FCCIHK Annual Report 2015 2016 by FCCIHK

annual report

2016 2015

CONTENTS 04 President’s Note

42 Events & Gala Department

05 Executive Director’s Overview

46 Publications and Design Departments

06 Highlights

51 Business Services

12 Who’s who a t the French Chamber

51 Business Development Department

Executive Committee Council Permanent Staff

16 Members’ Services 16 Membership Department 19 Committee Department

Banking & Finance - FinTech Business Advisor Group CFO Round Table China Corporate Sustainability Digital Innovation Editorial Food & Beverage Green Business Healthcare & Insurance Human Resources Infrastructure Legal Working Group Logistics & Supply Chain working group Luxury & Retail Policy & Consultation Small and Medium Enterprises Sourcing Women On Board Young Professionals & VI

63 Recruitment & Training Department 66 French Chamber Foundation 76 Financial Report

Executive Director’s Overview

ear members,

As we head into our 30th year of operation, I am grateful to see that the Chamber has established a strong foothold in Hong Kong’s business community, weaving strong connections between French new comers and locals. To enhance partnerships and engagements between the French and Hong Kong local players have always been our core missions. The Chamber remains a multi-faceted organisation which facilitates our members to be able to stay connected with the latest business trends and global evolutions. ‘Creativity’ and ‘innovation’ are our keywords for 2016. In line with this vision, we organised a number of inspiring events, injecting innovations into the context of the modern business world. In November, we held our first ‘Creative Day’ with the theme of enhancing innovativeness and creativity in the workplace. This whole day event involved brainstorming, games, and talks for our 80 participants. The Chamber also endeavoured to demonstrate the roles of French companies as key innovators in various industries through events like ‘So French, So Innovative’ and ‘Europop’. Being one of the largest expatriate communities in Hong Kong, we see ourselves as part of the local community. Our growth aligns with the developments of ‘Asia’s World City’ and we are dedicated to work hand-in-hand with local players to go through both good and bad times, providing innovative solutions to ease existing issues and to enhance future advancements. The ‘Luxury Symposium’ is an example of the realisation of this vision. We lined up eight insightful speakers to share with professionals who work in the

luxury products sector about their insights and tactics when facing the rapidly changing retail environment. Through this Symposium, we experienced the power of digital tools and witnessed the local industry players’ openness towards adopting innovative digital solutions. While exploring the development of new events, we continue to hold our signature annual events like ‘Made in Asia’, ‘Bastille Day’, and the annual Gala Dinner. ‘Made in Asia’ has been one of the most popular events. We entered the 6th edition this year and attracted 175 attendees from the sourcing industry. Engagement between keynote speakers and participants is the key to its success. In addition to business seminars and events, the Chamber holds traditional festive celebrations, like ‘Bastille Day’. Our annual Gala Dinner – the finale of the Le French May – stands as the talk of the town. ‘Metamorphosis’ was the theme of 2016 which echoes the transformation of the Chamber from a small office established in 1986 to one of the top three largest European Chambers. Being a member of the community, we stepped up our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts by establishing the French Chamber Foundation. We share the same vision with the government that the best solution of poverty alleviation is to encourage our workforce to become self-reliant through employment and this formed the backbone of our Foundation. The Foundation’s Lunch Club programme continued to expand and served up to 17,356 meals to low-income workforce last year. To better serve the community in different districts, we opened two new Lunch Clubs this year in Mong

ear members,

We have enjoyed a thoroughly stimulating year at the French Chamber, which will lead us into a milestone 30 years of operation. After all this time, we remain true to our mission of facilitating cooperation between the French and Hong Kong business communities and we continue to collaborate frequently with both French and Hong Kong organisations on a number of levels. The Chamber’s strength is in connecting people, ideas and actions, and we always strive to support you, to ensure that you are well positioned in Hong Kong’s business landscape.

Kok and Tsuen Wan respectively, in addition to the Wan Chai Lunch Club. 2016 also marks my last year of service to the French Chamber in the capacity of the President. My heartfelt thanks to my team mates, who worked with me in the last six years, in realising our visions to establish an innovative and caring Chamber. I trust my successor, together with the Chamber’s committee members, will continue to foster both the economic and social developments between Hong Kong and France, providing the best possible gateways for our members.

Nicolas Borit President of the French Chamber

For the Chamber, this year was all about ‘creativity’ and ‘innovation’. The French business community has never been afraid to explore these themes and we endeavoured to produce an events calendar that was both inspiring and insightful. With inaugural editions of ‘Creative Day’, ‘Luxury Symposium’, ‘So French, So Innovative’ and ‘Europop’, we successfully injected a streak of creativity into an actionpacked year. Alongside these new initiatives, we continued events such as ‘Made in Asia’ (now in its 6th edition), Bastille Day and the annual Gala Dinner, all of which have become recurring highlights of the year. We are one of the largest French Chambers in the world and part of

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

President’s Note

an active network of 115 French Chambers worldwide. Similarly, we maintain strategic relationships with the various chambers of commerce in France (CCIs) which continue to strengthen through collective missions, with six taking place this year. Although our position remains strong, we must acknowledge that Hong Kong is facing some challenges which have had some impact on our business services activity this year. Still, this does not stop us from developing our business services. Our visa services continue to grow in strength and we maintained a 100% visa success rate for a third consecutive year. As a result of this proficiency, we have been able to develop the new category of ‘Investment visa’, which we began offering in March 2016. The Business Centre also continues to adapt to the growing needs of the French and international business communities in Hong Kong, and it remains an important pillar of our activity. With a 96% occupancy rate, it has solidified its place as a unique hub for businesses from a diverse range of sectors. I am looking forward to another exciting year ahead, this time in my new role as Executive Director, and I wish to extend my thanks to all of you for your continued and highly valued support.

