give two performances in honour of the front-line medical workers and the Anti-SARS Volunteers. The Association and a lot of staff of Chinese enterprises actively participated in the serials activities.

 

“Hong Kong is My Home – Supporting Medical Workers of the Forefront Fighting Against SARS” Fund Raising Activities

Late in April, the Association initiated jointly with the Federation of Hong Kong Guang Dong Community Organizations, ATV and 8 other organizations fund-raising activities to back up medical workers of the forefront fighting against SARS. The fund raised was used as prizes to acknowledge the contribution of medical workers of the forefront fighting against SARS and comfort fund for the families of the medical workers who sacrificed in SARS, as well as the cost for promoting the deeds of the anti-SARS heroes and experience obtained by Hong Kong. The Association donated 100,000 HK dollars and took part in all of the activities, including holding the Conference on Saluting the Medical Workers, visiting the hospitals having treating SARS patients to confer medals for the medical workers. 

Besides initiating the above activities to fight against SARS, the Association also supported and participated in anti-SARS events and activities sponsored by other organizations, such as BrighternHK Campaign, Operation Unite, etc.

 

VI. Cooperation With Relevant Organizations

The Soccer Carnival in Celebration of the 6^th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland

From late June to 1 July, the Association sponsored in partnership with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and 9 other organizations, the Soccer Carnival in Celebration of the 6^th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland, to encourage people face SARS with an positive attitude and strong body. The Association’s Vice Chairmen Mr. Yang Chao and Mr. Zhou Jie, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Executive Director Mr. Zhang Xianlin joined the function with tens of thousands of people including staff of Chinese enterprises and their families. Mr. Zhou acted as Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee. The Association set up 12 soccer teams for the contest and 10 amusement booths, and shared much coordination work of the event.

 

The Hiking Day of the Dragon-Boat Festival

To advocate a healthy and active life style in the community, and help people to get recovered from the hurt of SARS psychologically, the Association’s Youth Committee and Hong Kong Youth Association jointly sponsored the Hiking Day of the Dragon-Boat Festival on 4 June. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie and over 200 staff members of Chinese enterprises joined the hiking.

 

Reception in Celebration of the 54^th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC by Compatriots of Commercial and Industrial Circles of HK

On 26 September, the Association and other principal chambers of commerce jointly hosted Reception in Celebration of the 54^th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC by Compatriots of Commercial and Industrial Circles of Hong Kong. And Mr. Zheng Kunsheng, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Yang Wenchang, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, the Honourable Henry Tang, Financial Secretary of the HKSARG, and Ms Elsie Leung, Secretary for Justice of the HKSARG, were invited to the reception as the Guests of Honour. And the Association’s Vice Chairmen Dr. Fu Yuning and Mr. Zhou Jie joined the function.

 

Hong Kong Youth Hiking in Celebration of the National Day

To celebrate the 54^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Association’s Youth Committee held hiking activities on 28 September in partnership with Hong Kong Youth Association, Hong Kong Youths Unified Association and Federation of New Territory Youth. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, and the Honourable Elsie Leung, the Secretary for Justice of the HKSARG, the Honourable Rita Fan, Chairman of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR, etc., were invited to officiate the opening ceremony. More than 400 young men from different walks of Hong Kong shared the fun of hiking together.

 

The Grand Joyful Parade on the National Day

On 1 October, the Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers and scores of other organizations jointly held a grand parade to celebrate the National Day. And more than 10,000 people from different walks joined in square formation all the way down from the Hong Kong Stadium to Southorn Playground Wanchai. The streets were flooded with joyful melody, red flags and happy faces. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie joined the parade together with over 1,000 staff members from Chinese enterprises. 

 

Youth Mission the Beijing

From 27 September to 2 October, the Association’s Youth Committee and Hong Kong Youth Association jointly organized a mission to Beijing to participate in National Day celebrating activities. Mr. He Tongbao, Vice Chief Executive of the Association and Mr. Lin Yanwen, Vice Chairman of the Association’s Youth Committee joined the mission respectively as Advisor and Head. During their stay in Beijing, the mission paid a visit Mr. Hu Wei, Secretary of the Chinese Communist Youth League and attended National Day Reception held in the People’s Grand Hall.

 

National Day Artistic Performance Party

On 3 October, the Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, etc., jointly sponsored a grand artistic performance party at the Hong Kong Stadium to celebrate the 54^th National Day with the theme of “Love for our HK, Love for our country”. And PLA Forces Hong Kong, China Folk Culture Villages Troupes and pop stars were invited to perform. Mr. Fok Ying-tung, Vice Chairman of National Committee, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chief Executive the Honourable Tung Chee Hwa, Mr. Gao Siren, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Yang Wenchang, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, and leaders of PLA Forces Hong Kong watched the show. A few Office-Bearers of the Association and over 2,000 staff of Chinese enterprises also watched the show.

