The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has established a Market Entry Programme (MEP) to assist New Zealand based companies seeking to establish a business base in Hong Kong. The MEP is primarily aimed at SME businesses who may not be ready to inject significant capital into a new market, and therefore prefer to utilise the services provided by the programme.

This MEP brings together a number of helpful tools and facilities to ensure the process of market entry is completed effectively, particularly for companies establishing in the region for the first time. To register for the MEP, you are invited to contact NZCCHK for a preliminary discussion.

The Market Entry Programme features:

1. NZCCHK Membership

Companies seeking to take advantage of the MEP will be required to join the NZCCHK as a corporate member. A special MEP membership package is available on a 2-4-1 basis. Upon registration for the MEP, companies will required to pay a one year subscription (currently HKD5,500) which will entitle the company to two full year's membership. At the completion of two years, the company will assume normal corporate membership with subscriptions due on an annual basis.

Subject to completing the registration formalities, including NZCCHK Corporate Membership, participants will be able to enjoy the features detailed below.

2. Meeting Day Room/Office

The MEP provides registered participants with a day room (electronic card access control) in Central Hong Kong which may be used for meetings, office activities and as a point of reference. The day room comprises: lockable office; hot desk and chair; meeting table and chairs; telephone (IDD chargeable); access to office equipment such as binder, photocopier, laminator etc. (consumables chargeable); complimentary tea and coffee facilities (soft drinks etc. chargeable); and reception services such as messaging. The charge for this service is HKD500 per day, is to be paid in advance and is non-refundable. The facility is available on a day-to-day basis with a maximum usage of 10 days per calendar year per MEP participant.

3. Serviced Office Facilities

Each MEP participant will have opportunity to negotiate preferential rates for serviced offices with Compass Offices via a formal agreement established between NZCCHK and Compass Offices. This facility is on a commercial basis between the MEP participant and Compass. Compass provides a fully serviced office suite at multiple locations across Hong Kong with features such as lockable office (single to multiple person), meeting rooms, equipment,  refreshment facilities etc. Costs related to the services provided by Compass are confidential between the parties.

4. Administration Facilities

Each MEP participant will have opportunity to negotiate preferential rates for office administration services with Encore Professional Services via a formal agreement established between NZCCHK and Encore. This facility is on a commercial basis between the MEP participant and Encore. Encore provides full administrative services such as: company registration; accounting; marketing; secretarial; design; and other back office needs. Costs related to the services provided by Encore are confidential between the parties.

5. Growing Up

After having settled into Hong Kong as a place for business, you may be seeking to expand and move from a serviced office environment to leased or owned premises. NZCCHK can assist MEP participants in this process by introducing them to a Kiwi-owned and managed architectural firm to aid in office and/or showroom design. The experienced people at Head Architecture understand the needs of New Zealand businesses and are ready to assist, whether it be in Hong Kong, Macau or mainland China.

6. Business Mentors

Each MEP participant will have free access to New Zealand oriented business people in Hong Kong who have volunteered to act as business mentors to new companies establishing in the region. This is a complementary service. Should a commercial relationship develop between the parties, that is a matter for mutual agreement and NZCCHK will have no further role in the mentor relationship between the parties.

7. Study Tours to China (mainly the Pearl River Delta)

MEP participants will have priority registration during their two year special membership period to participate on study tours to the Pearl River Delta region of China. Such study tours which are facilitated by InterCham (a group of international Chambers established in Hong Kong) and MEP participants will register under NZCCHK's quota for such activities. The tours usually comprise visits to industrial sites, factories, retail outlets, Government divisions etc. and are an ideal way to learn the inside story of manufacturing and retailing in China.

8. Executive Study Group

MEP participants have complimentary access to the monthly Executive Study Group, an initiative of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. The event is held in separate sessions for Cantonese and English speakers and provides for interaction on topics related to business in Hong Kong and China. It takes a practical approach with input from academics as well as business people.

9. connectionz

Each year, NZCCHK publishes a 120-page book "connectionz" focussed on the economic relationship between New Zealand and Hong Kong/Macau/China. In 2011 connectionz will publish its fifth edition. MEP participants will have access to a supply of this publication to use a general promotional material and may also be considered for inclusion as an editorial feature in future editions.

10. Introduction to InvestHK

MEP participants will receive a Letter of Introduction on their behalf from NZCCHK to InvestHK, the Hong Kong Government's business facilitation division. MEP participants will be able to take advantage of the services available from InvestHK on a complimentary basis.

11. Introduction to SME Centre at HKTDC

MEP participants will receive a Letter of Introduction on their behalf from NZCCHK to the SME Centre located at the Hong Kong Conventional and Exhibition Centre and operated by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. MEP participants will be able to take advantage of the services available at the SME Centre which include: internet cafe; research library (internet and hardcopy); meeting rooms; introductions to prospective business partners; business matchmaking etc. on a complimentary basis (except where the SME Centre may levy a fee for certain services).

12. Access to Capital

NZCCHK is currently negotiating arrangements with independent parties to access seed capital and/or first stage capital to assist New Zealand companies entering into the Hong Kong and China marketplace. This facility will be available during 2011 (probably the second quarter). Keep watching.

13. Further Facilities

Additional facilities will be added to the MEP as we receive feedback from participants and depending on demand.

This website is owned by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Copyright (c) 2007-2011 This page updated February 2011