The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has announced the launch of the GoGBA one-stop platform, a new business support programme that helps companies access the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Consisting of digital information and business tools, advisory services and training as well as promotional and networking activities, the GoGBA one-stop platform offers multi-faceted business support online and offline.
At today’s launch event, which took place via a virtual link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Qin Weizhong, Deputy Secretary of Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, officially launched the GoGBA WeChat mini programme – a digital information and business tool – and the HKTDC GBA Centre located at the HKTDC’s Shenzhen office. Several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were also signed with the Leading Group Office of Guangdong on Construction of Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Municipal Committee, the People’s Government of Shenzhen Futian District and five cities and districts in the GBA (Qianhai in Shenzhen, Nansha in Guangzhou, Hengqin in Zhuhai, Dongguan and Zhongshan), to expand the network of support for Hong Kong companies. After the ceremony, two webinars were held where companies that are already operating successfully in the GBA shared their business insights on how to succeed in the region.
Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “The GBA offers huge opportunities for businesses from Hong Kong and around the world. Our GoGBA WeChat mini programme is a useful digital tool to complement our physical support centres in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and other parts of the GBA through our partners. As more and more businesses look for prospects in the GBA, the HKTDC is here to help.”
The GoGBA one-stop platform was launched at this morning’s online ceremony in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The officiating guests in Hong Kong included (from L) Erick Tsang, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR; Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC; Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Edward Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR; and Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.
One-stop platform covers three major service areas
In line with the HKSAR Chief Executive’s 2020 policy address, the GoGBA one-stop platform aims to help Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into the GBA with three major support components:
1. Digital tool for cross-border business
The GoGBA digital platform, which consists of the GoGBA WeChat mini programme digital messaging platform, comes into service effective today. The GoGBA digital platform is run in collaboration with the government offices of Guangdong province and municipal governments in the GBA, providing important information on the region including updates on policies and subsidies, listings of related business and trade organisations, regional guides, and information on GBA government services and applications. It also offers practical tools such as weather forecasts, cross-border transportation information, interactive maps, details of public services, and income tax reminders. Media friends can scan the WeChat QR code included in this press release to download the GoGBA digital platform.
2. Advisory services and training
The HKTDC’s Shenzhen office has set up the HKTDC GBA Centre to strengthen its support to SMEs interested in exploring the GBA market. Together with the HKTDC SME Centre in Hong Kong, the centres will organise a series of seminars and workshops, sharing sessions and advisory activities in group or individual formats, equipping companies with the practical knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed in the GBA.
The MoUs signed today will see the introduction of GoGBA Business Support Centres in Shenzhen (Qianhai), Guangzhou (Nansha), Zhuhai (Hengqin), Dongguan and Zhongshan. The HKTDC targets to introduce the centres in all nine mainland cities in the GBA, establishing a comprehensive support network that can connect companies with partners and consultants from across the GBA.
In addition, the HKTDC’s Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme will extend its services from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and other cities in the GBA. Together with the Digital Academy and E-Tailing Academy, the HKTDC will provide advisory workshops related to e-commerce and digital business as well as marketing solutions and other digital platforms.
3. HKTDC online and offline activities
The HKTDC has utilised various digital technologies to organise exhibitions and conferences, and will continue to plan and organise business missions and networking events by adopting a new “digital and physical” format for its major events and activities. It will also continue to enhance the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. The “Guangdong-Hong Kong Co-operation Week” will be held with the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in December to promote Hong Kong products and services through flagship promotional events – SmartHK in Guangzhou and ChicHK in Shenzhen.
The HKTDC will continue its outreach efforts to help Hong Kong and overseas companies, and enterprises from other GBA cities, to establish connections, providing business matching sessions and advice on seeking business opportunities. The Council is currently planning to organise a wide range of activities in the mainland, including exhibitions and conferences, to help Hong Kong enterprises promote their products and services, explore business opportunities in GBA cities and gain practical experience at the same time.