Delphine COLSOn Executive Director of the French Chamber

1,035+ members

events with more than

2,500

participants

Three Star Michelin

LIVE AUCTION

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Highlights of 2015/2016

Gala Brochure

PERFORMANCE

French Chamber Foundation

68%

1,300

candidates met

265

job opportunities

of our members involved in a committee

100%

118

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

HongKongEcho

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Highlights of 2015/2016

Success rate for visa applications

visas

candidates placed

96%

occupation in business centre

missions

company

set-up

COLLECTIVE MISSION

FRENCH SHOPPING &

DINNING IN HONG KONG

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Highlights of 2015/2016

2nd

Edition

NEW COMMITTEES Corporate Sustainability

working group BASTILLE DAY 2015

LEGAL working

group Healthcare & Insurance

INNOVATION Award for

the french chamber foundation

Executive Committee President Nicolas BORIT

| DRAGAGES HONG KONG LIMITED

Vice-presidents Christophe DEGOIX

| TAL APPAREL LIMITED

Rebecca SILLI

| MINTER ELLISON

GENERAL SECRETARY Nicolas VANDERCHMITT

| LPA, LEFEVRE PELLETIER & ASSOCIES

Treasury Valerie WANQUET

| CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK

Executive Members Jacques BOISSIER

| CLASSIC FINE FOODS (HK) LTD

Armen EKMEKDJE

| PLAN BETA LIMITED

Philippe GRELON

| CARPET CARE ASIA LIMITED

Daniel SCHNEERSOHN Paul YANG

| BNP PARIBAS HONG KONG BRANCH

Honorary President Richard BURTON

| MAGELLAN CAPITAL ADVISORS LTD

Paul CLERC-RENAUD

| FARGO GROUP

Gérard MILLET

| MILMA & CO. LIMITED

List on 30 June 2016

Council Corinne BALAAM Jacques BOISSIER Nicolas BORIT Hugues BOURGEOIS Julie BOURGEOIS Olivier BURING Richard BURTON Gilles CARDONNEL Christophe CHAIX Paul CLERC-RENAUD Jean-Baptiste DABADIE Christophe DEGOIX Charles D’HAUSSY Armen EKMEKDJE Emmanuel FARCIS Thomas FELD Matthieu GAONACH Louis-Antoine GIROUD Philippe GRELON Philippe GUETTAT Hans-Günther HERRMANN Katia JAN Olivia LO TAI CHUEN Laure MATHIEU Luc MOULIN Thierry NEVEUX Emmanuel PITSILIS Sebastian PORTES Marie-Hélène PREVOT Christine RAYNAUD Francois RIAHI Daniel SCHNEERSOHN Pascal SEFRIN Rebecca SILLI Maëva SLOTINE Marcus TAECK Nicolas VANDERCHMITT Vincent VILLEPELET Valerie WANQUET Paul YANG

| | | | | |

PIAGET ASIA PACIFIC CLASSIC FINE FOODS (HK) LTD DRAGAGES HONG KONG LIMITED EASTWISE ASIA SOURCING & PROCUREMENT PENINSULA MERCHANDISING LIMITED B6K ASIA TRADING LIMITED

| | | | | | |

GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL DFS GROUP LIMITED FARGO GROUP ASIAPACK LTD TAL APPAREL LIMITED 8 SECURITIES LTD PLAN BETA LIMITED

| | | |

CLASQUIN (FAR EAST) LTD. FOOD LAB LIMITED CARPET CARE ASIA LTD PERNOD RICARD ASIA

| | | | |

AIR FRANCE HOUSTON INVESTMENT LIMITED EQUATION HK LIMITED SIMPLESHOW ASIA MOULIN ROTY ASIA PACIFIC

| | | |

CLUB MEDITERRANEE (CLUB MED) HONG KONG LTD GOUTEN CONSULTING LIMITED MORGAN PHILIPS HONG KONG LTD NATIXIS

| | | | | | | |

SOCIETE GENERALE MINTER ELLISON FONGS SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC LPA, LEFEVRE PELLETIER & ASSOCIES LVMH ASIA PACIFIC LTD CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK BNP PARIBAS

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Who’s who at the French Chamber

List on 30 June 2016

French Chamber’s Departments

Permanent Staff Executive Director | Delphine COLSON

Members Services

As the link to all the Chamber’s departments, the Members Services team is the entry and reference point for all members. It opens up the members’ access to committees, events and publications.

Deputy Director & Head of Members Services | Julie POURTOIS

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Who’s who at the French Chamber

Deputy Head of Members Services & Committees Manager | Catherine PIELAWA-KO Junior Committees Manager | Fei SHANG Membership & Marketing Manager | Aude Camus

P.16

Membership

P.19

Committees

P.42

Events & Gala

P.46

Publications

Business Services Deputy Head of Business Services Department | Servane DELAHAYE Business Development Manager | Lillian LAO Business Development Manager | Jacques DUBEDOUT Business Development Manager | Jing LEI

Business’ Services

Trade Fairs Manager | Edith WONG

With 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.

Administration Department Chief Financial Officer | Clement BRUMEAUX IT Manager | Herve PANNECOUCKE Accountant | Cliff HO

P.51

Business Development

P.63

Recruitment and Training

Accounting Assistant | Cassie CHUI Administrative Assistant & Personal Assistant to Executive Director | Teenie LIP

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Membership’s Profile

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

Julie Pourtois Deputy Director & Head of Members Services

What we do

Objectives

•

Present the Chamber’s services to potential leads 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 • Aude Camus Membership & Marketing Manager •

• Laury PACE Membership & Gala Manager

•

Key figures 1035+ members

317

new members

new sponsors

•

The membership team launched, in partnership with the events team, the ‘New Members Cocktail’: a free event for new members to meet and mingle at the Chamber.

•

The second edition of the French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong Guide was published end of June 2016, in both Cantonese and English. A total of 103 brands are featured in the 2016 guide, achieving a 17% increase from the first edition. Many new brands joined the guide this year and exclusive partnerships with local bloggers were signed to make the guide more attractive and to bring some easy-to-read content. Pre-release of the guide was organised for the bloggers and press, resulting in coverage on both social media and online articles.

The French Chamber has attracted a rising number of new members: 317 companies and individuals enrolled in the membership program compared to 272 last year. The department has increased its presence on LinkedIn and Facebook, regularly uploading informative and useful posts. The number of followers on LinkedIn has nearly doubled (from 2,200 to 4,115 followers) while the number of Facebook followers has increased by 20% (1,534 current followers). The Facebook page of the French Chamber was revamped to increase visibility of the different services and the Members Privileges program while also better engaging with our followers. The membership team organised several special events for its sponsor members.

•

The Facebook page of the guide reached 1,360+ fans in the space of one year. Giveaways are organised frequently to increase visibility of brands featured in the guide and to engage with followers. An Instagram page was also created to increase visibility of the guide and brands featured inside with the aim of reaching the local digital audience.

•

Last year, the department faced a higher non-renewal rate partly because of the implementation of a new CRM and website. Our objective this year is to lower the non-renewal rate and keep it under 18%.

•

Create an open-door environment at the Chamber with a weekly walk-in time slot for members.

•

Increase members’ visibility through the new website.

