2017 2016 annual report - fccihk.com Chamber of Commerce... · 5 French Chamber 2016-2017 Annual...

annu

al re

port 2017

2016

42 Events & Gala

46 Publications and Design

51 Business Services

51 Business Development

61 Recruitment & Training

63 French Chamber Foundation

70 Financial Report

CONTENTS

04 President’s Note

05 Executive Director’s Overview

06 Highlights

12 Who’s who at the French Chamber Executive Committee Council Permanent Staff

16 Members Services 16 Membership

18 Committees

Banking & Finance - FinTechBusiness Advisor Group

Editorial

CFO Round Table

Food & Beverage

ChinaCorporate Sustainability

Green Business

Digital Innovation

Policy & Consultation

Infrastructure Human Resources

Luxury & Retail

Legal Working GroupLogistics & Supply Chain working group

Small and Medium Enterprises Sourcing

Young Professionals & VI Women On Board

Healthcare & Insurance

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This year marked the French Chamber’s 30th anniversary; a milestone achievement which underlines our longstanding commitment to fostering connections between the French and Hong Kong business communities. The Chamber has certainly seen significant growth in this time and today we are one of the largest French Chambers in the world with an extensive, diverse and active membership base.

Numerous highlights stand out in this special anniversary year. The inaugural edition of our Symposium on Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination invited guests aboard the iconic Star Ferry against the backdrop of one of the world’s most impressive skylines. This made for a truly unique occasion to bring together government officials and business leaders to tackle an important issue for the city’s development – a topic that was equally echoed in our lobbying activities this year. As a chamber of commerce, providing an avenue to voice concerns of the French business community remains an essential part of our mission.

As a driver for change and constructive dialogue, we launched another new major initiative in the form of a conference in support of the global United Nations project, HeForShe. Under the guidance of our Women on Board Committee, we were able to unite over 180 participants from both local and French organisations to discuss concrete solutions that can challenge the status quo in Hong Kong. Combining a video address from C-Suite executives from 15 multinational corporations in Hong Kong and a panel of male business leaders, we explored the various ways to drive women’s professional growth and empowerment in the workplace. If you have not seen the video, I recommend you visit it here. This

very successful initiative will be repeated in 2018, with the ambition to become a regular event in the French Chamber calendar.

Such new initiatives undoubtedly brought great energy to our year, but we should not forget the success of our annual signature events. Our Made in Asia sourcing symposium, now in its 7th edition, continues to excel as a reference point for industry professionals. As one of our signature events, it is characterised by an extensive and diverse line-up of keynote speakers, providing unrivalled access to sharp insights and networking opportunities. The Annual Gala Dinner is our most recognisable event of the year and an opportunity for the French and Hong Kong business communities to unite in an extravagant setting. This year’s ‘surreal’ theme took guests on a mind-bending journey with dreamy décor and the finest in French cuisine, all enjoyed in great company and with lively entertainment. We were very honoured to have Ms Carrie Lam, incoming Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, as our Guest of Honour, whose presence was a testimony of the importance of the French business community for Hong Kong.

The Gala is not just an annual celebration of our two communities, but also a way to implement our Corporate Social Responsibility through fundraising for the French Chamber Foundation. We recognise our role in giving back to the local community and the Foundation is an essential part of our vision for creating an even better Hong Kong. Through the Foundation’s Lunch Club program, 36,290 meals were served to low-income workers across Hong Kong this year, along with the program’s other initiatives such as skills training, job matching and coaching. In October 2016 the Foundation opened a new Lunch Club

President’s Note

in Kwun Tong in addition to the existing Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan and Wan Chai locations.

Our Chamber is an actor for many great initiatives and in my first year as President I have been delighted to be part of this landmark anniversary year of celebration and progress. The completed expansion of our Business Centre this year, for example, marks an important moment in the Chamber’s development and means we can further diversify our sources of income while providing an adaptable space to host on-site events free-of-charge to our members.

As we move ahead, I look forward to continuing to advance our role in serving the needs of our members and bringing closer the French and Hong Kong business communities for our mutual benefit.

Rebecca SILLIPresident

French Chamber

Dear members,

http://www.fccihk.com/blog/french-chamber-celebrates-international-women%E2%80%99s-day-conference-support-heforshe

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It’s been an exhilarating 30th anniversary year for the French Chamber in Hong Kong. We’ve enjoyed a remarkable journey from small business association to where we stand today as one of the largest French Chambers worldwide. Our strength has always been in ensuring greater understanding, collaboration and connections between the local community and the French business community; a commitment that has not altered since the Chamber’s inception.

This year we’ve sought to bring even more in our offer to our members. It’s part of our mission to bring valuable business insight to our membership base and now, with the completed expansion of our Business Centre, we’re delighted to be able to host events on our premises free-of-charge to members. This means more insightful talks and seminars to bring value to your membership.

The expansion of the Business Centre also solidifies our position as a hub for gathering entrepreneurs, and today we house a vibrant community of 42 companies with 104 work desks across our three floors. Along with other strong business lines such as our visa services (which has maintained a 100% success rate for a remarkable fourth consecutive year), we’re able to provide a complete offer of complementary services to cater to all the needs of businesses and entrepreneurs. We released a new video introducing these services and more which can be found here.

Our connection with the chambers of commerce in France continues to be strong, in particular through our

collective missions with five taking place this year. It’s vital for us to maintain this strong link with France to ensure that we are a key bridging point for French businesses entering the market. Not to forget, equally, that we maintain important links with the other French Chambers in the world, particularly those in Asia, in order foster a truly connected network.

Of course, our events continue to be formidable highlights of the year. It’s true that with an action-packed calendar we need to constantly rethink and adjust what we do. Hosting our symposium on Hong Kong’s attractiveness aboard the iconic Star Ferry is a prime example of our aim to bring exciting events in new and engaging formats. Likewise, our conference in support of HeForShe was another opportunity for us to push the boundaries with challenging content matter. Other favourites like the Annual Gala Dinner, Made in Asia and Bastille Day created many more great memories for this unique year.

I’m proud of our team for the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment they’ve shown once again this year. I would also like to thank you, our members, for your engagement. For example, the activities of our 20 committees continue to be robust and a true strength of our community, making the Chamber a unique place for sharing experience and gaining valuable insight.

All of us at the Chamber look forward to an exciting year ahead and I thank you for your highly valued input and support.

Executive Director’s Overview

Delphine COLSONExecutive Director

French Chamber

Dear members,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB06WR2F-jA

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Highlights of 2016/2017

members984+

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participants

events with more than652,700Free events at

the Chamber for members

FRENCH CHAMBER 30TH ANNIVERSARY

TOURISM SYMPOSIUM

TOURISM SYMPOSIUM

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88 candidates placed

255job

opportunities

1,250

104

candidates met

WORK DESKS IN EXPANDED BUSINESS CENTRE

of our members

involved in a committee

66%


20 COMMITTEES

140 MEETINGS

NEW INITIATIVE: PITCH CLINIC

5thlargestFrench Chamberin the world

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167companies domicliated

at the

chamber

48 missions

94visas

100%Success rate for visa applications

42companies in our Business Centre

New adaptable meeting / events space

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BASTILLE DAY 2016


HeForShe CONFERENCE

7TH Edition of MADE IN ASIA

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FRENCH SHOPPING & DINING IN HONG KONG

3rdEdition

2017EditionS’INSTALLER A HONG KONG

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ong

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o

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Who’s who at the French Chamber

Executive CommitteePRESIDENT

Rebecca SILLI | MINTER ELLISON

VICE-PRESIDENTS

Christophe DEGOIX | TAL APPAREL LIMITED

Charlotte JUDET | KERING

GENERAL SECRETARY

Nicolas VANDERCHMITT | LPA, LEFEVRE PELLETIER & ASSOCIES

TREASURY

Frederik COYAULT | CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

Isolde ANDOUARD

Jean-Baptiste DABADIE | ASIAPACK LTD

Armen EKMEKDJE | PLAN BETA LIMITED

Luc MOULIN

Emmanuel PITSILIS

Paul YANG | BNP PARIBAS HONG KONG BRANCH

HONORARY PRESIDENT

Nicolas BORIT | DRAGAGES HONG KONG LIMITED

Richard BURTON | MAGELLAN CAPITAL ADVISORS LTD

Paul CLERC-RENAUD | FARGO GROUP

Gérard MILLET | MILMA & CO. LIMITED

List on 30 June 2017

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CouncilIsolde ANDOUARD Jacques BOISSIER | CLASSIC FINE FOODS (HONG KONG) LTDHugues BOURGEOIS | EASTWISE / ASIA SOURCING & PROCUREMENTJulie BOURGEOIS | PENINSULA MERCHANDISING LIMITEDOlivier BURING | B6K ASIA TRADING LIMITEDGilles CARDONNEL | HOWSE WILLIAMS BOWERSPaul CLERC-RENAUD | FARGO GROUPFrederik COYAULT | CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANKJean-Baptiste DABADIE | ASIAPACK LTDChristophe DEGOIX | TAL APPAREL LIMITEDAnne-Laure DESCOURS Armen EKMEKDJE | PLAN BETA LIMITEDEmmanuel FARCIS Thomas FELD Alain GALLOIS | NATIXISMatthieu GAONACH | CLASQUIN (FAR EAST) LTDPhilippe GUETTAT | PERNOD RICARD ASIAHans-Günther HERRMANN Katia JAN | AIR FRANCECharlotte JUDET | KERINGOlivia LO TAI CHUEN | HOUSTON INVESTMENT LIMITEDLaure MATHIEU | EQUATION HK LIMITEDLuc MOULIN Thierry NEVEUX | MOULIN ROTY ASIA PACIFICEmmanuel PITSILIS Sebastien PORTES | CLUB MEDITERRANEE (CLUB MED) HONG KONG LTDMarie-Hélène PREVOT | GOUTEN CONSULTING LIMITEDChristine RAYNAUD | MORGAN PHILIPS HONG KONG LTDGilles-Alexandre SALANSY | MAZARSPierre-Eric SAINT-ANDRE | DRAGAGES HONG KONG LIMITEDDaniel SCHNEERSOHN Rebecca SILLI | MINTER ELLISONMaëva SLOTINE | SLOTINE | HONG KONG SOLICITOR’S FIRMMarcus TAECK | SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ASIA PACIFICNicolas VANDERCHMITT | LPA, LEFEVRE PELLETIER & ASSOCIESVincent VILLEPELET | LVMH ASIA PACIFIC LTDPaul YANG | BNP PARIBAS

