HSBC Malta was recently part of a Malta Enterprise delegation visiting China and Hong Kong. The delegation was made up of 21 Maltese businessmen with interests to import or export products and services to and from the Far East.

In Hong Kong, the delegation took part in a business forum attended by some 50 Hong Kong entrepreneurs who were given information about Malta and how to conduct business with the island.

John Rusher, senior international banking manager at HSBC Bank Malta, was one of the panel speakers who explained how HSBC Malta is best placed to facilitate business between Malta and the Asian region, and answered questions on the relevance of Malta to business in Hong Kong and China.

“HSBC’s global spread and its significant presence in the Asian region make connectivity between businesses easier, as through the bank entrepreneurs are equipped with the right knowledge and contacts to make informed decisions and investments,” said Mr Rusher.

Paul Edgar, HSBC director of international corporates in Hong Kong, told business partners working with HSBC Hong Kong that the bank is an important link for their business with Malta, which offers numerous benefits and advantages. Malta, he said, should be seriously considered alongside the more habitual European business locations.

In the cosmopolitan city of Guangzhou, which has a population of 12.3 million, the Maltese delegation met with other potential Chinese business partners interested in direct trade with Malta, rather than via other traditional routes, like Hong Kong. Part of the discussion centred around the fact that Malta could actually also be a cost-effective trade gate to the rest of Europe.

“Both from the panel discussions and the less formal social networking events it became evident that Malta’s opportunities in China are limitless. I am confident that Maltese businesses will have some success stories to tell,” said Mr Rusher.

Michel Cordina, head of commercial banking at HSBC Bank Malta plc, commented that HSBC can connect businesses internationally in over 70 countries, where more than 7,500 commercial relationship managers are employed.

“This visit to Hong Kong and China was another initiative to support Maltese businesses to venture overseas and to attract foreign businesses to Malta,” he said.