•

Publish the third edition of French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong Guide and increase the visibility of the featured brands thanks to the Facebook page.

Meet a larger number of less-active members to understand their needs and increase their involvement in the French Chamber’s activities.

•

Publish the 2017 Directory in early December rather than January.

who are the french chamber members? 1035+ Members representing 752 companies

1000 900 800 700

1035+

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Members’ Services

600 500 400 300 200 100 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

法現香港 French Shopping & Dining in HK

Committees Department “The backbone of our chamber A meaningful programme of committees’ activities with 68% of our members involved”

A chamber in the image of Hong Kong’s key industries

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Membership’s Profile

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.

Catherine Pielawa-Ko Deputy Head of Members Services & Committees Manager

•

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.

Key figures 20 committees

68%

of members

140

meetings

events

Members' involvement in Committees (as of 30 June)

Fei Shang Junior Committees Manager

A multicultural Chamber

32%

68%

2015-2016

30%

70%

2014-2015

34%

66%

2013-2014 0%

20%

40%

Joined at least 1 committee

60%

80%

100%

Did not join a committee

33%

Achievements •

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

•

The department supported the committees in organising 30 events (including the large sourcing symposium and Made in Asia).

•

1 new working group was created: Healthcare and Insurance.

•

The Committee publishes monthly (or bi-monthly in some cases) watches for most committees providing news, data (costs, rates, number of visitors etc.), reports, trends and various information for members of these committees.

Goal

•

Continue to support committee members on a daily basis.

•

Organise the 7th Made in Asia symposium with the Sourcing Committee.

•

Organise the 3rd edition of the yearly Women on Board conference.

•

Transform the newly created Corporate Sustainability, Legal and Healthcare & Insurance working groups into committees, should they be successful and respond to members’ needs.

P.22

Banking & Finance - FinTech

P.23

Business Advisor Group

P.24

CFO Round Table

P.25

China

P.26

Corporate Sustainability

P.27

Digital Innovation

P.28

Editorial

P.29

Food & Beverage

P.30

Green Business

P.31

Healthcare & Insurance

P.32

Human Resources

P.33

Infrastructure

P.34

Legal Working Group

P.35

Logistics & Supply Chain

P.36

Luxury & Retail

P.37

Policy & Consultation

P.38

Small & Medium Enterprises

P.39

Sourcing

P.40

Women On Board

P.41

Young Professionals & Vi

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Committees

Banking & Finance - FinTech

Business Advisor Group

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

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 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.

President and Vice-President: Frank Drouet Societe Generale Charles Dally Chapuis Halder and Co Limited

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.

Actions The BAG is a flexible body that meets promising entrepreneurs from any field of industry upon request. Generally, there are eight advisors attending the meeting to offer their help and suggestions. President: Philippe Grelon Carpet Care Asia Limited

Meeting 8 Sept 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

2 Nov 2015:

FinTech mapping

13 Nov 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

7 Dec 2015:

Innovation and partnership

21 Jan 2016:

Block chain and biometrics

18 Apr 2016:

Artificial Intelligence

13 June 2016:

Big data and finance

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

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.

Startups offering disruptive services/products will be offered a special package (open to members only), and SMEs with over three years of experience will also benefit from a specific offer.

Projects can be sent to committees@fccihk.com.

Meetings 14 meetings took place during the 2015-2016 year, allowing for 13 entrepreneurs to be met. One additional meeting was dedicated to the new format launched by the BAG, and one dinner was organised between the BAG advisors for the purpose of discussing their own projects.

CFO Round Table

China Committee

The CFO Roundtable 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.

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

This group held 4 committee meetings for the 2014-2015 year.

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 have been organised every 2 months for 2015-16, with a focus on sharing experiences between regional CFOs. President & Vice-President: Rebecca Silli Minter Ellison Luc Seyer Fendi Asia Pacific

President & Vice-Presidents

Meetings 6 July 2015: 14 Sept 2015:

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

CFO experience sharing Presentation by Luc Seyer, Fendi Asia Pacific Business environment for 2015-16 Presentation by Joseph Incalcaterra, HSBC

9 Nov 2015: Inside a Buying Office in Hong Kong: financial matters and other considerations Presentation by Arnaud Levron, Andre HK Buying Office Ltd 18 Jan 2016: Bonded warehouses Presentation by Olivier Storch, Geodis Wilson Hong Kong Ltd

Alain Le Couedic Roland Berger Paul Clerc-Renaud Fargo Group Gilles Cardonnel Gide

Meetings 12 Oct 2015:

China 2016: Navigating rough waters Presentation by Amy Wendholt, APCO Worldwide Hong Kong office

11 Jan 2016:

‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative: the implications for Hong Kong Presentation by Pansy Yau, HKTDC

11 Apr 2016:

Chinese workers’ situation and expectations Geoffrey Crothall, Communications Director, China Labour Bulletin

Events

7 Mar 2016:

The CFO’s scope in the infrastructure industry Presentation by Jean-Luc Midena, VSL Intrafor

11 Sept 2015:

Decoding China politics Presentations by Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Hong Kong Baptist University and Willy Wo-Lap Lam, Chinese University of Hong Kong

16 May 2016:

Finances: What bothers us this year? Discussions moderated by Nicolas Morineaux, LVMH Fashion

12 May 2016:

China’s anti-corruption campaign Presentations by Albert Louie, A. Louie International and Edwige Murguet, Lazuli International

Event 2 Mar 2016

Foreign exchange outlook Presentation by Alicia Garcia Herrero, Natixis

Corporate Sustainability Committee

Digital Innovation 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.

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

Meeting

President: Berenice Voets Clarins Ltd

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Activities

15 Sept 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

7 Dec 2015:

Experience sharing session Presentation by Kevin Guillermo, Dragages Hong Kong

22 Feb 2016:

Experience sharing session Presentation by Berenice Voets, Clarins Ltd

12 Apr 2016:

Experience sharing session Presentation by Catherine Chiu, Crystal Group

The working 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 working group also assists established corporates in their digital transformation. President & Vice-President:

Yvon Le Renard Clever Age Asia Ltd

Meetings

Jeremie Leclerc Sagit Solutions Limited Isabelle Lunven Kerabeo Consulting and Venture

2 Dec 2015:

E-commerce: solutions landscape Presentation by Elodie Pequignot, Evolutive Group

26 Jan 2016:

E-sourcing and supply chain Presentation by Chee Wee Loke, Tactica (Asia) Limited

6 Apr 2016:

Data journey series Presentation by Paul Dragan, Thomson Reuters

6 June 2016:

Startup incubators/accelerators Presentation by Gavin Cheng, Champion, The Mills

Events 14 Oct 2015:

