EY joins forces with InvestHK and SFIEC to host Synergize GBA Forum 2022

EY Greater China Region (EY) today announced that the second EY Synergize GBA Forum will be held on 18 August 2022 (Thursday). EY is honored to have Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) – a department of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) – and the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC) as co-organizers of the forum in Hong Kong and Shenzhen respectively. The hybrid events will be available for audience in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and around the world.

EY team is committed to creating long-term sustainable value for the GBA through collaborations with Government departments, regulators and industry executives. As this year marks the third anniversary of the release of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, we welcome business leaders and practitioners interested in the latest GBA development to participate in the forum to share insights and get inspired.

InvestHK has been vigorously advocating the long-term development of the GBA, driving cross-border collaboration and enticing investment. It has supported Hong Kong to play the role of “facilitator” and “promotor” to seize the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the GBA. The SFIEC is one of the first non-public foundations in China that aims at promoting international exchange and cooperation and facilitating the internationalization of Shenzhen. Since its establishment, the SFIEC has facilitated many international activities, covering the key areas of economy and trade, technology, education, culture, art, environmental protection, sister cities, and health and hygiene, which established a diversified international communication platform for non-profit organizations, enterprises and think tanks in Shenzhen.

Igniting GBA opportunities through embracing resilience

The integration of the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau as well as the nine cities in Guangdong Province will bring out the best in economic potential and create synergy. Digitalization and sustainable development have become an increasingly important topic in the agenda of many businesses. The GBA is expected to be the most open and dynamic region in the coming years.

This year’s forum is themed "Igniting GBA opportunities through embracing resilience" highlighting the strong economic resilience of the GBA and its contributions to China’s economic recovery and development. EY team and distinguished speakers will discuss a variety of topics at the forum, such as the integration of finance and ESG to promote GBA development, and the entrepreneurs will share the insights of ecology of the medical industry, covering the landscape, innovation and development strategies for enterprises in the GBA.

Stephen Phillips, Director-General of Investment Promotion, InvestHK, says: "Invest Hong Kong is delighted to co-organize this year’s Synergize GBA Forum with EY and SFIEC. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area or the GBA is a national economic development policy priority and will present tremendous opportunities for businesses and investors for the foreseeable future. Hong Kong is a fantastic entry point to access these opportunities. 

"As the international financial center and gateway into and out of the GBA, Hong Kong acts as a hub for capital and fundraising for businesses, with a wealth of business and financial services professionals to advise and assist global investors to execute their business ideas in the area. 

“The Synergize GBA Forum will gather government officials, corporates, and business communities of Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA to share the latest updates to help you identify and capture business opportunities. 

“We look forward to welcoming business representatives at this event and assisting them to realize their business expansion in and through Hong Kong into the GBA."

Grace Li, Secretary General, SFIEC, says: “It is our pleasure to hear and be part of EY Synergize GBA Forum, which will bring together elites from government, commercial and academia in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to discuss universal topics such as ESG, finance, technology, healthcare and digital economy, and to accelerate collaborations amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. 

“The SFIEC is very honored to co-organize the forum, and I wish this forthcoming event a great success. The building and development of the GBA into a technological innovation highland and a world-class bay area has been a part of China's national strategies. The development creates an opportunity for Shenzhen to become a driving engine to accelerate the integration and progression with Hong Kong. 

“With the further enhancement and improvement of the internationalization, marketization, and rule of law in the GBA, SFIEC will continue to promote international cooperation which supports enterprises and its stakeholders in the development of global governance in the future.”

Unleash GBA potential by promoting Six Connects in 11 Cities

Jasmine Lee, EY Hong Kong and Macau Managing Partner, says: "Thanks to InvestHK and the SIECF for their support to EY. Hong Kong has an excellent business environment, the rule of law, a free economic system, a comprehensive information technology infrastructure and financial system, as well as top-notched talent in professional services industries. 

“In line with China's development strategy for GBA, EY has set up the EY GBA Center of Excellence based on the structure of ‘Six Connects’ and ‘11 Cities’. The flexible and connected GBA team is committed to helping enterprises enhance their core competencies. We look forward to exploring more in-depth cooperation among the 9+2 cities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to fully unleash the potential of the GBA.”

William Huang, EY China South Managing Partner, says: “We are honored to partner with InvestHK and the SIECF to co-organize this year’s forum. As China accelerates the establishment of the GBA, the trend is toward integrated development. By promoting the integration of industries, technologies and cultures, deepening cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, we will see greater momentum for development. 

“As an active participant in the development of the GBA, EY team has been publishing thought-leadership reports to share market insights and industry knowledge with different sectors on a regular basis. Through organizing various events and forums, we have been promoting and converging the interconnection of professional talent and resources to provide clients with high quality services that bring together global perspectives and local experiences.”

Hong Kong and Shenzhen possess their unique strengths and advantages in offering a favorable business environment. Hong Kong is a leading international financial center, while Shenzhen has been transformed into a modern city with rapid economic growth particularly in the FinTech arena. As the dual engine of the GBA, both cities can complement each other through collaboration to drive development within the region. The Synergize GBA Forum 2022 organized by EY, InvestHK and SFIEC will further foster cross boundary cooperation and support enterprises to seize the opportunities. 

More details of the Synergize GBA Forum 2022 will be announced shortly. Please visit https ://eygba.vapps.me/ for the latest news.

Read more about EY | GBA: www.ey.com/en_cn/greater-bay-area

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Notes to Editors

About Invest Hong Kong 

Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

About Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation

Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC) is one of the first non-public foundations in China that aim at promoting international exchange and cooperation and facilitating the internationalization of a city.

Since its establishment, SFIEC has carried out over 70 international exchange and cooperation activities and funded projects, and facilitated more than 280 international activities, covering 8 key areas of economy & trade, technology, education, culture, art, environmental protection, sister cities, health & hygiene, from which more than 7,000 people directly benefited. SFIEC spread across its footprints in 35 cities, 22 countries and 6 continents, and established diversified international communication platform for the non-profit organizations, think tanks, enterprises in Shenzhen.

Website: www.sfiec.org.cn

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