Business matching for SMEs

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 12/08/2006 1:25 PM  |  Business

Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises interested in doing business in or with China can save time and costs by taking advantage of the customized business matching service provided by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Launched last year, the service called Premier Connect is dedicated to helping SMEs, from whichever country, find business partners and facilitate trade between Hong Kong, China and the world.

""We handle all kinds of inquiries, whether about buyers, suppliers, labeling, logistical arrangements. Almost anything related to all aspects of the supply-chain process,"" says Regina Lai, head of the HKTDC business matching department.

Supported by more than 40 HKTDC offices around the world and a data bank of more than 100,000 Hong Kong companies, the service is designed to find potential partners customized to a company's business needs within four weeks using a wide range of trade contacts, including Hong Kong product suppliers, service providers, agents, distributors, licensees and franchisees.

""We also can provide contact details of recommended companies, additional market information and one-on-one appointments as an optional service all at nominal fees,"" Lai told journalists at a meeting last week.

She said the Premier Contact had thus far handled 7.9 million inquiries through its email, businessmatching@tdc.org.hk, and succeeded in matching 1,800 business deals.

The HKTDC service for SMEs is also supported by the annual World SME Expo in Hong Kong every November, which brings together firms from around the world. The 2006 World SME Expo opened on Nov. 29 at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Center with more than 300 participants. (Vincent Lingga)

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