More British businesses take advantage of Hong Kong's unique position both as a huge market in its own right and as gateway to the mainland.

British companies have a high level of expertise and experience, especially in the areas of ICT, healthcare and the creative industries, and that Hong Kong offered an ideal partner to help access the Chinese mainland.

Our historical links, as well as Hong Kong's unrivalled experience in the mainland, make Hong Kong an ideal platform for British companies.

The Pearl River Delta region as a market for UK services, given its sizeable economy, rapid growth and high consumer spending power. [Click for more information on the Pearl River Delta].

One initiative could be to encourage more British companies to visit the annual SME Market Day, held in Hong Kong. The event, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, brings together regional development agencies and SME support services from across China and the Asia region.

An event like this would give British companies the opportunity to explore opportunities in a variety of Chinese regions, without having to incur the cost in time and money of visiting all these areas individually.

More details in Cepa - A simple guide.

Hi-tech investment in Wales

Meanswhile, the drive to attract hi-tech investment to Wales from China received a double boost recently.

A business incubator collaboration initiative between Wales and China and the news that a Chinese company is to establish a research and development operation in Technium Swansea were confirmed.

The announcements were made at the signing of a strategic alliance between Shanghai Fudan Science Park - one of the most successful in China and Technium, the pan-Wales business incubation network.

The inward investment company, Golden Prosperity (UK), will be researching and developing electronic materials for high-end technical applications, creating up to five jobs. Its parent company produces an "electronic paste" which is used for connectors and other devices.

The R&D in Wales will be based on improving the properties of this paste through unique materials. The long-term aim would be to establish a manufacturing plant in Wales.

Golden Prosperity (UK) is the first Chinese company to open a satellite operation in Technium.

The China UK International Business Incubation programme, based in Technium, and has been created to cater specifically for hi-tech Chinese companies wishing to use Wales as a gateway to the European market.

It will provide a cost-effective, quality business environment and provide Chinese-orientated support services through the WDA, universities and business service providers.

Under the reciprocal arrangement Welsh companies keen to access the Chinese market will have use of facilities on Fudan Science Park.