How can a brand/retail customer benefit from Tmall services Presentation by Vincent Zou, Tmall Global Director of France

18 Nov 2015:

Market place vs. e-commerce Presentations by Charles Chan, ClearGo, Julien Gaubert-Molina, Same Same but Different and Natalia Kojoukhova, Zalora Group

19 Jan 2016:

Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you ignore WeChat any longer? Presentation by Julien Gaubert-Molina, SAME SAME but Different

19 Mar 2016:

Why social CRM is the present and future of digital marketing in China Presentation by Alexis Bonhomme, Co-Founder, CuriosityChina

31 May 2016:

The real value of DATA Presentations by Cedric Delzenne, 55, The Data Agency, Olivier Kuziner, Ekimetrics and Patrick Sum, Adobe

President: Damien Dernoncourt

Editorial

Food & Beverage Committee

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

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

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. President & Vice-President:

The committee holds monthly meetings with a 75% attendance rate. The meetings always begin with a news sharing section where members exchange information and updates about their business. A dashboard was also shared among members on a monthly basis, summarising key information on current Hong Kong trends (activities, visitor traffic, commodities prices, etc.).

The autumn issue kicked things off with the fascinating question: How Chinese is Hong Kong? Given the complexity of the question, a range of passionate and insightful contributors were able to be draw upon.

Emmanuel Farcis

Thibaut Mathieu Corney & Barrow

Meetings

Creativity and innovation have been important themes for the Chamber this year and the winter issue, Creativizing Hong Kong, explored how this applies to the city’s business community.

Pierre Stanghellini Le Comptoir

Under the guidance of its president, Damien Dernoncourt, the committee devised four challenging themes to be the focus of the magazine for 2015-2016.

It’s no secret that French people are flocking to Hong Kong. In the spring issue, Hong Kong sur Seine, this trend, and what it means for the city’s future, was examined in detail. As summer arrived we discussed the increasingly important topic of startups in the issue titled SiliKONG Valley. Hong Kong is a city with tremendous potential in the startup space and the committee endeavoured to push startups to make the most of this opportunity.

Past issues of 2015-2016 Issue 78 – autumn 2015: How Chinese is Hong Kong? Issue 79 – winter 2015: Creativizing Hong Kong Issue 80 – spring 2016: Hong Kong sur Seine Issue 81 – summer 2016: SiliKONG Valley

HKE 78

HKE 79

HKE 80

HKE 81

8 July 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

8 Sept 2015:

Experience sharing Presentation by Pierre Stanghellini, Le Comptoir

13 Oct 2015:

Behind the scene – Central kitchens/warehouses for the F&B sector Presentation by Samuel Lai and Stanley Yu, CBRE

3 Nov 2015:

Social media in the Food & Beverage sector Presentation by Johannes Pong

1 Dec 2015:

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

5 Jan 2016:

Tourism development and HKTB’s promotion strategy Presentation by Becky Ip, Hong Kong Tourism Board

2 Feb 2016:

Geo-localisation and footfall tracking technology for the retail environment Presentation by Yannick Kennel, GM – APAC, Movvo

1 Mar 2016:

Modernising the traditional fresh market Presentation by Myron Ng, Assistant General Manager, Fresh Market Asset Management, Link Asset Management Limited

5 Apr 2016:

FoodPanda in Hong Kong Presentation by Alexander Roth, FoodPanda HK

3 May 2016:

The dairy products sector in Hong Kong Presentation by Bruno Vax, Country Manager, Lactalis Hong Kong

7 June 2016:

Taste of Hong Kong – The World’s Greatest Restaurant festival Presentation by Simon Wilson, Event Director, IMG Culinary Asia

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Event 9 Dec 2015:

Is the French touch a new concept? New culinary trends Presentations by Nicolas Elalouf, Man Mo Café, Cristobal Huneeus, La Cabane and Laura Offe, Tartine

Green Business Committee

Healthcare & Insurance Working Group

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

This new working group was launched in November 2015.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

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

Actions Meetings

The committee organised successful visits, which it will continue to do next year. It often joins actions with the Infrastructure Committee.

Meetings President & Vice-President: Michel Autrand Suez Asia Kin Kan Chan

24 Nov 2015:

Stepping ahead towards a world class city for walking Presentation by Simon Ng, Civic Exchange

14 Jan 2016: Sustainable public housing: green homes for two million Presentation by Dr. Rosman Wai, Housing Department 5 May 2016: Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant Presentation by Thomas Chan, Water Supplies Department

President & Vice-President: Daniel Pang Henner Bertrand Gonnet Celki Medical Company Linda Wills OT&P Medical Practice

5 Nov 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

7 Jan 2016:

Healthcare in Hong Kong – Healthcare reform and voluntary health insurance scheme Presentation by Mr. Chris Sun, Food and Health Bureau

7 Apr 2016: 23 June 2016:

Digital innovation in healthcare and insurance Presentation by Yannick Even, KPMG How do we find out about the quality of care in Hong Kong’s public and private hospitals? Presentation by Shalini Mahtani, HospitalAdvisor

Visits 8 Oct 2015:

Visit of CLP Lamma Power Station

Events

28-31 Oct 2015:

Free booth for members of the Green Business Committee at Eco Expo

23 Feb 2016:

Climate change Christine Loh, Under Secretary for the Environment

Human Resources Committee

Infrastructure Committee

The Human Resources Committee aims to provide a large 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.

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. Site visits as well as meetings with the government are organised.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Actions Actions President: Bernard COULATY MOST Engaged Consulting Ltd

The committee’s nature is oriented towards a ‘club’ mindset: 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.

President & Vice President: Ludovic Lang Thales Transport & Security (HK) LTD

Meetings

The committee continued its exchanges with the Hong Kong government, answering consultations and inviting representatives to give presentations during committee meetings. Members were kept informed of ongoing and future construction developments in Hong Kong via news clippings and open exchanges during committee meetings.

