HSBC and Hong Kong Productivity Council launch "Wise Business" programme to support SMEs

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Hong Kong Productivity
Council (HKPC) today announced the launch of ‘Wise Business’ programme. The
programme aims to provide local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with
professional expertise and market information to help them take advantage of the
opportunities in Asia’s recovering economy.

The launch ceremony was hosted by Albert Chan, HSBC Head of Commercial Banking
in Hong Kong and Wilson Fung, Executive Director of the HKPC. Mr Chan said:
“HSBC is committed to help local SMEs thrive. We offer them assistance in adopting
innovative technologies and exploring new markets. HSBC currently has over 320,000
SME customers in Hong Kong, recording a 10 per cent growth over 2009. To offer a
comprehensive range of services to SMEs, we have set up 17 SME Centres and five
Commercial Transaction Centres where our commercial customers can handle their
daily financial matters in a convenient way.”

Mr Fung said: “Over the years, HKPC has been striving to assist local SMEs to
increase their competitiveness through a full spectrum of timely support services. This
year we will continue to launch various new initiatives that will focus on areas covering
domestic sales and intellectual capital management. The ‘Wise Business’ programme
will provide an information platform for SMEs to share business insights and prepare
them for the challenges ahead.”

The ‘Wise Business’ programme, running from April to October this year, consists of
an TV information series, free consultancy services to SMEs and an SME Summit.

The ‘Wise Business’ TV information series comprises 12 episodes featuring case
studies and expert advice on ways to achieve business success. Topics covered include:
setting up a new business, how to enter the Chinese domestic market, the impact of
renminbi appreciation on Hong Kong businesses and environmental business
opportunities.

In terms of the free consultancy services, tailored solutions on the above topics will be
offered to SMEs by seasoned advisors from HKPC and its strategic partners.

The SME Summit will be held in August where government officials, prominent
industrialists, economists and business leaders will share their views on running a small
business in Hong Kong. Over 400 enterprises are expected to attend.

Albert Chan, HSBC Head of Commercial Banking in Hong Kong and Wilson Fung, Executive Directorof the HKPC officiated the launch ceremony of ‘Wise Business’ programme.