AIA General News

AIA Strengthens Links with China

Three eminent representatives of Association of International Accountants (AIA) have taken part in a trade delegation to the north east provinces of China at the invitation of Hong Kong Chief Executive, Donald Tsang.  Tommy Tam, AIA Past President, Dr. William Ho, President of AIA Hong Kong Branch, and Joseph Yau, Past President of AIA Hong Kong Branch, joined the 100-strong delegation of local business leaders led by Mr Tsang earlier this month.

The purpose of the visit was to promote co-operation and seek business opportunities between Hong Kong and the three northeast provinces by meeting provincial leaders and visiting key local enterprises.  The delegation represented a wide range of business sectors including manufacturing, financial services, infrastructure, real estate, logistics, tourism, IT and professional services.  The eight-day tour began on 19th July and covered the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning including the cities of Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang and Dalin.

AIA Past President, Tommy Tam, commented, “AIA was honoured to be invited by the Hong Kong Chief Executive to be involved in such a prestigious trip and it has given us a valuable insight into how different regions can work together.  We met many influential business leaders and discussed how Hong Kong could work with mainland companies to expand into new international markets.  AIA is committed to developing international partnerships and the trip gave us the opportunity to promote the culture and beliefs of our organisation to business leaders in north east China.”

The delegation also took part in three business co-operation symposiums from 21st to 23rd July in Harbin, Changchun and Shenyang.  One of the highlights of the programme was the symposium at Shenyang in which Dr. William Ho joined the panel of speakers.  It was attended by about 150 Jilin enterprises seeking cooperation opportunities and topics discussed included how Hong Kong’s professional services, mainly in the legal and accounting professions, could help Jilin businesses to upgrade their management efficiency to reach international standards.

Established in 1928, AIA represents thousands of accountants and students in over 85 countries worldwide.  As well as acting as a recognised qualifying body for accountancy examinations, it is also the ‘voice of its members’ providing comment on current issues in accountancy and finance.