List on 30 June 2017

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Permanent Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | DELPHINE COLSON

MEMBERS SERVICES

Head of Members Services | Sophie LECONTE

Deputy Head of Members Services & Committees Manager | Catherine PIELAWA-KO

Junior Committees Manager | Yuan FANG

Senior Events Manager | Carine PLAGNARD

Events Manager | Elvire GIRAULT

Events Manager | Fei SHANG

Membership & Events Manager | Laury PACE

Membership & Marketing Manager | Aude CAMUS

Communications Manager | Kieran CASH

Design Manager | Louise HO

BUSINESS SERVICES

Head of Business Consulting | Servane DELAHAYE

Business Development Manager | Lillian LAO

Business Development Manager | Jing LEI

Business Development Executive | Tiffany HO

Chief Financial Officer & Head of Corporate Services | Clement BRUMEAUX

Business Service Officer | Charlotte HO

Business Service Officer | Antoine INGRAO

Business Service Officer | Amie LAU

Business Centre Officer & Personal Assistant to Executive Director | Teenie LIP

Head of Recruitment & Training | Suzanne ROMESTAIN

Junior Recruitment & Training Consultant | Alizée CAMMAERTS

Junior Recruitment & Training Consultant | Emmanuelle LEHOUSSE

Junior Recruitment & Training Consultant | Indy YEUNG

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Chief Financial Officer & Head of Corporate Services | Clement BRUMEAUX

Accountant | Cliff HO

Accounting Assistant | Cassie CHUI

Administrative Assistant & Receptionist | Gisele WONG

IT Manager | Herve PANNECOUCKE

Assistant IT Manager | Isaac POON

Who’s who at the French Chamber

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French Chamber

Members ServicesAs the link to all the Chamber’s departments, the Members Services team is the entry and reference point for all members. Its mission is to offer members networking opportunities, select business insights and visibility through access to committees, events and publications.

Events & GalaP.42

P.16 Membership

PublicationsP.46

CommitteesP.18

Business ServicesWith years of expertise, efficiency and reliability, the business services team provides to its members and clients a range of business development services. Newly arrived entrepreneurs and SMEs are met with a one-stop-shop solution for all their needs, including recruitment, training, professional consulting and marketing services, as well as tailor-made strategies for export and sourcing missions along with promotion for French trade shows.

P.51 Business Development

Recruitment and Training P.61

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Aude CAMUSMembership & Marketing Manager

Laury PACEMembership & Events Manager

Membership

Sophie LECONTE Head of Members Services

What we do

• Present the Chamber’s services to companies and individuals and recruit new members.

• Be the members’ first and main contact point with the Chamber.

• Foster a close connection with members to better understand their activities and industries.

• Propose tailor-made solutions to members to increase their visibility and widen their networks.

• Direct members to other departments of the Chamber that can help grow their business.

• Provide members with the latest information on the Chamber’s activities and other news of interest.

Achievements

• The French Chamber has attracted a rising number of Entrepreneur Members – 205 (2016-17) VS 176 (2015-16).

• The 2017 Members Directory was published early December with 794 contacts: 94 Individuals and 700 Members registered under a company.

• In pursuing the Chamber’s mission of offering business insight while also providing visibility, 130 members’ corporate news articles were published on the French Chamber blog.

• The membership team has strengthened its relationship with the Sponsor Members, taking the time meet them all individually in order to better understand their needs and develop a tailor-made service.

• Likewise, a push has been made to meet those members who are no longer active or who hadn’t been met previously.

• The makeup of our community is changing and despite a difficult external environment, we’ve managed to maintain a high number of members. We’ve also noticed a greater proportion of entrepreneur members, while corporate and young professional members have seen minor decreases.

Outlook

• Reach 1,000 members.

• Meet all new or inactive members and succeed in engaging them in the French Chamber activities.

• Publish more corporate news from our members on the website to enhance their visibility and provide other members with business insights.

• Reduce the membership attrition rate despite external circumstances.

• Strengthen our relationship with sponsors.

• Ensure satisfaction of all new members: guide them in their first steps to make sure they fully utilise our services.

• Learn from inactive & non-renew members to improve our services.

Key figures984+members

271 new members

“A dedicated membership team to grow your network and share your expertise.”

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Membership’s Profile

Stabilisation of membership base984+ Members

984+

2009/2010 2010/20112008/2009 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

15%

44%

23%

11%

7%44%

23%

15%7%

11%Sponsor members

Corporate members

Entrepreneur

Individual

YP

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The backbone of our Chamber with two thirds of our members involved

Catherine PIELAWA-KO Deputy Head of Members Services & Committees Manager

What we do

The department is dedicated to the Chamber’s 20 committees and working groups, where members who have similar business interests or who work within the same industry share information, exchange ideas and develop common actions to their benefit.

• Organise activities and talks for each committee so that members are able to stay informed of trends and new developments in their industries.

• Find and recommend speakers and discussion topics to each committee.

• Hold gatherings, enhance communications within committees and help establish close relations among members.

Yuan FANG Junior Committees Manager

Key figures20

committees

66% of members involved

140 meetings

15 events

Committees

A strong members involvement in our committees

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Achievements

• The department organised over 140 meetings of committees (experience sharing between members, talks on hot topics by guest speakers and brainstorming sessions).

• The department supported the committees in organising 15 events (including the Chamber’s signature sourcing symposium Made in Asia).

• Monthly (or bi-monthly in some cases) watches were published for all committees providing news, data (costs, rates, number of visitors etc.), reports, trends and various information for members of these committees.

Goals

• Continue to support committee members on a daily basis

• Organise the 8th Made in Asia symposium with the Sourcing Committee

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Committees’ Activities

P.21

P.22

P.26

P.23

P.27

P.24

P.28

P.25

P.32

P.30

P.29

P.31

P.33

P.34

P.36

P.39

P.35

P.38

P.37

P.40

Banking & Finance - FinTech

Business Advisor Group

Editorial

CFO Round Table

Food & Beverage

China

Corporate Sustainability

Green Business

Digital Innovation

Luxury & Retail

Human Resources

Healthcare & Insurance

Logistics & Supply Chain

Infrastructure

Legal Working Group

Policy & Consultation

Small & Medium Enterprises

Women On Board

Sourcing

Young Professionals & Vi

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The Banking & Finance Committee is joined by heads of banks and financial institutions, plus consultants in the FinTech field.

Actions

The committee decided to embrace a ‘FinTech’ orientation in 2015-16 to better address challenges faced by the banking field and to focus on the impact of new technologies for banks.

It gathers unit managers to help them have a vision of the impact of technology, and proposes a holistic approach by sharing presentations from both the banking industry and other large companies that face the same revolution.

Meeting

4 July 2016: Innovating toward retail investors Presentation by Charles D’HAUSSY, 8 Securities

13 Sept 2016: The future of financial services with blockchain and other things Presentation by Alexandre TABBAKH, XNotes Alliance & Julien DIDELET, XNotes Alliance

08 Nov 2016: Evolution of regulation in Hong Kong re: new technologies Presentation by Jean-Remi LOPEZ, DTCC & Angelina KWAN, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited

10 Jan 2017: Brainstorming meeting

20 Apr 2017: In search for yield: receivables as an investable asset class Presentation by Emmanuel PITSILIS & Gianluca PIZZITUTI, Velotrade Management Limited

16 May 2017: FinTech in Hong Kong Presentation by Charles D’HAUSSY, Invest Hong Kong

Banking & Finance - FinTech

President and Vice-President:

David ABITBOLSOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE

Charles DALLYCHAPUIS HALDER AND CO LIMITED

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The Business Advisors Group (BAG) allows entrepreneurs and startup companies to pitch their business plan to a panel of experienced professionals based in Hong Kong. Coming from different backgrounds, the advisors offer their help by giving strategic advice to entrepreneurs in order to make their business successful in Hong Kong.

Actions

The BAG is a flexible body that meets promising entrepreneurs from any field of industry upon request, and offers help and suggestions.

Benefits for entrepreneurs:

• Business plan screening by professionals

• Strategic advice offered

• Positive feedback

• Referral to venture capitalists and relevant professionals when applicable

• One year subsequent coaching when applicable

• A two-hour meeting with advisors group

• Free and confidential counselling

A new format has been launched whereby BAG members commit to meet the candidates twice after the preparatory meetings, if needed, so that the meeting time can be used entirely for the benefit of the candidate, his/her project and the advisors.

Pitch Clinic is a new service launched in collaboration with French Tech Hong Kong in April 2017, which targets tech startups that are met before they go and pitch to potential investors.

Projects for both the BAG and the Pitch Clinic can be sent to [email protected].

Meetings

Fourteen meetings took place during the 2016-2017 year, including one Pitch Clinic meeting, making for a total of 13 entrepreneurs met throughout the year.

Business Advisor Group

Co-Presidents:

Damien DERNONCOURT & Emmanuel PITSILIS


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CFO Committee

President & Vice-President:

Nicolas MORINEAUXLVMH - FASHION GROUP ASIA PACIFIC

Luc SEYERFENDI ASIA PACIFIC

The CFO Committee provides opportunities for CFOs to exchange freely on common topics and to have access to information that is most relevant to their daily functions. It is closed to non-CFOs.

