A major investment promotion campaign targeting private-owned enterprises in high-growth regions across the Mainland was launched today.

Invest Hong Kong said the three-year 'On Your Marks, Get-set, Go!' campaign will focus on seven key provinces - Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Liaoning, Sichuan, Guangdong and Fujian. It will provide private enterprises with the information and tools to expand internationally using Hong Kong as their gateway.

The campaign comprises three phases. 'On Your Marks', covers a range of promotional activities raising awareness among Mainland enterprises of business opportunities in Hong Kong.

'Get-Set' is a series of smaller, focused workshops in key locations, designed to equip local companies with the information and tools to develop an overseas business strategy, using Hong Kong as a stepping stone.

'Go!' is a series of business-focused visits to Hong Kong. These tailored programmes will allow companies who are seriously considering setting up in Hong Kong to better understand the market, meet industry associations and identify business partners, clients and premises.

Demand-driven campaign

Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse said this is a demand-driven campaign that guides companies through the business-expansion process.

"We're raising the level of awareness of Hong Kong's role in helping local companies go global, we're providing practical advice on developing an expansion strategy - and finally we're bringing these companies to Hong Kong to experience the city first hand," he said.

Current estimates put the number of Mainland companies in Hong Kong at more than 2,000, with about 268 of these using the city as their regional office or headquarters.

Recent investors who have used Invest Hong Kong's free services include Tong Ren Tang, Kingdee, Nuctech and Duan & Duan.