Emmanuel Duole

23 Sept 2015:

Latest trends in Human Resources Presentation by Alain Deniau, Heidrick & Struggles

23 Feb 2016:

Human Resources challenges Exchanges between members

23 June 2016:

Agile work and global vs. local Exchanges between members

23 June 2016:

HR Steering Committee dinner

Meetings 11 Sept 2015:

Building healthy cities in spite of 21st century challenges Presentation by Guy Castelain Perry, AECOM Asia Co. Ltd

14 Jan 2016:

Sustainable public housing: green homes for two million Presentation by Dr. Rosman Wai, Housing Department

20 Apr 2016:

Piloting Smart City Initiatives in Kowloon East Presentation by Brenda Au, Development Bureau

Visits Events 3 Dec 2015:

Employee engagement

20 Jan 2016:

Adam Salzer, Managing Director Consulting, PWC

19 May 2016:

Bernard Coulaty, Vice President, Human Resources, Pernod Ricard Asia Joelle Meric, Managing Partner, Chairman Carewan Asia

Paul Lam, General Manager Organization Development & Human Resources, HK and Macau, Chanel Hong Kong Limited

Laurent Marvy, Regional Director, Leadership and Talent Development, AXA Asia

Janice Wang, CEO, Alvanon

21 Apr 2016

Digital in HR… HR in Digital?

Bernard Coulaty, Founder & CEO, MOST Engaged Consulting Ltd

Peter Darley, Organisational Change Management, DFS Group Limited

Yvon Le Renard, Managing Director, Clever Age Asia Ltd

Sheila Partrat, Co-founder and Director, Intulife

Christine Raynaud, CEO, Morgan Philips Hong Kong

Visit of The Hong Kong International Airport (baggage handling system and Midfield concourse) Visit of the Tuen Mun Chek Lap Kok Tunnel

Tim Smith, Manager, Talent Solutions Sales - Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau, LinkedIn

Legal Working Group

Logistics & Supply Chain Committee

This new working group was launched in May 2015.

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

It is a restricted group that gathers only 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

President & Vice-Presidents: Emmanuelle de Buhren John Hardy (HK) Limited Elodie Dellavolta

15 Oct 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

3 Dec 2015:

Becoming a lawyer: HK bar and UK bar Presentation by Colin Wright, Barrister-at-Law

2 Feb 2016: Brainstorming meeting 17 Mar 2016: Presentation on FATCA and ‘global FATCA’ Presentation by Dr. Noam Noked, Baker & McKenzie Event 13 Apr 2016:

Competition Law in Hong Kong Presentation by Maxime Vanhollebeke, Norton Rose Fulbright Hong Kong

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

President & Vice President: Matthieu GAONACH Clasquin (Far East) Ltd Vincent BURTET Gifi Asia Ltd

19 Oct 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

24 Nov 2015:

Sea freight: market update and trends for 2015 / 2016 Presentation by Arnault Brac de la Perriere, CMA-CGM

20 Jan 2016:

Free trade zones and bonded warehouses Presentation by Agnes Rouge, SDV Hong Kong Ltd, and Olivier Storch, Geodis Wilson Hong Kong Limited

16 Feb 2016: 26 Apr 2016:

Challenges of recruitment in Greater China Presentation by David Maquine, Naos International

20 June 2016:

New Silk Way, Ancient Route – New possibilities for the supply chain Presentation by Hicham Belmaachi, Khorgos Eastern Gates, Kazakhstan

Air freight: market update and trends for 2016 Presentation by Vikram Vohra, Saudia Cargo

Luxury & Retail Committee

Policy & Consultation Committee

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

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.

Action

Actions

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.

The committee’s objectives are to:

President:

It carried out a survey on the Young Affluent in Hong Kong, and is now working with the Hong Kong Airport Authority with a view to boost Hong Kong’s attractiveness.

Alain Li Richemont Asia Pacific Limited

Meetings Survey on the Young Affluent and his expectations Brainstorming between members

10 Dec 2015:

Hong Kong Airport and Hong Kong attractiveness Brainstorming between members

6 Jan 2016:

Hong Kong Airport and Hong Kong attractiveness Brainstorming between members

18 Feb 2016:

360 customer experience is the new black Jean-Marc Guignard, What If

17 May 2016: 16 June 2016:

Luxury Steering group meeting

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.

President and Vice-President: Thomas FELD

26 Aug 2015:

•

Maeva SLOTINE Fongs

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Meetings 15 Sept 2015:

Recommendations for the 2016 Policy and Budget Addresses

2 June 2016:

Recommendations for the 2017 Policy and Budget Addresses

Hong Kong Airport and Hong Kong attractiveness Brainstorming between members

Events

17 Sept 2015:

What’s ahead for the luxury industry? Paul HaouziGiorgio Armani

Erwan Rambourg, Global Head of Research, HSBC

Thibault Villet, mei.com

15 Oct 2015:

Creative thinking for luxury brands David Goldsmith, Goldsmith Organization

29 Apr 2016:

Boost marketing efficiency and customer relationship Presentation by Olivier Kuziner, Ekimetrics

22 June 2016

Luxury Symposium: Make sense for your connected consumer Erwan Rambourg, Global Head of Research, HSBC

Steven Altman, Inspiring-I Ltd. / The Consortium Ltd

Philip Yu, Grand Hyatt

Wei Gu, Wall Street Journal

Andrew Wu, LVMH Group Greater China

Sylvain Rocher, Shanghai Tang

Alexis Bonhomme, Curiosity China

Hubert de Malherbe, Malherbe Design

Lug Giroud, Wild at Heart

Small & Medium Enterprises Committee

Sourcing Committee

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.

The Sourcing Committee offers 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.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Actions Actions

The committee focuses on experience sharing during committee meetings with entrepreneurs bringing testimonies on their experiences, challenges, successes and failures regarding the topics discussed. President: Jean-Baptiste DABADIE ASIAPACK LTD PACKAGING & LOGISTICS

President and Vice-President:

Meetings 16 Sep 2015:

Get real: challenges & opportunities News exchanges between members

14 Oct 2015:

The Entrepreneur’s well-being Damien Mouellic, Osteopath and Olivier Partrat, Evergreen Land Ltd – Para’Kito

11 Nov 2015:

How to consider PRC taxes in the development of an SME in China: regulation and practical case Benoit Stos, Mazars and Laurent Meyer, Shenzhen Greensun Mould Limited

9 Dec 2015:

Experience sharing on app and software used

13 Jan 2016:

Marketing and brand strategy Presentation by Steven Altman, Inspiring-I and The Consortium and Merwann Younes, Paul Lafayet

17 Feb 2016:

‘La Rotisserie’ and the SME Award Presentation by Jerome Carlier, La Rotisserie.