 

The Parade in Celebration of the Success of the Shenzhou 5^th Manned Space Mission

On 19 October, a grand parade was held by the Preparatory Committee of Hong Kong Societies in Celebration of the Success of the Shenzhou 5^th Manned Space Mission. As a member of the Committee, the Association joined the parade with over 700 people.

 

The Visit to Shenzhen Base of PLA Forces Hong Kong

On 26 October, the Association and New Territories Association of Societies jointly organized a visit to Shenzhen Base of PLA Forces Hong Kong, which was warmly received by Commander Wang Jitang and the soldiers with hospitality. The Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie and some staff of Chinese enterprises joined the visit. At the base, they watched military shows, artistic performance, weapon display, etc.

 

The Grand Artistic Performance for Welcoming China’s First Astronaut Mr. Yang Liwei

On 1 November, the Preparatory Committee of Hong Kong Societies in Celebration of the Success of the Shenzhou 5^th Manned Space Mission, held a grand artistic performance to welcome China’s first astronaut Mr. Yang Liwei and manned space mission delegation. Leaders of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and of Commissioner Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, and principal officials of the HKSARG, as the leaders of PLA Forces Hong Kong were present. Mr. Zhou Jie, Vice Chairman of the Association, joined the event with over 1,000 staff members of Chinese enterprises.

 

The Dinner Party Welcoming Mr. Yang Liwei

On 1 November, the Association and related organizations and chambers of commerce hosted a grand dinner party at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, welcoming China’s first astronaut Mr. Yang Liwei and manned space mission delegation. Leaders of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and the Commissioner Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, and principal officials of the HKSARG joined the party. Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, on behalf of the Association, attended the welcoming ceremony.

 

The Luncheon of Hong Kong Joint Business Community Welcoming Mr. Yang Liwei and Manned Space Mission Delegation

On 4 November, the Association and other main chambers of commerce in Hong Kong jointly hosted a grand luncheon at Grand Hyatt Hotel, welcoming China’s first astronaut Mr. Yang Liwei and manned space mission delegation. Mr. Gao Siren, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Wu Hailong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, and the Honourable Patrick Ho, Secretary for Home Affairs of the HKSARG joined the function upon invitation. At the luncheon, Mr. He Guangbei, Chairman of the Association, made appreciation speech and presented souvenir to Mr. Yang Liwei. And Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Secretary Mr. Liu Guoyuan, Treasurer Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Executive Director Mr. Yuen Mo attended the luncheon with some other representatives from Chinese enterprises.

 

Hong Kong and Kowloon Walk for Millions 2003/04

Both at the beginning and the end of the year, the Community Chest held Hong Kong and Kowloon Walk for Millions 2003/04 two times to raise fund to help the needed, and the Association, together with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, joined the charity activities in joint teams and made donation respectively. And the Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Executive Director Mr. Zhao Bin joined the walks with hundreds of representatives from Chinese enterprises. Besides, China Overseas Holdings Ltd., China Travel Service (Holdings) H.K. Ltd., the Association’s member companies, organized their own team for the walks.

　

EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE MAINLAND AND HONG KONG

I. Co-organizing Economic and Trading Activities

In 2003, the Association continued to work vigorously to promote economic exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland. In particular, the Association during the year successfully co-organized or took part in 50 trade fairs, commodity exhibitions and symposiums, etc., held in Hong Kong by individual provinces, autonomous regions and municipal cities of the Mainland China. Among them were “Henan-HK Investment and Trade Fair 2003”, “Shandong-HK International Enterprises Economic Cooperation Symposium”, “Guangdong-HK Economic and Technological Cooperation and Exchanges Fair 2003”, “CEPA Dalian-HK Economic Cooperation and Development Promotion Conference”, “Tsingdao Service Industry Symposium”, “Hubei-HK Economic Cooperation Fair 2003”, “Jiangxi (Hong Kong) Introducing Foreign Capital Fair 2003”, “Sichuan-HK Cooperation Development Week”, “New Century and New Liaoning Investment and Trade Symposium”, etc.

