Perspectives June 2019 | Youth Hong Kong
Before I set foot in Shenzhen three years ago, I had never given any real thought to the potential of the GBA. When I went there, I realized how much it could offer. My business creates smart features for luggage and accessories. By having bases in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Huizhou, we can provide the core technology based on the Internet of Things.
High-tech entrepreneur, Eric Lau, set up his company with colleague, Isaac Ip. They are affiliated with HKFYG’s E-hub in Qianhai and GBA integration gives them the combined advantages of seven GBA cities.
Hong Kong is best for product design and as a gateway for sales based on international B2B/ B2C.* Shenzhen has the best supply chain for electronic components plus tech hubs with competitive pricing. Dongguan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan and Jiangmen have luggage and travel accessory manufacturers that supply international brand names. Huizhou nurtures energetic new technology and e-commerce companies that can help to reinforce digital marketing and sales strategies. The transport network means that I can be with any important person in my team or line of business in 30 to 90 minutes, by high-speed train, car or cross-border bus. The cultural divide has also narrowed due to frequent contact for business and recreation, and Hong Kong people like me can earn the respect of mainland people. Even though the spoken language and levels of hygiene may differ, some aspects of Hong Kong lifestyle and behaviour are shared, like work ethic, trying to be resilient, enthusiastic and open-minded about new things like hi-tech. I don’t worry about political issues since I am there only to develop my business and I am convinced that integration with the GBA, encouraged by the central government, will drive development ahead at full steam.
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the new boundary control point at Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai are milestones in the process of creating the socalled “one-hour living circle” in the GBA. However, although commuting between mainland GBA cities has become easier, cross-boundary commuting is slowed down significantly by formalities.
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*Note B2C business-to-consumer transactions; B2B business-to-business transactions