2 Mar 2016:

The Manager Beatrice Biessy and Valerie Hotton, Care Consulting and Yann Blandford, La Creperie

13 Apr 2016:

Oral communication John Miers, Black Isle Group Hong Kong and Christophe Roussel, Big Ideas Ltd

18 May 2016:

Creativity and the Entrepreneur Stanislas Bocquet, Palo-IT and Gregory Le Coent, Wirquin

8 June 2016: Opening / managing bank accounts when an SME in Hong Kong Stephan Levieux, Hang Seng Bank Limited and Jacques Dubedout, French Chamber

Olivier Buring Hager Electro Ltd Claire Becq Darty Asia Limited

The committee remained very active this year, with 10 meetings and one large event – the 6th edition of the Made in Asia Symposium. The success of the committee is due to the participative mind-set (70% rule) 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/themes.

Meetings 4 Sept 2015:

Asia at a crossroads: what to expect for 2015-16 Presentation by Alicia Garcia Herrero, Natixis

9 Oct 2015: Market update and trends for 2015 / 2016 – Major trends in maritime transport Presentation by Olivier Marchand, CMA – CGM 6 Nov 2015: Starting a business in China and India Presentation by Lionel Marrie, CEO, Jensen Industrial Ltd 4 Dec 2015: Carrefour Global Sourcing Presentation by Jose Zdziech, Carrefour Global Sourcing 8 Jan 2016:

Asia at a crossroads: what to expect for 2016 Presentation by Alicia Garcia Herrero, Natixis

5 Feb 2016:

Human resources: wages increases / bonuses and Major HR challenges Discussions moderated by Olivier Maitre, Thymus Consulting

4 Mar 2016:

Suppliers’ classification and interaction methods Presentation by René Orlandi

8 Apr 2016: Sourcing in South America Presentation by Anne-Laure Descours, Puma 6 May 2016: Business Solutions for multi-currency dealing Presentation by Riccardo Capelvenere and Jonathan Cusimano, Currenxie 3 June 2016:

Working for the main American retailers Presentation by Erich Felbabel, EB Brands (HK) Ltd

Events Event 4 May 2016: The new Chinese business model: opportunities for SMEs? InterSME event

Amy Wendholt, Managing Director, APCO’s Hong Kong

Anthony Tam, Managing Director - Tax Advisory Services, Mazars

Charles Chan, Managing Director, CLEARgo

Joel Leduc, Director, Famex International

Alexandre Tunik, Managing Director, Transpacific (Far East) Ltd.

13 Aug 2015:

Sourcing Committee Summer Dinner

4 Dec 2015:

Sourcing Committee Christmas Dinner

9 Mar 2016:

The Made in Asia Symposium (6th edition) Sourcing in Asia, evolution or revolution? 175 participants, 18 speakers, keynote presentations, panels, snapshots

Women On Board

Young Professionals & VI

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.

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.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Committees’ Activities

Actions Actions

The committee has further developed its networking cocktail events and meetings throughout the year. The WOB committee continued its successful activities – the Learning and Development series, and the Women Advisory Forum sessions.

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.

The committee also organised the second symposium on business performance and gender balance, gathering 100 business leaders. President and Vice President

President and Vice President

Christine RAYNAUD Morgan Philips Hong Kong

Meetings 16 Sept 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

Marie-Hélène Prevot GOUTEN CONSULTING

17 Dec 2015:

Brainstorming meeting

15 Mar 2016:

Brainstorming meeting

Events

13 June 2016:

Brainstorming meeting

Cocktails

Sarah Cestau

Women Advisory Forum (WAF) sessions 4 Dec 2015:

How to be more assertive

21 Jan 2016:

Salary negotiation

21 Apr 2016:

Mentorship

Learning & Development series 12 Nov 2015:

How to become an excellent communicator

Marlene Charles

25 Aug 2015:

59th Intercham Young Professionals Cocktail

30 Sept 2015:

YP & VI cocktail – Mahalo Tiki Lounge, Wan Chai

12 Nov 2015:

60th Intercham Young Professionals Cocktail

19 Nov 2015:

YP & VI cocktail – Tazmania Ballroom, Central

21 Jan 2015:

YP & VI cocktail – Bistro Bloom, Causeway Bay

17 Mar 2015:

YP & VI cocktail – MyHouse, Wan Chai

23 June 2016:

YP & VI cocktail – Oolaa, Sheung Wan

Round tables

Conference: Business performance & Gender balance 2nd edition

16 Dec 2015:

Starting your own business – What are the key ingredients for success? Jerome Carlier, Founder La Rotisserie Hong Kong

14 Mar 2016:

Exclusive luncheon with Benedicte Monneron

27 Apr 2016:

InterCham Women breakfast seminar

15 June 2016:

Exclusive luncheon: ‘offline to online in the retail sector’

13 Jan 2016:

New Deal of employee engagement – A sustainable body and mind engagement model Bernard Coulaty, VPHR Pernod Ricard Asia and Author of “New Deal of Employee Engagement” (McGraw-Hill Education)

7 Mar 2016:

Crack the successful entrepreneur code – How to combine creativity with execution when starting a business? Bastien Le Coz, Entrepreneur and Founder of Palatino Hospitality Gabriella Zavatti, Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of ZAVVA Concepts Ltd.

6 Oct 2015:

Harsh economic times: could women be the answer?

Events

Networking cocktails 16 Sept 2015:

Women on Board cocktail

12 Jan 2016:

Women on Board cocktail with four other international chambers

12 Apr 2016:

Women on Board cocktail joined by the Swedish Chamber

13 June 2016: Women on Board cocktail joined by the Canadian and Italian Chambers

A new Facebook group was created – Club YP and VI Hong Kong – aiming to build 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 oneanother and further expand their business knowledge.

Trainings 17 Nov 2015:

CV Workshop for YP

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Events and Gala Department “High quality events with inspiring speakers”

What we do

Achievements

•

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.

Carine Plagnard Events & Gala Manager

Key figures 74 events More than

•

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.

•

In total, 2,501 participants joined our events throughout the year, 75% of whom are members of the Chamber.

•

The department made innovative progress in improving content and quality of the events by inviting prestigious speakers, cooperating with leading companies and new partners as well as creating new types of events. Wrap-ups are completed after each event and sent to the attendees.

•

For the second time, with the support of the Consulate General, the department co-organised the Bastille Day on July 14 with 250 guests, in partnership with Alliance Française, Hong Kong Accueil and UFE.

•

For the first time, the department organised the exhibition So French So Innovative in partnership with the French Consulate and the Foreign Trade Advisors, an exhibition showcasing French technologies for 18 exhibitors.

•

The first Luxury Symposium with a focus on digital, under the theme ‘Make sense for your connected consumer’, was a success with more than 150 participants. Key speakers from the luxury and digital industries were represented. The event was generously supported by KPMG.