Actions

During the year 2016-2017, the meeting frequency increased to seven for the whole year:

Meetings

19 Sept 2016: Agile work Presentation by Amélie BREITBURD, AXA

29 Nov 2016: Systra business, challenge as a corporate in Asia Pacific Mobility and digital marketing: trajectory based marketing and its future impact on businesses Presentation by Geoffrey GUILLY, Systra Asia Pacifi

23 Jan 2017: HKEX IPO market and reason to consider listing in Hong Kong Strategy on FICC and future role of HK as an International fixed income centre Presentation by Tae YOO & Julien MARTIN, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited 6 Mar 2017: Pernod Ricard Asia Presentation by Ludovic LEDRU, Pernod Ricard Asia

24 Apr 2017: The procurement function Presentation by Wilson LEUNG, LVMH Asia & Tracy MU, Suez

15 May 2017: Kering Presentation by Marjorie COULET, Asia Pacific, Kering

12 Jun 2017: Future of shared services: operational solutions, tips, benchmark Presentation by Jez HEATH, Deloitte Hong Kong & Laura BLAINEY, Deloitte Hong Kong

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China Committee

President & Vice-Presidents

Alain LE COUEDICROLAND BERGER STRATEGY CONSULTANTS

Gilles CARDONNELHOWSE WILLIAMS BOWERS

Paul CLERC-RENAUDFARGO GROUP

The China Committee acts as a platform where members exchange valuable information about the Chinese business environment such as best practices, trends and past experiences. Local and foreign guest speakers are invited to present research findings and practical advice on issues relevant to doing business in China.

Actions

The Committee continues to maintain strong and friendly relations with local organisations such as the French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC), the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprise Association, and the various official representatives of China in Hong Kong, as well as relevant Hong Kong government departments.

Meetings

12 Sept 2016: Regional headquarters and selection criteria Presentation by Alice CHUNG, Ernst & Young & Matthieu CHEVALIER, Ernst & Young 5 Dec 2016: Foreign investment law in China Presentation by Hans-Gunther HERRMANN, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison

27 Mar 2017: Chinese workers’ situation and expectations Presentation by Steve VICKERS, Steve Vickers and Associates Limited

5 Jun 2017: Made in China 2025 Presentation by Alina QUACH, ASIALLIANS

Events

5 Oct 2016: China politics explained Presentations by Willy Wo-Lap LAM, Chinese University of Hong Kong

21 Feb 2017: Cocktail with the Hong Kong General Chamber


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Corporate Sustainability Committee

This committee focuses on corporate sustainability, not philanthropy. It is for members that want to concentrate on business, measure the impact of sustainability on business, get concrete ideas, and are interested in hearing from practitioners. It may also launch lobbying actions.

Meeting

4 July 2016: Sustainable business is smart business Presentation by Charlotte JUDET, Kering APAC

11 Oct 2016: Play the circular economy game! Presentation by Catherine TOUZARD, Sustainability and carbon consultant and teacher

14 Nov 2016: Sustainable consumption in Hong Kong Presentation by Wander MEIJER, GlobeScan

16 Jan 2017: CSR methodology at Vivarte Presentation by Arnaud LEVRON, Andre HK Buying Office Ltd (Vivarte)

20 Mar 2017: ‘Retail go green efforts’ by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Presentation by Gilbert CHENG & Shirlee ALGIRE, The Hong Kong Jockey Club

15 May 2017: CSR methodology at A.S. Watson Presentation by Sebastien PIVET, A.S. Watson

President:

Sebastien PIVETA.S. WATSON

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Digital Innovation Committee


Yvon LE RENARDCLEVER AGE ASIA LTD

Jeremie LECLERCSAGIT SOLUTIONS LIMITED

The aim of the Digital Innovation Committee is to share best market practices and latest insights on digital and innovation, to assist established corporations in e-transformation and to educate startups on the lifecycle of technology.

Actions

The group exchanges with key speakers on various topics related to digital innovation. It helps technology startups understand the business landscape in Hong Kong through forums on various topics where best practices and case studies are presented. Working with innovative technology companies, the Committee also assists established corporates in their digital transformation.

Meetings

28 Sept 2016: The digital transformation journey, where and how to start? Presentation by Yvon LE RENARD, Clever Age Asia

30 Nov 2016: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive algorithm Presentation by Leonie VALENTINE, Google HK

25 Jan 2017: Data science and open data: How to use data to do business Presentation by Waltraut RITTER, Knowledge Dialogues & Augustin CEYRAC, Easyship

29 Mar 2017: Virtual reality Presentation by Jerome DE BAECQUE, Hong Kong, Spinifex Group

17 May 2017: Blockchain and its applications Presentation by Jean-Luc GUSTAVE, XNotes Alliance Limited

Events

16 Nov 2016: B2B digital marketing & e-commerce Presentation by Daniel BEACH, Oxygen 2.0, Anita FU, Salesforce, & Albin LIX, Digital Business Lab

23 Feb 2017: Internet of Things – ‘How you build, how you develop, how you sell, how to innovate’ Presentations by Ludovic DEPOID, Tektos Holdings, Laurent LE PEN, Omate & Christophe MELINETTE, Schneider Electric

8 Jun 2017: Urberisation of your business: Opportunities and Threats Presentation by Blake LARSON, Lalamove & Sebastien PORTES, Club Mediterranee (Club Med) Hong Kong Ltd.


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Editorial Committee

President: Philippe MASSONNET AGENCE FRANCE-PRESS

HKE 82 HKE 83 HKE 84 HKE 85

The Editorial Committee orchestrates and designs content for the French Chamber’s quarterly English-language magazine, HongKongEcho. It is responsible for assigning the theme for each edition, sourcing relevant contributors and ensuring a high calibre of content throughout the publication.

Actions

HongKongEcho continues to be the Chamber’s key business publication, offering insights from entrepreneurs, industry leaders and intellectuals on issues that affect the city’s business community.

Under the guidance of its new President, Philippe Massonnet, the Committee has pushed for gradual but significant alterations to the overall look and feel of the publication with a continued focus on producing engaging content.

In autumn, the supply chain & logistics sectors were under the spotlight as the magazine presented the challenges and opportunities facing one of the city’s traditional economic pillars in ‘The gateway to it all’.

Another key sector for the city – tourism – was up for examination when the magazine asked whether the city is ‘More than a mall?’ The Chamber’s inaugural Tourism Symposium, aboard the iconic Star Ferry, provided the ideal follow-up to this vital topic.

Real estate: the perennial thorn in Hong Kong’s side. For individuals and businesses alike, how does one survive in one of the most costly markets in the world? The spring issue, ‘The price to pay’, tackled this prickly subject.

The PRD is already the world’s largest urban area in terms of size and population. But what’s in it for Hong Kong? ‘Can Hong Kong ride the wave?’ That’s the question asked in the summer issue as the team hit the road in China to see what’s happening just across the border.

Past issues of 2016-2017

Issue 82 – autumn 2016: The gateway to it all: Perspectives on supply chain & logsticsIssue 83 – winter 2016: More than a mall? Challenges facing the tourism sectorIssue 84 – spring 2017: Real estate: The price to payIssue 85 – summer 2017: Pearl River Delta: Can Hong Kong ride the wave?

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Food & Beverage Committee


Emmanuel FARCIS

Thibaut MATHIEUCORNEY & BARROW

Pierre STANGHELLINIATYPIC CONSULTING

The Food & Beverage Committee gathers members in the following sectors: restaurants, retail and distribution (of grocery, food and wine products). It acts as a platform for main industry players to exchange ideas, advice and information about best practices and regulations related to their business.

Actions

The Committee holds monthly meetings with a high attendance rate. The meetings always begin with a news sharing section where members exchange information and updates about their business. A dashboard is also shared among members on a monthly basis, summarising key information on current Hong Kong trends (activities, visitor traffic, commodities prices, etc.).

Meetings

4 Oct 2016: Overview of global trends in the F&B sector Presentation by Marie Hélène PREVOT, Gouten Consulting Ltd.

8 Nov 2016: Outside Seating Accommodation (OSA) for restaurants Presentation by Jacqueline HO & CHENG Chok-wing, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department 6 Dec 2016: Behind the scene – Central kitchens/warehouses for the F&B sector Presentation by Roger STAEHELI, Nespresso, Division of Nestlé Hong Kong Limited

10 Jan 2017: Update on real estate Presentation by Nicola TANG, CBRE HK

7 Feb 2017: Best restaurants awards: what are the trends? Exchange of views with Susan Jung, South China Morning Post

7 Mar 2017: The do’s and don’ts of F&B communication in the Year of the Rooster Presentation by Nicola OLDFIELD, GHC Asia

25 Apr 2017: Traceability in food safety management Presentation by Cindy YIN, GS1

9 May 2017: The craft and specialty trend and its consequences for the beer customers Presentation by Cedric CHAFFOIS, Carlsberg Asia

6 Jun 2017: The bar trend of Hong Kong Presentation by Danny YANG, HOOCH

6 Jun 2017: Dining Concepts Presentation by Sandeep SEKHRI, Dining Concepts


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Green Business Committee


Michel AUTRANDSUEZ ASIA

Kin Kan CHAN

The committee focuses on promoting French expertise in green business to both local stakeholders and to the Hong Kong government.

Actions

The Committee organised a successful site visit this year, and will continue in the same vein for the year ahead. It often engages in joint actions with the Infrastructure Committee.

Meetings

20 Oct 2016: Case sharing: The challenges when working with the Hong Kong administration Presentation by KK CHAN, CTM HOLDING

19 Jan 2017: ‘Innovation’ - showcase of members’ latest expertise Presentation by Catherine TOUZARD & Ximin HUANG 9 Mar 2017: Material recycling and solutions Presentation by Antoine GRANGE, Suez 11 May 2017: Challenges and Opportunities in the implementation of Hong Kong’s food waste plan (2014-2022) Presentation by Elvis AU, Environmental Protection Department of HKSAR Government

Visits

23 Nov 2016: Visit to ‘T-Park’

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Healthcare and Insurance Committee


Bertrand GONNETCELKI MEDICAL COMPANY

Linda WILLSOT&P MEDICAL PRACTICE

This committee is a restricted group that only gathers members from the healthcare and insurance sectors.

