French businesses -- including the renowned hospitality and culinary school Le Cordon Bleu -- are eager to tap into the market in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, said the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) on Thursday.
The news came after DAB lawmakers Holden Chow Ho-ding, Edward Leung Hei and Kennedy Wong Ying-ho visited France for a week last month to exchange their views with the technology, law, and business sectors.
Chow, also the delegation leader, noted that many French firms were confident in developing businesses in Hong Kong and showed no concern with recent China-US trade tensions.
He noted that the French appreciates the city's favorable tax system and are optimistic that Hong Kong can serve as a gateway to accessing the Greater Bay Area market.
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Chow further stated that Le Cordon Bleu is considering setting up a branch in Hong Kong and details will be discussed when the school representatives visit Hong Kong in March. He said DAB will assist the school in coordinating with the government to facilitate its branching in Hong Kong.
DAB said it has also discussed with Sciences Po Paris to encourage student exchanges and internship opportunities, with an aim to start the plan this year.
Additionally, the delegation met with representatives from Bureau Veritas, a French shipping certification company, who expressed confidence in Hong Kong's capabilities in green shipping fuel testing and certification.
The delegation also visited the operating art and technology company Luminescence and sports organization INSEP.
DAB's visit to France marked its first visit to Europe after the Covid pandemic. Chow said the party is looking to pursue more exchanges in other European countries in the future.