•

For the first time, the department organised a Creative Day with 80 participants - a full day session of experience sharing and engaging in design thinking games to learn how to be more innovative and creative in the workplace.

2500 participants

The second

Bastille Day co-organised with French associations

Three first time events

Vicky Chan Event Manager

- So French So Innovative exhibition co-organised with the French Consulate and Foreign Trade Advisors - Luxury Symposium - Creative Day

Dinner event, 2 Joint event, 4 Seminar, 6 Lunch event, 4 Jean-Pascal Tricoire

Christine Loh (middle)

Erwan Rambourg

Andrew Wu

Consulate General, the Bastille Day

Gala Dinner 2016

Breakfast event, 35 Cocktail, 19

Young Professional round table, 4

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Events and Gala Department Gala

Gala

The beautiful ballroom

What we do

Achievements

•

Plan and organise the most prestigious event on the French Chamber calendar, the Annual Gala Dinner, from A to Z.

Speeches by Nicolas Borit

The 2016 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 ‘Metamorphosis’. Guests were brought into a night of enchantment which translated the idea of transformation with a journey divided into three parts: genesis, chrysalis and metamorphosis.

The tunnel

The performance

•

The department successfully invited the three-star Michelin Chef Christian Le Squer to prepare the dinner and acquired sponsorships from 100 various brands and companies.

•

The department presented a fabulous drummers performance and a magic show performed by the Master of Ceremony, Stefan Leyshon.

•

With all proceeds going to The French Chamber Foundation, the

department organised, for the second time, a silent auction and a ‘generosity wave’ in addition to the traditional live auction. 74 items and experiences were auctioned on iPads, allowing each guest to place their bids through a personal account. This generosity wave managed to generate sufficient funds for 100 weeks of operation at the Lunch Club, the Foundation’s first project. Altogether, HK$2 million was raised during the evening, a record-breaking amount for the French Chamber Gala Dinner.

The volunteers

Michelin Chef Christian Le Squer

Live auction

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

Kieran CASH Communications Manager

•

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

•

Develop and update content for FCCIHK.com and 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.

Our HongKongEcho Magazine Our quarterly English-language magazine – published both in print and online – is distributed to 1000 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. Similarly, the ‘My China’ and ‘My Hong Kong’ sections are an opportunity for members to recount their professional experiences in a more personalised fashion. 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.

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.

•

Provide design services for members upon request.

Key figures 5500 copies

25 000

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)

readers for each issue Achievements:

Sine CHOY Senior Design Manager

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Publications & Design Departments

•

Working with the publications department, the design department successfully designed all the publications of the Chamber.

•

Designs and concepts created for all major French Chamber events such as the National Day, Luxury Symposium and Creative Day.

•

Original design concept chosen to represent ‘Europop’ event that was held in conjunction with other European Chambers.

•

Selected hotels and bookshops (Novotel Century, Parenthèses)

•

The second edition of The French Shopping & Dining in Hong Kong guide was published in 2016.

•

Startup and co-working hubs in Hong Kong (Blueprint, Good Lab)

•

The department worked with production companies to create the decoration of the 2016 Gala Dinner and the 2015 Annual Dinner.

advertisers renewed annual contracts

Newsletters

Books and guide

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

FlashInfo (fortnightly)

Members Directory

Featuring a new design and layout, FlashInfo is distributed to members and additional subscribers (nearly 6000 individuals). - General French Chamber news

Published annually in January, the Members Directory is a compilation of French Chamber members with names, addresses and contact details. The directory also highlights key contacts within the French and Hong Kongese communities, as well as other relevant information.

- Members news

- 1,200 copies printed

- Forthcoming events

- Details of our 1,000 members

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Publications & Design Departments

- New members

JobLink (Bi-monthly)

French shopping & Dining in Hong Kong Guide

The bi-monthly newsletter of the recruitment department

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

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.

The guide targets local Hong Kongese as well as tourists from Mainland China and Taiwan to help them discover French brands, boutiques, galleries and restaurants in Hong Kong.

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

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.

France - Hong Kong Express

Content :

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

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

•

Facts and figures about Hong Kong

•

The best articles from our HongKongEcho Magazine

•

Focuses on particular sectors

•

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

•

Upcoming trade fairs

Key figures 30 000

Fashion: menswear, womenswear, footwear, etc. Beauty: cosmetics, makeup, spa, hair salon, etc.

copies

Gastronomy: restaurants, bars, wine, etc.

103

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

brands

- Partnership with HK Tourism Board, Elle, AXA as well as with Alliance Française for distribution

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

Outlook: Creating a highly targeted events newsletter to streamline the process of notifying members and subscribers about upcoming French Chamber events.

Outlook: Publishing the Members Directory in December, as opposed to January, and increasing the visibility of brands featured in the French Shopping & Dining Guide through our social media channels.

“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.

Business Services “A one-stop shop for flexible and tailor-made solutions”

Highlights of Policy Address & Budget Highlights of the 2016-17 Policy Address and the 2016-17 Budget sent to members.

Our missions

Our strengths

•

Assist members for specific services such as prospection missions, visa and translation services, and recruitment & training.

•

Multicultural & experienced team dedicated to serve both members and France-based companies

• •

Help French companies start up or expand in Hong Kong, thus bringing new members to our community.

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

•

Ability to answer to needs from finding partners and clients to recruiting

•

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

Communication Tools Member companies enjoy free visibility 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 7,500 visitors per month, 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.

Servane Delahaye Deputy Head of Business Services Department

Due to challenges faced during the year of 2015-2016, turnover decreased by 10%. The activity of the recruitment services and business centre remain high, contributing to 58% of the business development department income. The Business Services Department is composed of nine permanent staff and encompasses two main activities: • •

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Publications & Design Departments

business & corporate services recruitment services

- Made in Asia: www.madeinasia.hk - 2016 Gala Dinner (Photos): www.fccihk.com/gala-2016-after BUSINESS SERVICES INCOME BREAKDOWN Social media platform Our presence on social media allows us to share content and engage directly with members and followers. Linkedin: 4,215 followers Facebook: 1,567 followers @fccihk

fccihk

frenchshoppinghk

french chamber of commerce and industry in hong kong

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

Missions & Market Studies

Our services

Achievements

•

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)

Edith Wong Trade Fairs Manager Promosalons Delegate HK

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

63 missions achieved this year.

Key figures 63 missions

52% of clients came from the French CCI network and 95% were not members.

collective missions for chambers of commerce in France

For each mission :

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

Lillian Lao Business Development Manager

•

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 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

with

86% of the missions have succeeded or are on the way to success.