Meetings

29 Sept 2016: Back to work Presentation by Philip CHENG, Matilda International Hospital

28 Nov 2016: Shortage of health practitioners and solutions Presentation by Ngai FONG, Food and Health Bureau, & Alan TSANG, the Open University of Hong Kong

30 Mar 2017: The healthy ageing platform Presentation by Carrie LING, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation 8 Jun 2017: Challenges and opportunities of the health insurance market Presentation by Jean-Marc HERBET, A Plus International Services Ltd.

Event:

24 Jan 2017: Hong Kong air pollution: Impact for Hong Kong business and attractiveness Presentation by Patrick FUNG & Vicky CHOI, Clean Air Network


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Human Resources Committee

Co-Presidents:

Franck GAUTHIER DRAGAGES HONG KONG LTD.

Sylvie SOULERE-GUIDAT NATIXIS

The Human Resources Committee aims to provide a 360-degree view of the industry by bringing together human resources leaders, post-graduate business education partners, management consultants and members of the younger generation to exchange ideas on best practices in the field of human resources.

The core group of the Committee, which consists of human resources leaders from the Chamber’s member companies, meets on a regular basis to organise events and activities that address the larger HR management community in Hong Kong and Asia.

Actions

The Committee’s nature is oriented towards a ‘club’ mind-set: people discuss the same issues, looking for solutions, with HR leaders at the centre of the group as well as other representatives of professions interested in human resources.

Meetings

28 Sept 2016: Human Resources Director: A key position to enhance organisational transformations Presentation by Veronique GIRMA, Turningpoint Asia 04 Nov 2016: Challenges and experience sharing Exchanges between members

13 Dec 2016: Human Resources organisation Exchanges between members

09 Feb 2017: Human Resources transformation Presentation by Paul LAM, Chanel Limited

19 Jun 2017: New Ways of Working: HR as a key change agent Presentation by Severine SAMBIN, Asia Pacific, Société Generale

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Infrastructure Committee

President:

Ludovic LANGTHALES TRANSPORT & SECURITY (HK) LTD

The Infrastructure Committee encourages participants to exchange information with each other about projects, statutory regulations, government policies and market trends. It provides a neutral front from which to suggest ideas to government officials, developers and operators. Members are informed of ongoing and future construction developments in Hong Kong via news clippings and open exchanges during committee meetings.

Actions

The Committee continued its exchanges with the Hong Kong government, answering consultations and inviting representatives to give presentations during committee meetings.

Meetings

2 Sept 2016: Back to work session

24 Nov 2016: Blueprint for Hong Kong as a Smart City Presentation by Ann KERR, Mott MacDonald

08 May 2017: Recent developments in PPP Markets Presentation by Gavin MUNRO, Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking

Event

20 Jan 2016: Hong Kong 2030+ Presentation by Amy CHEUNG Yi Mei, Government of the HKSAR


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Legal Committee

This committee is a restricted group that uniquely gathers in-house counsels and lawyers from legal firms.

Experience sharing is encouraged in order to compare practices, and lawyers provide presentations to counsels on hot topics such as new laws in Hong Kong and the region.

Meetings

13 Oct 2016: Regional roles and offices: How to manage your Asian legal network in a cost-efficient way Experience sharing

16 Feb 2017: Career change: from lawyer to in-house counsel / from in-house counsel to lawyer Experience sharing

23 Mar 2017: Current market in Hong Kong for the recruitment of lawyers and in-house counsels Presentation by Claran FOY, Miriam LEUNG & Ansir MAHMOOD, Aquis Search

27 Jun 2017: Loi Sapin II Presentation by Jonathan MATTOUT, Herbert Smith Freehills Paris LLP

Event

26 Apr 2017: The Competition Ordinance so far: Much ado about nothing? Presentation by Nicolas CASSAUBA-TIRCAZOT, Mayer Brown JSM & Ya Fang XIA, LVMH Asia Pacific


Emmanuelle DE BUHREN JOHN HARDY (HK) LIMITED

Marine VANHOUCKE GINESTIE MAGELLAN PAEY-VINCENT

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Logistics & Supply Chain Committee

This committee is a restricted group that gathers members from logistics companies, or those in charge of supply chain management.

Meetings

20 Sept 2016: Back to work: Sea freight update Presentation by Olivier MARCHAND, CMA-CGM Asia Regional Office Hong Kong

18 Oct 2016: Amer Sports Presentation by Guillaume DUSSOLLIET-BERTHOD, Amer Sports

15 Nov 2016: Update on air-freight Presentation by Guillaume HALLEUX, Qatar Airways 28 Feb 2017: TAL Apparel Replenishment Solutions Presentation by Christophe DEGOIX, TAL Apparel Limited

27 Apr 2017: Digitisation in logistics Presentation by Philip VAN REMOORTERE, DDS Logistics

13 Jun 2017: 2017 industrial and warehouse market update Presentation by Samuel LAI & Stanley YU, CBRE

President & Vice President:

Matthieu GAONACH CLASQUIN (FAR EAST) LTD

Vincent BURTET GIFI ASIA LTD


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Luxury & Retail Committee


Alain LIRICHEMONT ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED

Damien VERNET LVMH – FASHION GROUP ASIA PACIFIC

Members of the Luxury & Retail Committee gain valuable insight and up-to-date information from industry insiders as well as access to an exclusive platform where they exchange trends and new practices.

Action

The Luxury & Retail Committee laid out a busy roadmap for the year, with a mix of breakfast events, invitations of VIPs and presentations by experienced speakers during committee meetings.

It is also working with the Hong Kong Airport Authority with a view to boost Hong Kong’s attractiveness.

Meetings

15 Sept 2016: Brainstorming on committee activities for 2016-17 Brainstorming between members

18 Nov 2016: SAR Attractions: Ways to make Hong Kong - Macau great again Presentation by Mariana KOU, CLSA

23 Jan 2017: ‘A discussion on the past, present and future of luxury retail in Hong Kong and beyond’ (Steering) Presentation by David AU, Fung Retailing Group

24 Mar 2017: Experience sharing session between junior and senior brands Experience sharing

11 May 2017: Hong Kong Airport Authority: follow-up actions (Steering) Brainstorming between members 9 June 2017: The rise of customer experience Presentation by Belle MORTON, KPMG

Events

3 Nov 2016: Retail and New Tech: The on-going conversation with the customer Victor BOGEY, Asia CEO and Co-Founder, Ubudu Asia Francois CHABAUDIE, Founder & CEO, Neoma Samuel GUILLAUME, Services Director – APAC, Cegid Eugene LAI, Senior Technical Client Partner, Red Ant Elisa HARCA, Regional Director, Red Ant

2 Mar 2017: Hong Kong’s attractiveness: challenges and opportunities 80 participants, 13 speakers, keynote presentations, panels, snapshots

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Policy & Consultation Committee


Thomas FELD

Maeva SLOTINE SLOTINE | HONG KONG SOLICITOR’S FIRM

As the think-tank of the Chamber, this committee helps formulate the Chamber’s strategies, and supports its recommendations to the government regarding its policies and initiatives.

Actions

The committee’s objectives are to:

• Ascertain the French Chamber’s strategy when it comes to taking an official position on political and economic issues that are susceptible to affecting members.

• Help other committees of the French Chamber with their specific concerns and lobbying needs.

• Write budget recommendations and general policy papers once a year.

• Participate in Hong Kong Government consultations on behalf of the Chamber, which directly affect the activities of the Chamber’s members.

• Organise seminars on new legislation or amendments to existing legislation that may have an impact on the Chamber’s members.

Meetings

10 May 2017: Brainstorming on the French Chamber recommendations for the 2017 Policy & Budget address.


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Small & Medium EnterprisesCommittee


Laure MATHIEU EQUATION HK LTD.

Augustin CEYRAC EASYSHIP

The Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) Committee remains the key place for SMEs to meet and network. Diversity creates dynamism, and experience-sharing benefits each and every entrepreneur. In that respect, the committee organises seminars and exchange sessions specifically targeted to members’ needs.

Actions

The Committee focuses on experience sharing during meetings, with entrepreneurs offering feedback on their experiences, challenges, successes and failures regarding the topics discussed.

Meetings

30 Sept 2016: Growth financing (Steering) Presentation by Damien DERNONCOURT, Naga, Emmanuel PITSILIS, & Arnaud TARDAN, Leitmotiv Private Equity

5 Oct 2016: The Shareholders’ Agreement Presentation by Erik LEYSSENS, Lefèvre Pelletier & Associés

18 Nov 2016: Human resources (Steering) Presentation by Augustin CEYRAC, Easyship & Alain DENIAU, Heidrick & Struggles

30 Nov 2016: Digital marketing for SMEs Presentation by Vivian MERIGUET, Wild at Heart Ltd.

13 Jan 2017: How to find one’s number 2 (Steering) Presentation by Jacques BOISSIER, Classic Fine Foods & Alain DENIAU, Heidrick & Struggles

25 Jan 2017: CFO 2.0: Part time or externalised? Presentation by Jean-Roch MARTIN, Finance Advisory Board Ltd.

22 Mar 2017: SMEs funding schemes Presentation by Judy TING & Polly LAM, the Government of the HKSAR

16 Jun 2017: Building an engaging company culture in SMEs (Steering) Presentation by Stanislas BOCQUET, Palo IT

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Sourcing Committee


Olivier BURINGB6K ASIA TRADING LTD.

Claire BECQDARTY ASIA LIMITED

An excellent platform for members to share information and experiences relevant to sourcing across all industries, and to discuss the trends of the sourcing industry in order to prepare for the future. The Committee invites experts to share their thoughts and opinions on best practices, and keeps its members informed about the dynamics of the sector.

Actions

The Committee remained very active this year, with 10 meetings, two dinners, one breakfast event and one major event – the 7th edition of the Made in Asia Symposium. The success of the Committee is due to the participative mind-set and involvement of its members. Committee meetings were organised around three axes including the exchange of news between committee members, presentations on core topics, and updates on coming events and themes.

