The world today reckons with Hong Kong as a city with strong business sense and potential. In fact, it would not be out of place to say that Hong Kong has primarily been founded as a place for conducting business. Ever since the city came into existence it has been aggressively promoting business activities and attracting foreign companies in large numbers to set up their ventures.
Hong Kong today proudly boasts to be one of the freest economies in the world, with tourism, trade and financial services forming the core industries here. It is no wonder that Hong Kong is presently the 9th largest trading economy in the world. The city is also home to the 6th largest stock market in the world, and has the world’s busiest airport for international cargo.
The city is also renowned for being a flourishing conference destination in Asia. Some 300 international conventions are organized in the city every year. According to latest report, the number of visitors to Hong Kong from different parts of the world exceeded 54 million in 2013, an 11.7 percent increase over 2012.
Its towering skylines, world’s tallest hotel, and numerous business centers offer a testimony to the fact that the city’s interest in business is endearing. Investors from different parts of the world including the United States are keen about investing their stakes in the city. The city is a thickly populated island metropolitan enticing one and all. No matter the opportunities and the requirements, the city caters to both in abundance.
Preferred destination for headquarters in Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong is one of the preferred destinations in Asia-Pacific for establishing business headquarters. The financial services sector has the biggest concentration in the city. Many leading commercial and investment banks, as well as hedge funds have established their Asian headquarters in the city. Hong Kong, of late, is also being greatly favored by the Americans and Europeans for setting up their businesses here.
A recent study said that Hong Kong was among the top three most popular long haul destinations preferred by business travelers in 2013. The study however said that the business travelers only spent less than half a day in these countries. According to the study, Hong Kong received 9 percent long distance business travelers who visited the city for the shortest time. With 13 percent, United States topped the list. The visitors to these countries spent 12 hours or less for their stays.
Though everyone might choose to rate Hong Kong on their own parameters, but let us look at the standard measures that make the city a thriving hub for business.
Affordable transportation
The public transportation in the city is affordable and is one of the prominent reasons why investors head to the city to set up a new venture. The city is clean and offers a unique freshness into the spirits of all. Since the transportation is easy and convenient, even the staff members do not find it heavy on their pockets and enjoy going to their offices.
The moment one arrives at Hong Kong International Airport, reaching almost any part of the city is quite accessible and easy. One can take sleek Airport Express trains to reach stations in Central and Kowloon in less than 25 minutes, where free bus transfers are provided to passengers to reach major hotels. If you prefer staying in Hong Kong for some days, then consider purchasing an Octopus card. This is the best option for affordable travel on the Airport Express, the tram, the iconic Star Ferry, and the MTR subway and train system.
Easy accessibility
The city of Hong Kong is easily accessible from different parts of the world. Whether you wish to fly from the United States or elsewhere, there are options available. The city shares a strong air network with other parts of the world and various flights connect it to the outside world on a daily basis. Whether it’s London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Washington, or San Francisco, business executives can book a flight from any part of the world to arrive in the city.
Food is inexpensive
A businessman in the city looking to set up a new venture can easily survive the initial tough phase in the city. The food here is delicious, healthy, and cheap. In about USD 5, one can munch a delectable meal to ones heart’s content. The best part is that it is easy to spot these places in shopping malls and one does have to go hunting for these food outlets in the small corners of the thriving city.
Other amenities
Hong Kong is famous within Asia and across the globe as a city with this penchant for business. While investors from all over the world flock to its premises, it is noteworthy to mention facilities like various job opportunities, quality of life, etc. are equally responsible for popularizing its glory.
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