 

II. Receiving Visitors from the Mainland

In 2003, the Association received over 30 economic and trade missions or study groups from the Mainland, and actively provided advice for their business activities in Hong Kong. Among these visitors were senior officials from the Central People’s Government, provincial and municipal authorities, including: Mr. Luo Qingquan, Governor of Hubei Provincial People’s Government, Mr. Lin Tingsheng, Vice Governor (standing) of Shandong Provincial People’s Government, Mr. Wu Xinxiong, Vice Governor (standing) of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government, and Mr. Shi Jichun, Vice Governor of Henan Provincial People’s Government, etc.

 

III. Missions Back to the Mainland

Delegation to Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipal City

At the invitation of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government and Chongqing Municipal City People’s Government, the Association’s delegation paid a visit to Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipal City under the leadership of Vice Chairmen Wang Huiheng and Mr. Wu Jiesi late in August. The delegation consisted of 19 members, including the Association’s Vice Chairman Mr. Zhou Jie, Executive Directors Mr. Yuen Mo and Mr. Zang Qiutao. Mr. Liu Shanzai, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, joined the delegation as Advisor. During the visit, local leaders, including Mr. Zhang Xuezhong, Secretary of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Mr. Zhang Zhongwei, Governor of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, Mr. Li Chuncheng, Secretary of CPC Chengdu Municipal Committee, Mr. Ge Honglin, Acting Mayor of Chengdu Municipal City, Mr. Huang Zhendong, Secretary of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, Mr. Wang Hongju, Mayor of Chongqing Municipal City, received the delegation with banquets and exchanged views on how to deepen cooperation between the localities and Hong Kong Chinese enterprises. The delegation made to tours to Chengdu Hi & New Tech Development Zone, Chongqing Northern New Park, Chang’an-Ford automobile production centre, Lifan Group Limited, and a real property development project invested by China Overseas Holdings Ltd., one of the Association’s member companies. They also held a couple of conversaziones and symposiums with local government bodies.

 

Delegation to Fujian Province and Participating in the 7^th China Investment & Trade Fair

At the invitation of Mr. Song Defu, Secretary of CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and the Organizing Committee of the 7^th China Investment & Trade Fair (CITF), Vice Chairman Mr. Chen Shoujie headed a delegation to visit Fujian province and participate in the 7^th CITF at the beginning of September. During in Fujian province, the delegates visited a few cities, including Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Xiamen, and made study tours to development zones, ports and crude oil refining factory, etc. And leaders of Fujian province and the cities warmly received the delegation and exchanged views on business cooperation with Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong. Before the opening of the CITF, Vice Premier Ms Wuyi received the principal members of main business chambers in Hong Kong, including Mr. Chen and Mr. Zhou Jie, Vice Chairmen of the Association. And during the fair, the delegates attended a workshop on CEPA organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and Bureau of Industry, Commerce and Technology of the HKSARG.

 

Delegation to Beijing

To exchange views with related departments of the central people’s government, the Association’s delegation, headed by Chairman Mr. He Guangbei, paid a visit to relevant departments of the State Council and Beijing Municipal People’s Government late in October. Ms Guo Li, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR was invited to be the delegation’s Senior Advisor, and Mr. Che Shujian, Advisor of the Association, and Mr. Hu Guocai, Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR joined the delegation as Advisors. The Delegation also included the Association’s Vice Chairmen Mr. Yang Chao and Mr. Li Fuyou, Executive Directors Mr. Yi Xiqun, Mr. Yuen Mo and Mr. Zhang Xianlin. And during the visit, Mr. Chen Zuoer, Vice Director (standing) the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr. Wang Qishan, Beijing Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Li Rongrong, Director of State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and Ms Gao Yan, Vice Chairman China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), received the delegation respectively. And the delegation introduced Hong Kong’s economic situation and the general condition of Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong, as well as the problems and difficulty encountered by Chinese enterprises in Hong Kong in their business activities on the Mainland. 

 

The Seventh Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium

The 7^th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium was held from 23 to 24 October in Beijing, and the Association’s delegation headed by Advisor Mr. Che Shujian participated in the event. At the symposium with the theme of “CEPA and Fresh Opportunities for Beijing-HK Cooperation”, the Association’s delegates participated in the symposium’s opening ceremony, workshops on insurance, tourism and logistics, etc., and as well as study tours to the investment project sites in different districts and counties of Beijing.

 

THE ASSOCIATION’S AFFAIRS   

I. Reinforcing the Linkages Between the Association and its Member Companies, and Those of Among Member Companies

Visits to Member Companies

During 2003, a serial of measures were taken to reinforce the linkages between the Association and its member companies. For that purpose, Chief Executive’s Office of the Association paid visits to over 50 member companies to collect their views, requests and suggestions on the Association’s work and to make each other understood more.