Meetings

9 Sept 2016: Sourcing industry outlook for 2017 Presentation by Alicia GARCIA HERRERO, Natixis

7 Oct 2016: Exchange between members on budget preparation, and practical topics 4 Nov 2016: CSR methodology at Vivarte Presentation by Arnaud LEVRON, Andre HK Buying Office Ltd (Vivarte) 2 Dec 2016: Driving speed-to-market Presentation by Fred LEMOINE, Weave Service Limited Meeting followed by dinner

6 Jan 2017: China sourcing and quality organisation (sourcing for both abroad and Chinese ‘customers’) Presentation by Gregory LE COENT, Wirquin Group VP

10 Feb 2017: Product development: from sourcing to branding Presentation by Antoine PERL, TVBM Ltd

3 Mar 2017: Lean manufacturing Presentation by Olivier BURING, Hager

21 Apr 2017: FNAC – DARTY: Building a new group Presentation by Claire BECQ, Darty Asia Limited Meeting followed by dinner 12 May 2017: Mobile app in sourcing Presentation by Milad NOURI, YOOSourcing mobile App

2 Jun 2017: Groupe Atlantic Presentation by Jean-Pierre TERRIER, ATLANTIC ALC (HK) LIMITED

Events

15 Feb 2017: Social audits – The certification paradox or the risk management approach Presentation by Pierig VEZIN, WethicA

16 Mar 2017: The Made in Asia Symposium (7th edition), ‘The end of the middleman: Is sourcing as we know it dying?’ 200 participants, 20 speakers, keynote presentations, panels, snapshots


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Women On Board Committee

President and Vice President

Christine RAYNAUD MORGAN PHILIPS HONG KONG

Marie-Hélène PREVOT GOUTEN CONSULTING

Aiming to help leading women in their business, the Women on Board Committee gives its members the brand value and confidence they need to propel their career further.

Actions

The Committee has further developed its networking cocktail events and meetings throughout the year. The WOB Committee continued its successful activities – the Learning & Development series, the Women Advisory Forum sessions and a new format of mentoring sessions.

The HeforShe symposium, organised by the WOB Committee, was a major highlight of the year, held in support of this valuable UN initiative and gathering 100 business leaders in Hong Kong.

Meetings

8 Sept 2016: Brainstorming meeting on programme8 Dec 2016: Update meeting on programme1 Mar 2017: Brainstorming meeting18 May 2017: Brainstorming - Programme 2017-2018

Women Advisory Forum (WAF) sessions

16 Nov 2016: Managing change and restructuring in the tougher economy9 Jun 2017: The modern way of managing your career

Learning & Development series

26 Jan 2017: Stress management

Mentoring

11 Oct 2016 Mentoring cocktail9 Nov 2016 Coaching for mentors10 Nov 2016 Coaching for mentees 15 Jun 2016 Mentoring celebration cocktail

Symposium

7 Mar 2017: International Women’s Day – HeForShe Business forum followed by cocktail

Events

12 Jan 2017: Exclusive luncheon ‘Human Capital and Diversity in the financial services industry’

27 Apr 2017: InterWomen Breakfast Seminar: ‘Change? Taking Care of Your Own Career’

22 Jun 2017: ‘Empowering diversity: From wishes to practices’ Presentation by Alessandro PAPARELLI, Vice President of HR, Kering Asia Pacific

Networking cocktail

25 Jan 2017: Women cocktail at D’Auchel

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Young Professionals & VI

President and Vice President

Sarah CESTAU

Marlene CHARLES

The committee gathers young professionals and international volunteers in Hong Kong and offers them networking opportunities, helping them to integrate into the broader Hong Kong business community.

Actions

Regular cocktail events were organised to enhance communication among members and to welcome newcomers, while round table events and workshops were held to give young professionals opportunities to meet and share views with experienced top managers on various topics of interest to aid their career development.

A dedicated Facebook group – Club YP and VI Hong Kong – offers a business and networking Facebook community for all YPs to share business news, networking events and business conferences that may help them to connect with one-another and further expand their knowledge.

Events

Cocktails

30 Aug 2016: 62nd Intercham Young Professionals Cocktail

20 Sept 2016: YP & VI cocktail – F.A.B, Central

21 Nov 2016: YP & VI cocktail – Cochin, Central

24 Nov 2016: 63rd Intercham Young Professionals Cocktail

17 Jan 2017: YP & VI cocktail – Neo cocktail club, Sheung Wan

21 Mar 2017: YP & VI cocktail – Locofama, Sai Ying Pun

20 June 2017: YP & VI cocktail – Koko, Central

Round tables

3 Oct 2016: When social media meets the retail world Suhani JAIN, Content & Social Director at Grana

5 Dec 2016: A conversation with Bruno Yvon Bruno YVON, Managing Director of Moet Hennessy Diageo Hong Kong

23 Jan 2017: Entrepreneurship, digital and the new retail experience Diego DULTZIN, CEO & Co-founder Delphine LEFAY, Co-founder Trainings

17 Nov 2015: CV Workshop for YP


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Fei SHANG Events Manager

Elvire GIRAULT Events Manager

Events and Gala

“High quality events with inspiring speakers”

What we do

• Plan and organise a wide range of workshops, corporate seminars and social gatherings.

• Co-host events in collaboration with other Chambers and organisations.

• Develop a platform where members can forge better relationships with the business community.

Achievements

The department organised and co-hosted 65 events of different kinds in the year 2016-2017, including:

• The department organised and co-hosted 74 events of different kinds in the year 2015-2016, including networking events, seminars for newcomers, the Annual Dinner, the French National Day and for the first time, the So French So Innovative exhibition, the Luxury Symposium and the Creative Day.

• The department organised and co-hosted 65 events of different kinds in the year 2016-2017, including:

• Networking events

• Breakfast talks

• Seminars for newcomers

• Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the French Chamber

• The French National Day

• Inaugural edition of the HeForShe conference

• Symposium on Hong Kong’s attractiveness

• Made in Asia sourcing symposium

• Annual Gala Dinner

• Three Chief Executive Candidate-meeting events for sponsors and Board members

Carine PLAGNARDSenior Events Manager

Event with Nicholas Brooke

Henri Giscard d’Estaing Philippe Castignac

Event with Yvonne Choi

Alessandro Paparelli David Baverez

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Key figures

65 events

Free events at the Chamber’s premises for members

More than 2,700 participants

Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the French Chamber

7TH EDITION of Made in Asia sourcing symposium

BASTILLE DAY

Two first time events - HeForShe conference

- Hong Kong’s Attractiveness Symposium• In total, 2,719 participants joined our events throughout the year, 59% of whom are

members of the Chamber.

• Progress continues to be made in constantly developing the content and quality of events through inviting prestigious speakers, cooperating with leading companies and creating new types of events.

• With the support of the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, the department co-organised Bastille Day on 14 July with 360 guests, in partnership with Alliance Française, Hong Kong Accueil and UFE.

• For the first time, the French Chamber, in partnership with the Women’s Exchange at HKEX and supported by The Women’s Foundation and The University of Hong Kong, celebrated International Women’s Day on 7 March with a conference in support of the global United Nations project, HeForShe. Under the initiative of the Chamber’s Women on Board Committee, the evening brought together 180 guests to hear from male and female leaders from the public and private sectors to explore inclusive solutions that create opportunities for women and girls around the world and champion women’s advancement in the workplace.

• In a setting like no other, on 2 March, the Chamber held its tourism symposium aboard Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination. The event was organised under the guidance of the Chamber’s Luxury & Retail Committee and was supported by the HK Tourism Board and the HKSAR Government. Mr Philip Yung, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), HKSAR Government and Dr Peter Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board, were both in attendance.

• A full video recap from the day is available here.

• The 7th edition of our Made in Asia sourcing symposium took place on 16 March. The symposium is now a reference for all industry professionals and an emblem of the Chamber’s continued success. This year’s edition welcomed Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government, for the opening address.

• The Chamber’s 30th anniversary year was celebrated in style at the Maritime Museum at the Central Harbourfront, welcoming over 200 guests. Among them were Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong SAR Government and Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Hong Kong SAR Government, whose esteemed presence was a helped welcome in this anniversary year.

Breakdown of our events throughout the year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY2RIbI39ZM

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Achievements

• The 2017 Gala Dinner gathered 580 high-profile guests, business leaders or VIP clients of the largest multinational companies in Hong Kong.

• The dinner was dedicated to the theme: ‘Surrealism’. Guests were treated to a mind-bending journey in surrealism with fine dining, great company and classic French culture.

• Two-star Michelin Chef Michel Sarran, the well-known host of television cooking series Top Chef, was invited to prepare the four course dinner, with a surreal take on some much-loved French classics.

• Sponsorships from 100 various brands and companies were acquired.

• A digitally interactive dance performance and a fashion show by Leonard Paris were arranged as part of the evening’s engaging spectacle.

• With all proceeds going to the French Chamber Foundation, silent and live auctions, as well as a ‘generosity wave’ were held as the main fundraising initiatives for the evening. A record 102 items were up for grabs in the silent auction, along with four experiences in the live auction. On its own, the generosity wave generated funds for 60 weeks of Lunch Club meals, the Foundation’s signature project. HK$1.5 million was raised for the Foundation from the Gala, along with an extraordinarily generous donation on the night of HK$2 million from the Foundation’s Honorary President, Cecilia Cheung.

Gala

The beautiful ballroom

Photo boothMichel Sarran and Chef Gerhard Passrugger with their teams

Events and Gala

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQUKpiZeJHM

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Gala

The performance

Michelin Chef Michel Sarren

The volunteers

Live auction

OUTLOOK:

• Consolidate our existing major symposiums to ensure their position as annual flagship events

• Reinforce our position as an important actor in the Hong Kong business community, by strengthening the links with Hong Kong institutions.

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“A collection of business-focused publications to cater the various needs of our members and increase their visibility”

What we do

• Produce and oversee the HongKongEcho magazine, Members Directory, newsletters and videos.

• Develop and update content for FCCIHK.com, the official Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

• Inform members of the latest information relevant to their businesses in Hong Kong through our publications.

• Increase members’ visibility through the Chamber’s print and online platforms.

