Hong Kong Industrialist - Oct 2020

This year, Hong Kong industries have experienced the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and US sanctions. However, Hong Kong people have been well known for their flexibility and can always find a way out. Some Hong Kong manufacturers have already adopted the “China +1” development strategy. While taking advantage of the opportunities in the Mainland market, they have expanded their production lines to other regions to diversify supply chain risks. More manufacturers are expected to follow suit given the various challenges that lie ahead. Under the “China +1” development strategy, Hong Kong enterprises can utilise the huge market and consumption power of the Greater Bay Area and promote their products there first, and then expand into the rest of the Mainland market. In addition, to increase the stability of their supply chain, Hong Kong manufacturers should develop a “regional supply chain” in Southeast Asian or Belt and Road countries, instead of setting up factories in a single country. Manufacturers with an intention to relocate their production lines should have a good understanding of the local taxation system, customs clearance, company ownership regulations, the labour situation and the cost of relocation etc. They should also be aware of the local culture and religion in order to facilitate communication and smooth business operation. Even though the road ahead for Hong Kong industries is still full of unknowns, Hong Kong manufacturers, as always, will overcome challenges and emerge stronger. 今年，香港工業經歷新冠肺炎疫情及 美國制裁的洗禮，的確為行業帶來不少 衝擊，但香港人最厲害的地方就是「執 生」、靈活多變，總會找到出路。香港 工業企業早已作好準備，逐步開始採取 「中國+1」的發展策略，在利用中國市 場機遇的同時，將生產線拓展至其他地 區，以分散供應鏈風險，而此等挑戰加 快了實踐策略的步伐。 在「中國+1」的發展策略下，港商可 以好好把握大灣區龐大的市場及消費 力，先把產品推進大灣區市場，繼而拓 展至整個內地市場，開拓更多商機。另 外，香港製造商可加快發展「區域供應 鏈」，不再集中在單一國家設廠，可着 力發掘東南亞、「一帶一路」等市場，建 立更多元化的供應鏈網絡，增加供應鏈 的穩定性，減低風險。不過，企業遷移 生產線前必須要仔細研究當地稅制、通 關制度、外資公司法制、勞工市場等， 亦應詳細了解哪個地區較適合企業的產 業發展、遷移成本，更要熟知當地的文 化及宗教，以加強與當地人之溝通，讓 業務發展更順暢。 即使香港工業前路仍然充滿很多未知 之數，但相信香港人必定可憑藉「打不 死精神」，遇強愈強，繼續推動香港工 業不斷進步及蓬勃發展。 10-12/2020 | 29