 

Members Liaison Activities

From 2003, the Association held a party every season to reinforce the linkages among member companies and generate fresh opportunities for mutual cooperation. Among these parties, some were particularly for leaders of member companies, some were for financial and accounting executives, and some were for human resources executives. The parties, warmly welcomed by member companies, provided a base for member companies to exchange information and strengthen business cooperation.

 

II. New Spring Reception 2003

On 26 February, the Association hosted new spring reception at Island Shangri-la Hong Kong. And the Honourable Fok Ying-tung, Vice Chairman of National Committee, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Chief Executive the Honourable Tung Chee Hwa, Mr. Liu Shanzai, Ms Chen Fengying and Mr. Zheng Kunsheng, Vice Directors of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Wu Hailong, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, the Honourable Elsie Leung, Secretary for Justice of the HKSARG, the Honourable Henry Tang, Secretary for Industry, Commerce and Technology were invited to officiate the ceremony. Office-bearers and Directors of the Association joined the function with over 700 guests, among them were heads of related departments of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC in the HKSAR, high-rank officials of the HKSARG, officers from consulates general of foreign countries in Hong Kong, leaders of foreign chambers of commerce, and representatives of member companies.

 

III. Talks, Training Programmes and Workshops

During 2003, the Association retuned its training service for the members by combining talks, workshops and training programmes together to make them more fit for members’ practical need.

The first season of the year, the business world was gloomily shadowed by American war in Iraq and the outbreak of SARS. To help executives of member companies understand the uncertainties brought about by the incidents, the Association held a talk on Financial Investment Strategies under the Shadow of Iraq War on the eve of the war, and a talk on How to Improve Overall Crises Management System of the Company from the Lesson of SARS Blow in early July. On 26 June, the Association invited the Honourable Anthony Leung, Financial Secretary of the HKSARG to the Annual General Meeting to address the strategies and direction in which the HKSARG would take policy measures to revitalize the economy, helping member companies to align their internal resources to the policy changes of the government accordingly.

During August and September, the Association hosted in partnership with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu a training programme on Hong Kong tax system, accounting rules and financial management, which received a very active feedback from member companies. More than 220 financial and accounting executives enrolled for the programme. And graduation certificates with the stamps of both the Association and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu were conferred on the qualified trainees at the end of the training. 

On 16 October, the Association held a conversazione on how to sharpen the competitiveness of Chinese enterprises in HK with CEPA, and researchers of member companies were invited to air their views on the issue. Besides, the Association also hosted a workshop jointly with ICAC at the end of the year on Governance of Listed Companies and the Amendments of Securities and Futures Ordinance. And Experts from ICAC, Securities and Futures Commission and Baptist University were invited to speak at the workshop, sharing their observations with executives from the listed Chinese companies.  

 

IV. Press Campaign

In 2003, the Association launched a press campaign in partnership with Hong Kong Commercial Daily, propagating the reform and development made by Chinese enterprises with special column every week. At the same time, the Association helped member companies with promoting their business projects on the exhibitions it took part in, such as SMEs Market Day, SMEs Expo under CEPA, etc.

 

V. Backing up the Efforts of Member Companies for Fighting against SARS

In order to ensure stable business development of member companies, the Association proactively provide member companies with hygiene and medical information on SARS prevention, to back up their efforts to fight against SARS and safeguard the health of their staff at the early time of SARS outbreak.

 

VI. Annual General Meeting 2003

The Association Annual General Meeting of 2003 was held on 26 June. Over 150 people attended, including Office-bearers, Directors of the Association and representatives of member companies. And Mr. Liu Shanzai, Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, was invited to the meeting. And the Board of Directors reported the work it had done in the previous year, and the Financial Statements of the Association. The meeting passed the two reports. Besides, a member special meeting was held at the same time to examine a proposal of amending the Article of the Association.

During the year, the Board of Executive Directors proceeded well and had 9 meetings in total to decide on the Association’s important affairs.

 

VII. Sector Committees

In 2003, the Association’s Sector Committees held gatherings and other activities very often to exchange information on the development of relevant sectors, particularly for the Committee on Building Industry, the Committee on Insurance and the Committee on Securities. Besides annual member meeting, the Committee on Building Industry organized a workshop on HK’s building market in Yantai of Shandong province and quite a few study tours, and the Committee on Securities held working meeting and invited experts from BOC International Holdings Ltd. to introduce the opening process of QFII and QDII on Mainland China and its possible impact on Hong Kong as an international financial centre. More, the Association also did much work to establish another sub-committee, Financial and Accounting Affairs Steering Committee, according to the requests of member companies.