Design Department

• Design layouts for all the publications of the Chamber, including the Hong Kong Echo magazine, Members Directory, Flash Info newsletter, Annual Report, etc.

• Design logos, posters, banners and brochures for the Chamber’s events and contribute ideas to the Gala Dinner and the Annual Dinner

Achievements

• Working with the Publications Department, the Design Department successfully designed all the publications of the Chamber.

• Designs and concepts were created for all major French Chamber events such as the National Day, Tourism Symposium, Made in Asia and the HeForShe conference.

• The third edition of The French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong guide was published in 2017.

• The department worked with production companies to create the decoration of the 2017 Gala Dinner and the 2016 Annual Dinner.

Kieran CASH Communications Manager

Louise HO Design Manager

Publications & Design

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Key figures5,500

copies

8 advertisers renewed annual contracts

Our HongKongEcho Magazine

Our quarterly English-language magazine – published both in print and online – is distributed to 1,000 members and to a wide range of outlets across Hong Kong and China. We are always striving to improve its content and scope in order to produce a high quality publication that remains relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.

HongKongEcho provides unique visibility by inviting members to contribute on a particular theme that concerns the French and Hong Kongese business communities. The ‘Cover Story’ topic allows members with particular expertise to offer their insight to the magazine’s 25,000 readers.

We are very fortunate to have a broad membership base with experts in a range of fields and HongKongEcho is the perfect format for sharing their knowledge.

Distribution

• Direct mail to members

• Selected airline lounges (Air France, British Airways, Hong Kong Airlines)

• Official French institutions (French Consulate in Hong Kong, Alliance Française, French International School, French department at the University of Hong Kong)

• Selected company lobbies (Credit Agricole CIB, Natixis, Moulin Roty, Spink)

• Selected hotels and bookshops (Novotel Century, Parenthèses)

• Startup and co-working hubs in Hong Kong (Blueprint, Good Lab, Campfire, WeWork, Cyberport)

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NEWSLETTERS

Our newsletters help us to keep in touch with our membership base by highlighting relevant members’ news and upcoming events.

Sectorial reports

Written in French, these reports are prepared by our Business Services Department for companies wishing to expand in Hong Kong and better understand their sector.

A wide range of sectors including:

- Food & Beverage - E-commerce - High Tech - Luxury - Health

EventsInfo (weekly)

Sent on a weekly basis, the EventsInfo gives our members and contacts all the information about upcoming events organised by the French Chamber as well as any events supported by the Chamber.

France - Hong Kong Express

A French-language newsletter distributed to more than 2,500 contacts amongst our network in France, highlighting:

• Facts and figures about Hong Kong

• The best articles from our HongKongEcho Magazine

• Targeted interviews of French companies that have recently expanded in Hong Kong

• Upcoming trade fairs

FlashInfo (fortnightly)

The fornightly FlashInfo newsletter keeps members and other contacts up to date with everything that’s happening with the Chamber and is distributed to members and additional subscribers (nearly 6,000 individuals).

The FlashInfo newsletter highlights:

- General French Chamber news

- Members news

- New members


JobLink (Bi-monthly)

The bi-monthly newsletter of the recruitment department

Distributed to 6,000+ members and contacts, fully dedicated to HR managers and directors, JobLink presents a selection of qualified candidates seeking job opportunities, ready to be interviewed and contribute to your organisation.

JobLink regularly focuses on specific areas such as luxury and retail, finance and business development.

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BOOKS AND GUIDES

French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong Guide

Printed in both Chinese and English, the guide offers details about authentic French shopping and dining in Hong Kong.

Its launch was coordinated with the sending to the press of French goodie bags, resulting in strong social media and online article coverage.

Increasing the visibility of member companies in the retail and food & beverage industries is central to the aims of this publication by allowing Hong Kong locals and tourists to discover authentic French brands, restaurants and art de vivre.

Content :

Luxury: jewellery, bags, watches, fragrances, etc.

Fashion: menswear, womenswear, footwear, etc.

Beauty: cosmetics, makeup, spa, hair salon, etc.

Gastronomy: restaurants, bars, wine, etc.

Art de vivre: art galleries, home decoration, etc.

Partnership with HK Tourism Board, Marie Claire, AXA as well as with Alliance Française for distribution

“S’installer a Hong Kong” Guide

Published in French, the S’installer a Hong Kong guide provides an overview of life in the city and is a must-have for new arrivals. At over 400 pages, the guide features the essential addresses in Hong Kong for shopping, dining, education, going out and much more.

Key figures3,000

english copies

3,000english copies

88brands

Members Directory

Printed in both Chinese and English, the guide offers details about authentic French shopping and dining in Hong Kong.

- 1,000 copies printed (+ on average 2,650 views / month online)

- Accessible online

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HIGHLIGHTS OF POLICY ADDRESS & BUDGET

Highlights of the 2017-18 Policy Address and the 2017-18 Budget were sent to members and contacts via direct mail on the day of each relevant speech.

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

Member companies enjoy free visibility for their corporate news in our various publications online, which offer an ideal platform to increase brand awareness in the French, Hong Kongese and international business communities.

Website – fccihk.com

Attracting more than 13,000 visitors per month (close to double that of last year), our website is the ideal way to stay up to date with the Chamber’s activities and to increase your company’s visibility.

The website features members’ news directly on the homepage and members are encouraged to keep us updated with their company’s latest achievements.

Monthly pages views: 60,000+

For some of our larger projects, dedicated websites are set up to cater for their specific needs.

- Made in Asia: www.madeinasia.hk

- 2017 Gala Dinner (Photos): www.fccihk.com/after-gala-2017

Social media platform

Our presence on social media allows us to share content and engage directly with members and followers.

Linkedin: 5,178 followers (+22% vs. last year)

Facebook: 2,141 followers (+36% vs. last year)

OUTLOOK: Enhancing our digital presence and taking a more rigorous approach towards social media engagement.

fccihk frenchshoppinghk french chamber of commerce and industry in hong kong


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Business Services

What we do

• Assist companies for specific services such as business matching missions, trade-fair support, company set-up, visa, translation services, recruitment and training

• Help French companies set up or expand in Hong Kong, ultimately strengthening the French business community

Our strengths

• Multicultural and experienced team dedicated to serving both local and France-based companies

• Strong ties built over the years with the CCI network and with CCIFI in Asia

• Coordination with Chamber in China

• Ability to answer to clients’ needs, from finding partners and clients to recruitment

• As a business unit, a balanced and diversified structure of income

The Business Services Department encompasses two main activities

• business and corporate services

• recruitment services

In FY17, the total Business Services turnover increased by 2%, thanks to the expansion of the French Chamber’s Business Centre during the year. Recruitment and Business Centre activities remain the main contributors to the Business Services revenue, accounting for 61% of the income.

Business Services Income Breakdown

Clement BRUMEAUX Chief Financial Officer & Head of Coporate Services

Servane DELAHAYE Head of Business Consulting

Suzanne ROMESTAIN Head of Recruitment and Training Department

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Tiffany HO Business Development Executive

Jing LEI Business Development Manager (Food & Beverage/ Health & Beauty)

Missions

Our services

• Export missions that include market potential evaluation and business matching meetings with relevant partners

• Market studies

• Trade fair support

• Commercial representative

• Point of contact for Hong Kong companies willing to expand or source in France (mission sens-inverse)

Business Development

Key figures48

missions

5collective missions for chambers of commerce in France

For each mission :

• Provide potential market evaluation and studies with market research and with market insight from our members and committees.

• Provide knowledge of the local economy and pragmatic information to the companies we assist.

• Organise explorative missions and meetings with members and industry insiders to enable companies to discover a specific sector and the Hong Kong market.

• Organise B2B meetings with potential partners.

• Help clients in mission preparation, as well as advise on their communication tools and the intercultural commercial approach.

• Assist in meetings, ensure the best communication and organise market visits.

• Provide follow-up with key contacts.

• Provide relevant documentation along with our support

Lillian LAOBusiness Development Manager

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Missions & Market Studies

Achievements

• 48 missions achieved this year.• 54% of clients came from the French CCI network and 98% were not members.• 96% of the missions have succeeded or are on the way to success:

A variety of sectors covered:

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Business matching mission: Inoviem Scientific at Hong Kong Science Park

Five collective missions with CCI Grand Est, CCI International Normandie, CCI Paris Ile de France (twice) and Bretagne Commerce International strengthened our ties with the chambers in France:

Food & Beverage , Beauty & Health

Food & Beverage , Fashion & Lifestyle

IT & Technology

Beauty & Health

• Two learning expeditions were organised in partnership with a non-profit organisation representing small & medium innovative companies and a telecommunications equipment and services company, helping French government officials and companies to discover Hong Kong and its business environment.

• The first business matching mission for a company in the Green Tech sector was organised for Hong Kong and South China (Guangzhou) in collaboration of CCIFC South China branch.

• Two representative office missions were completed in the CTP (Commercial à Temps Partagé) format for one major trade show and a French cosmetic company.

Missions & Market Studies

Trade-fair support mission at Cosmoprof Asia 2016


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Testimonials

“Encouraged by the strong interest of Taiwanese pharmaceutical companies in our technologies and expertise, and facing language difficulties in order to properly expand in this market, we took the opportunity to collaborate with both the French Chamber of Commerce in Taipei and Hong Kong.

We have been positively surprised by the quality of the meetings organised in Hong Kong. Inoviem Scientific provides technical solutions which are not necessarily easily understood. However, the team at the French Chamber of Commerce has been able to grasp the essence of these technologies and spread this understanding in the Hong Kongese market. Following this mission, we came back to France with great contacts and potential partners, and we are convinced that Hong Kong will be part of our strategy to expand in Asia.”

Daniel DACOSTA, Business Development Manager of Inoviem Scientific, a French Contract Research Biotech company launched in 2011.

“Following our previous success in Singapore and Shanghai, VIADIRECT selected the business matching service of the French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in the aim of further developing the Greater China market via engagement with a number of targeted Hong Kong land developers.

