Hong Kong is best route for US companies

The road to China goes through Hong Kong.

During his official visit to New York, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the best route for US companies to reach the vibrant Chinese and Asian markets is not a straight line on a map but through Hong Kong.

He said some companies know that a presence in Hong Kong is a ticket to the Chinese and Asian markets, and they know that if their products or services sell well in Hong Kong, they will also sell well throughout China, a market with 1.3 billion potential customers.

"In other words, our city is a very effective showcase for American goods and services targeting consumers in Asia--a Madison Avenue of the East," he said.

He also appealed to US businessmen to think of Hong Kong as the “Chief Information Officer” or “Chief Knowledge Officer” for Mainland China.

Leung was in New York as part of the ongoing "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" trade promotion sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

He said foreign firms, including US companies, incorporated in Hong Kong enjoy the full benefits of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.