“I see a lot of room for cooperation between Hong Kong and India in scientific research, commercialisation and co-investment,” said Mr. C Y Leung, GBM, GBS, JP, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who is leading a high-powered business delegation to India. Delivering the keynote address at a business event organised here by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), he said, “Your latest venture, ‘Start-up India, Standup India’, fits right in with Hong Kong’s own thriving start-up ecosystem”. Highlighting the various business initiatives undertaken in recent times by the Hong Kong administration, Mr. Leung observed that India, with its fast growing resources, technical expertise and human capital, has much to offer Hong Kong companies and institutions through dynamic new initiatives as ‘Make in India’ and ‘One hundred smart cities’.
There is scope for the two countries to strengthen ties through the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative. The initiative has been designed to strengthen infrastructural facilities, enable unimpeded trade and investment, deepen financial integration and enhance people-topeople bonds over Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Eurasia and Europe. Mr Prashant Agrawal, Consul General of India to Hong Kong, SAR and Macau SAR, delivered the introductory address at the event. Describing the visiting delegation as the largest business delegation from Hong Kong in recent times, he attributed its composition as indicative of the intent and desire to build partnerships between the two countries. He also described Mumbai as the right city to launch this partnership, because of the close business, cultural and historical ties that the city had with Hong Kong. “Maharashtra has been engaging very deeply with China,” he said, adding that the state government has invited major investments from China into Maharashtra.
Two industrial parks that are to be set up in Maharashtra and Gujarat “are slated to attract an investment of nearly 20 billion dollars over the next five years,” he disclosed. Mr Surendra Kumar Bagde, Secretary, SME Department, Govt. of Maharashtra, also addressed the business delegation. He mentioned that the Government is organising a ‘Make in India Week’ from 13- 20 February, and also holding an investment seminar on 15 February in Mumbai. “These two events are a great beginning for this initiative,” he said. He expressed satisfaction that so many executives from such diverse fields were part of the delegation. He also described his Government’s readiness to engage with any businesses that are interested in investing in the state. Mr Rajiv Mishra, MD, CLP India, made a presentation about his company’s various investment projects in the power sector in India.
He described India as the highest solar generating country in the world after China. Citing impressive facts and figures, he said that “Compared with other emerging economies in South East Asia, the sky is the limit for the growth of the power sector in India.” Mr Naresh Goyal, Founder Chairman, Jet Airways, who also spoke at the event, talked about the strengthening of people-to-people bonds between the two countries. “Hong Kong is among the world’s most vital trade and financial hubs,” he said, describing it as “one of India’s closest partners on the international stage.”
He expressed happiness that Jet Airways was able to offer easy connections between key cities in the two regions. Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), who was the supporting organisation at the event, delivered the vote of thanks. “Our team is ready to connect you with Hong Kong,” she said, thanking FICCI for its hospitality. Mr Rashesh Shah, Vice President, FICCI and Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss Group highlighted the role of Hong Kong as a Super Connector during his welcome address