Following a business mission, various B2B meetings with the most prominent Hong Kongese land developers were organised, allowing VIADIRECT not only to present its solution to key decision makers of new potential clients, but also to move forward on both new and on-going projects in Hong Kong and mainland China.”

Julien PRIOUR, Asia-Pacific Sales Director at VIADIRECT, headquartered in Paris with eight regional offices worldwide.

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A one-stop-shop solution for setting-up in HKSET-UP & DOMICILIATION

What we do

• Assist companies to set up in Hong Kong and mainland China

• Organise bank account opening and inform clients about bank account usage

• Provide a professional (virtual) address to companies with a wide range of services

• Answer to any other needs to allow companies to setup their activity more smoothly

Achievements

• 26 companies were assisted in their set-up, and 14 for bank account opening, despite a very challenging environment, notably the difficulty to open a bank account. To ease the situation for its members, the Chamber had an active role lobbying the Hong Kong Monetary Authority throughout the year. Also, the Chamber developed close collaborations with a number of banks to smoothen bank account opening process for entrepreneurs eager to set up shop in Hong Kong.

• 95% of company setups are for organisations with a number of employees in the ranges 0-10 and 10-50. Most are managed by French directors.

• Most are individuals or share the management with one or two shareholders. A majority of our clients run businesses in the Consumer Goods sector.


Antoine INGRAO Business Services Officer

Sectors of operation of companies setup

167 companies have a virtual office at the French Chamber

OUTLOOK:

• The Chamber will continue playing an active role with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as well as developing closer relationships with its partners in the banking industry. Bank account opening assistance will continue being a special service to help French Chamber members and entrepreneurs with their bank account difficulties.

Amiee LAU Business Development Assistant

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Business Centre

What we do

The French Chamber offers a perfect ramp to start up business in Hong Kong, with:

• Office rental (open and closed space offices)

• Meeting room rental (18/F and 21/F)

• Providing a full set of services to operate their activities (meeting rooms, coaching for VIEs)

• Supporting specialised VIE missions in partnership with Business France

• Hosting regular get-togethers in order for companies in the Business Centre to get to know one another and take advantage of networking opportunities offered by the workplace, thus creating potential synergies

Achievements

• Expansion of 18/F Business Centre from half to full floor to reach a total capacity of 104 work desks

• 82% occupancy comprising 42 companies

“We decided to accelerate our development in Hong Kong back in 2016, but have been operating here since 2014.

From the start of our operations, the French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has been a solid partner on many fronts. First, by hosting us with a business centre offer that allows us to have an office located in the heart of the city, with all the required equipment at an affordable price.

But also by supporting our growth through their range of services (committees, events and recruitment service) delivered by a reliable and pleasant team.”

Chadi Hantouche, Senior Manager at Wavestone HK Limited, a leading management consulting firm employing 2,500 consultants in New York, London, Paris, Casablanca, Geneva and now Hong Kong.

Teenie LIP Business Centre Officer & Personal Assistant to the Executive Director

New adaptable meeting room

Open space desk

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Additional services: visas, translation & interpretingWhat we do

• We assist individuals and companies through the application process for any kind of visa (working, training, investment, travel) and provide professional advice to enhance the chance of success and deal with the entire application process.

• Interpretation and translation services are provided in major languages. We work with experienced linguists in order to meet the needs of clients: efficiency and speed.

Achievements

• There has been continuous growth for the visa service over the years, with roughly 100 visas successfully obtained every year.

• Rich experience has been built up over the years with a 100% success rate maintained

since 2013.

• Activities for translation (certified, such as diplomas, or non-certified, such as websites) and interpreting remains stable.

Breakdown of HK visas service (by number)

The French Chamber had a relationship with the “Bureau d’Immigration du Quebec” for more than 10 years. The role of the Chamber was to provide qualified interpreters to assist immigration interviews between the officer of Quebec and the immigration candidate with their representative lawyer.

In FY17, the French Chamber provided such service for three months only, following the Montreal Administration’s decision to close its Bureau d’Immigration in Hong Kong.

Charlotte HO Business Services Officer


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Communication

What we do

• Acting as the representative of Promosalons since 2010, we assist French fair organisers in increasing their visibility and event attendance of Hong Kongese professionals by:

1) Emailing and direct marketing2) VIP invitation for members and key players 3) Media campaign & press relations4) Promotion within the members’ committees and in our publications

• Provide in-depth and on-the-ground information about Hong Kong to French companies, members and our partners (CCI in France, CCI abroad).

• Promote French institutions through qualitative events.

Achievements

Four fairs promoted this year in various sectors:

• EquipHotel Paris Hotel & Restaurant• Pollutec: Environment, Waste, Water, Energy• SIAL Paris: F&B• SIAL China: F&B

March 2017: Photo taken at SIAL China 2017 press luncheon organised in Hong Kong with 30+ participants

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Information

• Over 1,000 SMEs advised in Hong Kong and France in various areas.

• More than 15 one-day seminars in France to present Hong Kong and to meet with over 200 companies.

• France HK Express: French quarterly newsletter to keep in touch with companies, entrepreneurs and CCI in France delivering news and highlights of Hong Kong and the Chamber’s activities

Communication

OUTLOOK:

• Maintain our level of quality in order to be the one-stop shop solution for French companies arriving and discovering Hong Kong, offering them the easiest and smoothest way to enter the Hong Kong market.

• Strengthen our assistance in the long term and provide companies with flexibility, innovative ideas and tailor-made solutions in order to create more success stories.

• Strengthen the partnership with the French Chambers in France: they are key partners to attract new entrepreneurs and companies in Hong Kong and Asia.

• Enhance the relationships with the French Chambers in Asia; facilitate the development in the Asia region for French companies who already have some presence in Asia.

• Collaborate with the local institutions such as Invest Hong Kong and HKTDC, sharing our information, knowledge and helping each other to increase French and Hong Kong connections.

• Develop tailored made corporate events targeting a specific audience.


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Our services

For Members and non-members

• Focus on finding the right talents for SMEs and large corporations in Hong Kong

• Providing competitive and professional recruitment agency services

• Competitive fees

• Strong pool of French-speaking candidates (both French and local)

• Regular follow-up for both client and candidate after placement

• Point of contact and information about local work habits for all companies looking to set up in Hong Kong

• Selection of high profile candidates in our bi-monthly JobLink newsletter

For Candidates

• One-to-one meeting with an experienced recruitment consultant

• Interview and/or advice for most French jobseekers in Hong Kong

• Guidance on salary expectations, career orientation and presentation

• Réunion d’Information Emploi: a two hour session of information for French jobseekers in Hong Kong

• An internship portal for both candidates and companies looking for interns/internship offers

Suzanne ROMESTAIN Head of Recruitment and Training

Alizée CAMMAERTSJunior Recruitment & Training Consultant

Indy YEUNGJunior Recruitment & Training Consultant

Emmanuelle LEHOUSSEJunior Recruitment & Training Consultant

Recruitment & Training

Acting as a placement and a consultant agency with 17 years of expertise, the recruitment department specialises in recruiting local and expatriate staff for companies in Hong Kong, from entry to senior levels.

Recruitment

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Achievements

• 1,250 candidates interviewed

• 255 job offers

• 88 placements

• 91% long term positions

Who are our clients?

• 75% of our clients are French Chamber members.

• We mainly recruit for the following industries: Luxury/Retail, Trading, Health/Cosmetics, F&B, Industries and Services.

• Primarily we serve SMEs who are looking for both local and French talents.

• We have an equal amount of new and replacement positions.

Who are our candidates ?

• Our 5,000-strong candidate database still includes a majority of French candidates, even though, we continue to receive an increasing number of local talents who can speak French or have worked for French companies. This highlights the importance of international candidates in Hong Kong (bi-cultural profiles, French with Chinese origin, locals with overseas experience).

• 45% of the people we placed were French.

• We have placed a wide spectrum of profiles, from junior to senior level.

Training

Achievements

• 9 training sessions with more than 80 participants

• Successful sessions on E-commerce, management, digital marketing, personal development

OUTLOOK:

Recruitment

• Focus on our members and their needs by offering an even more professional and efficient service.

• While staying specialised on our strengths, aim for more senior roles, try to explore different type of profiles, extend to new sectors and industries, to respond to our members needs.

• Increase our ties with local universities and attract more local talents, especially those who speak French.

• Implement, once again, the Bonjour Talents initiative.

• Ensuring the delivery of a qualitative service to our members and contributing to the renewal and enrichment of our community with new talents and expertise.

Training

• Develop our offers for executives, SMEs (sales and negotiations, legal etc.) and job seekers.

• Be more in line with our members’ training needs.

Recruitment & Training

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The French Chamber Foundation

The French Chamber Foundation was established in 2015 as a subsidiary of the French Chamber and is registered in Hong Kong as a charity. It is governed by a separate Board of Directors, and solely relies on donations from corporates and individuals, including the funds raised during the French Chamber Gala Dinner, to fund its operations.

Over the last year, the French Chamber Foundation has increased its activity by opening a fourth Lunch Club in Kwun Tong. In order to increase awareness of the Foundation’s actions among the local community, we organised and participated in various events, most notably ‘A cocktail for a cause’ in February 2017 and the Caring Company Expo in March 2017.

Achievements

The French Chamber Foundation

• Awarded the Caring Organisation emblem

• New successful partnership with Kwun Tong Baptist Swatow church and a new location in Kwun Tong to welcome and help low-income workers

• Living standards of 100+ people improved thanks to finding a new job

• New video produced explaining the Foundation’s activity (watch it here)

Lunch Clubs

• Opening of new Lunch Club (Kwun Tong) in October 2016

• 36,290 meals served

• 675 eligible Lunch Club members

• 284 members actively involved in the career development services

• 35% of the coached members found a better job

• 80 job skills trainings and information sessions organised across the four Lunch Clubs

Fundraising and events

• First event in February 2017: ‘A cocktail for a cause’ to raise awareness about the Foundation’s activity helping low-income workers in Hong Kong

• HK$1.4 million raised at the French Chamber’s Annual Gala Dinner

• Exhibited for the first time at the Caring Company Expo in March 2017

• Participated in the ‘Green Party’, a fundraising event gathering 10 French charities operating in Asia

Outlook

• Pursue the operations and development of existing Lunch Clubs

• Offer more customised programs to address low-income workers’ needs

• Extend our network further to help a larger portion of underprivileged workers

• Increase the number of successful job matching between companies and committed workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlxFQqHbY44

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Institutional Partners

Relationships with our Hong Kong and foreign partners

The French Chamber endeavours to maintain constant and close relations with the Hong Kong Government and the various institutions dedicated to the promotion of Hong Kong and/or international business interests.

The Hong Kong SAR Government

Over the years, the French Chamber has built strong ties with the Hong Kong authorities, at different levels and with different departments.

The primary aim of our Policy & Consultation Committee, the Chamber’s think-tank, is to voice the Chamber’s views on government policies and initiatives in Hong Kong with the feedback of the 19 other committees of the Chamber.

As residents of Hong Kong and important contributors to the SAR’s employment market, we feel very proud to be able to work closely with local authorities and other influential institutions for a better Hong Kong.

The International Business Committee (IBC)

Our Chamber is an active member of the IBC, an organisation comprising the Chief Secretary of the HKSAR Government and the chairs of the foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong. On the government side, the Chief Secretary of Administration chairs the meeting. Various subjects are covered by this committee, including the relationship between SMEs and banks, mainland tourists and their impact on the local retail industry, and the consequences of filibustering on the Hong Kong infrastructure sector.

The committee is a unique forum in which the international business community has the opportunity to share its views with the highest levels of government. The government pays great attention to members of the international business community and takes their views into account when formulating policy.

Invest Hong Kong

InvestHK is a significant partner of the French Chamber in promoting Hong Kong to French companies in France as well as supporting this year’s SME Awards. Over the past year, the number of French companies investing in Hong Kong has continued to rise and we believe that our combined efforts were instrumental in this increase. InvestHK is also a key partner for the global presentations that the Chamber often gives on Hong Kong’s economy and for sectional talks during our individual missions. InvestHK also continues to contribute to our publications, sharing views and insights on Hong Kong’s economy with our readers.

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Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

This organisation is another of the Chamber’s partners with whom we work on several fronts. The main joint activities include: promoting HKTDC trade fairs in Hong Kong to our members and companies in France, helping it find partners for the organisation of joint missions in France and acting as a natural partner when French companies come to Hong Kong.

The Business Coalition on the Environment (BCE)

The Hong Kong Business Coalition on the Environment (BCE) is a partnership of various business and private sector organisations formed to create a coherent voice for addressing environmental matters. It aims to promote greater environmental awareness, responsibility and performance in the business community, and to act as a catalyst for government actions and policy changes towards an improved environment for Hong Kong. It also seeks to promote environmental cooperation and awareness in the Pearl River Delta. The French Chamber in Hong Kong is an active member of this partnership.

The European Chamber of Commerce (ECC)

Initiated in 1997, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (ECC) is a non-governmental business interest group. The ECC is a ‘Chamber of Chambers’ with its membership comprising 15 European Chambers based in Hong Kong and one in Macau. The appointed representatives of these chambers make up the ECC Board of Directors.

The Mission of the European Chamber of Commerce is to support and represent the business interests of its member chambers in the broadest sense, including acting as a liaison between regulators, authorities and other business associations in the Greater China region, as well as EU entities.

Majority of the ECC activities are within the scope of the ECC Business Councils. These councils are:

• Environment and Energy Business Council (EEBC)

• Eurocham Automotive Council (EAC)

• Financial Services Business Council (FSBC)

• Intellectual Property Rights Business Council (IPRBC)

• Information, Communication and Technology Business Council (ICTBC)

From 1 January 2016, the French Chamber took over the ECC Chairmanship.

Intercham

Intercham is an informal group whose mission is to organise events such as the annual lunch for the business community with the Chief Executive and the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR.

It regularly organises business-matching events, as well as the much appreciated Young Professional cocktail events. The profits generated by these initiatives are allocated to a charity, typically a scholarship fund.

The French Chamber has continued its active participation in Intercham, and in its associated Intercham PRD, Intercham SME and Intercham Women committees. The French Chamber often opens its events to Intercham PRD, Intercham SME and Intercham Women members.

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Relations with our French partners in Hong KongThe French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong also coordinates actions with the different services of the French Consulate as well as with other French institutions in Hong Kong and France.

The Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau

The French Consulate has always been a strong supporter of the Chamber and we enjoy the support of the Consul General at many of our events. We continued our cooperation on events such as the September Newcomers event.

The French Chamber collaborates with the different departments of the French Consulate, including Cultural Affairs, Business France and the French Maritime Cluster. This coordination enables us to share our activities in order to offer a true and global network in Asia to all our members.

Business France

The Chamber supports Business France’s specialised ‘VIE’ (Volunteering for International Experience) missions, having several open space desks in our Business Centre specifically dedicated to VIEs representing French companies headquartered in France. Furthermore, the Chamber offers a coaching service to the VIEs and, on average, the Chamber supports at least ten placements a year.

The French Chamber is also involved in regular meetings chaired by the Consulate General within the framework of the new economic diplomacy as requested by the Minister for External Affairs. These meetings aim to bring together the Economic Mission, the Board of the CCE (Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur), Business France, Sopexa, Atout France and the French Chamber. The purpose of these meetings is to analyse how we can improve our partnership in order to better promote French interests and French SMEs in Hong Kong.

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The French International School

Founded in 1964, the French International School (FIS) is now one of the largest and most prestigious international schools in Hong Kong, comprising more than 2,500 students this academic year.

This growth is the result of the school’s excellent international reputation, its outstanding results as well as its exceptional curriculum (offering two streams: French and International). These are significant factors when families make the decision whether or not to settle in Hong Kong.

The Chamber has built close links with the FIS and would also like to congratulate the school’s opening of additional sites in recent years. As such, this has contributed to the exceptional growth in the number of French nationals in Hong Kong, which has now reached an unofficial figure of roughly 20,000.

Alliance Française

We have a very close relationship with Alliance Française and with whom we have once again partnered for the release of our ‘French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong Guide’. The guide was offered to each student registered at Alliance Française as a way to point them towards the right places to buy French products, taste French produce, learn more about French culture and improve their French. Alliance Française also supports our annual Bastille Day celebrations.

Hong Kong Accueil and Union des Français de l’étranger (UFE)

For the fourth year running, we successfully co-organised our Bastille Day on 14 July with Hong Kong Accueil and UFE. The French Chamber is also a guest every year at the café de rentrée hosted by Hong Kong Accueil.

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Relations with our French partners abroad

CCI France International

CCI France International is a network chaired by Arnaud Vaissié. Its mission is to act as a network coordinator circulating information, cooperation and know-how, promoting its members (particularly to business networks in France) and supporting some specific services.

Belonging to this network gives us the opportunity to share experiences and to help our members do business around the world by having special access to all the other chambers.

The French Chamber in Hong Kong participates twice a year in CCI France International seminars.

Network of CCIFIs : Map of the countries where there is a French Chamber


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Key figuresA network of

120French Chambers of Commerce abroad

More than 34,000 members

THE LARGESTprivate French network in the world

97%self-financed

Network of CCIFIs : Map of the countries where there the French Chamber proposes business services.

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Financial Report

Business review

The financial statements of 1 July 2016 - 30 June 2017 have been audited by Baker Tilly Hong Kong.

The environment remained challenging for the Chamber during the year ending 30 June 2017.

The Chamber business services activity faced a number of external challenges such as foreign exchange rates between the Euro and Hong Kong Dollar, tighter bank regulations and lacklustre economic conditions in France, making it more challenging for French companies to set up businesses in Hong Kong. Some industries in Hong Kong – such as the retail sector – also experienced degraded economic situation during the year.

One of the Chamber’s mission is to offer networking opportunities and business insight to its members through a range of high quality and targeted events, seminars and symposiums. To serve this purpose, it was decided to expand the Chamber’s premises during the year and create a large meeting / event space, in which Chamber events are offered free-of-charge to its members, while keeping the same membership fees.

The advantage of this expansion is to also open up opportunities to diversify and strengthen an existing business line through increased capabilities in the Chamber’s Business Centre.

Despite this investment, in addition to the ones made over the past two years in the CRM and website, the Chamber managed to post positive income after tax for the 8th consecutive year.

Breakdown of income

• Direct costs were at HK$7.3 million (-11%) following the decrease of the Marketing Services business line while general expenditure was stable at HK$20.4 million (+1%), 86% made up of salaries and rental (vs. 85% in FY16). Rents increased 31% following both the expansion of the Chamber’s Business Centre in October 2016 and the raise of monthly rental fees for all floors in August 2016. Costs have been kept under control and while Members Services saw an overall decline, this has been compensated by increased revenue from the Business Centre.

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Breakdown of indirect expenditures as below:

• Future developments in the Chamber’s business

The French Chamber will continue to serve its members and the French companies it assists in the best way to fulfil their requirements. In the coming fiscal year, the Chamber will assess its business strategy in relation to the demand of French businesses in Hong Kong.

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2016/2017 2015/2016

Income HK$ 27,960 HK$ 28,740

of which Membership HK$ 5,061 HK$ 5,193

Expenses HK$ 27,714 HK$ 28,461

of which Direct Costs HK$ 7,346 HK$ 8,218

Global expenses HK$ 20,368 HK$ 20,243

Profit/(Loss) of the year(before taxation) HK$ 246 HK$ 280

Taxation HK$ 38 HK$ 118

Profit/(Loss) of the year (after taxation) HK$ 208 HK$ 161

Accumulated surplus HK$ 11,403 HK$ 11,195

In thousands HK$

Financial Report

2017 2016 annual report - fccihk.com Chamber of Commerce... · 5 French Chamber 2016-2017 Annual...

Documents

Transcript of 2017 2016 annual report - fccihk.com Chamber of Commerce... · 5 French Chamber 2016-2017 Annual...