A variety of sectors covered:

Missions & Market Studies

A variety of missions:

Five collective missions with CCI Bordeaux, CCI International Normandie, CCI Paris Ile de France and CCI Grand-Est (Alsace & Lorraine) strengthened our ties with the chambers in France:

Food & Beverage

A variety of sectors covered:

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

Food & Beverage, Service

IT & Technology, Startups

Fashion & Lifestyle

IT & Technology, Grenn Business

•

Four tailor-made CTP missions (Commercial à Temps Partagé) for companies in food & beverage, beauty & health and IT & technology sectors after the business matching missions for Hong Kong or Asian business development follow-up

•

One representative office mission for one major trade show

* *Commercial à Temps Partagé (split-time arrangement with a French Chamber staff member

A variety of sectors covered:

Collective mission:

Commercial representative:

Testimonial of Cellier de Revigny, participant in collective mission with Grand-Est in May 2016 (in collaboration with CCI Lorraine).

Testimonial of Josiane Laure, participant of individual mission in April 2016 (in collaboration with CCIR Bourgogne).

“With the support of the French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, this French strawberry wine has been able to seduce the highly discerning Hong Kong market and build on its success as an established label in France. Through the Chamber’s services, relevant rendez-vous were organised with well-targeted contacts to enable greater access to Hong Kong’s distribution network. Following this, partnerships have been formed enabling Cellier de Revigny’s strawberry wines to enjoy successful commercial implementation in Hong Kong’s high-end supermarkets.

Thibaut Guillaume, co-founder and CEO of Cellier de Revigny, a French family-owned company which produces strawberry wines from a base of fermented strawberries

“We are an SME in the business of beauty products. Our brand is not very well known and we only have a limited budget. Paradoxically, Asia is our biggest market. Hong Kong and China are our next targets to conquer. The FCCIHK has done very serious preparation work in order to establish a three day business meeting program with a dozen contacts. During these exploration days, the assistance of a Chinese consultant of the FCCIHK was of tremendous help to ensure the best communication in the local language, plus this person was really devoted to pushing my business, and better at selling my own product than myself!

The FCCIHK has proposed continuous support after the mission on a monthly basis, parallel with our work. We have, finally, four companies interested, and I have already received the agreement from one of them to sign up a distribution contract in Hong Kong. FCCIHK is a very professional work for the preparation, accompaniment, and follow-up. We felt really supported by people who were able to adapt quickly to our product.”

Yves Anthonioz, brand owner of Josiane Laure, a French cosmetic company

specialising in haircare and skincare.

Missions & Market Studies

A unique operation: ‘Europop!’ 2015 – Pop-up store

Achievements

To take the lead in introducing new and talented European designers and their designs to the Hong Kong market, the Dutch, French, German and Swedish Chambers of Commerce came together to launch ‘EuroPop!’ The French pop-up store was open 7 days a week from 1pm to 8pm on weekdays, and 11am to 8pm on weekends.

•

Welcomed over 2000 potential buyers, business partners, customers, and shoppers to the French pop-up store.

•

Organised the grand opening, media tour, creative workshops, as well as informative Q&A sessions held throughout ‘EuroPop!’

•

Communicated through press releases and gathered strong media coverage, which represented an advertising value of more than HK$120,000.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

A Collective Mission dedicated to startups: Bordeaux Startups For the first time, at Vinexpo Hong Kong 2016, the FCCIHK hosted a French delegation of government officials and founders of startsups from Bordeaux, led by Mr Pierre Goguet, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bordeaux along with Ms. Virginie Calmels, Vice President of Bordeaux City Hall and Deputy Mayor. The FCCIHK prepared a specific program for the business delegation of six Bordeaux companies dedicated to startups, organised B2B meetings with potential clients, as well as corporate sessions to help them understand the startup scene in Hong Kong and the support they can benefit from in the local market. The mission was considered very successful and received good coverage in the local Bordeaux media.

Our service

•

Highlight the creative thinking of French designer brands.

•

Allow French SMEs to test their products in the Hong Kong retail market.

•

Increase the visibility of French brands through different communication channels.

•

Organise B2B meetings with selected key buyers, importers etc. (optional extra service).

Jacques DUBEDOUT Business Development Manager

A one-stop-shop solution for setting-up in HK

Business Centre

Set-up & domiciliation

Our services

Figures

•

Assist companies to set up in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

•

35 companies assisted in their setup.

•

Organise bank account opening and advise on bank account usage.

•

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

A challenging year meant inquiries decreased by 32% (from 284 to 193 year-on-year).

•

75% of inquiries came from companies and individuals living in France.

•

Answer to any other needs to allow companies to settle down more smoothly.

•

95% of company set-ups 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.

Sectors of Operations

• • • •

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

Work office rental (open and closed space offices). Providing a full set of services to operate their activities (meeting rooms, coaching for VIE). Supporting specialised VIE missions in partnership with Business France, offering at least five placements a year on average. Hosting regular get-togethers in order for our tenants to get to know one another and take advantage of networking opportunities offered by the workplace, thus creating potential synergies.

Amiee LAU Business Development Assistant

The Mozoo Group is a French company created in 2010 in Paris by Jules Minvielle. It includes two sisters companies; Surikate and Numbate. Since 2013, it has developed its activity in London and in 2016 it opened three new offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. The Mozoo Group is a leader in Mobile Marketing with currently 110 employees.

“The business services of the French Chamber were recommended to me by the French Chamber in Shanghai. We have been pleased by the amazing location of the office, the services, the network and the flexibility that the French Chamber has offered us.

Achievements •

96% occupancy in our Business Centre with 30 companies and 45 working stations.

•

80% of tenants renewed their lease agreement.

We are delighted to say that French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has been, for us, a trusted partner helping the Mozoo Group to develop its activity in the Asian market through the renting of an amazing open space on the 18th floor. Your services will highly be recommended to any company deciding to settle in Hong Kong.” Represented in Hong Kong by Alexandra Mermet, Head of APAC.

•

190 companies are domiciliated at the French Chamber.

Additional services: visas, translation & interpreting

Communication

Our services

What we do

•

Assist individuals and companies through the application process for a visa. We deal with all visa applications in-house. We provide professional advice to enhance the chance of success and deal with the entire application process.

•

Provide interpretation and translation services in major languages. We work with experienced linguists in order to meet the needs of the clients: efficiency and speed.

Achievements • Rachel Yang Business Development Assistant

• •

Continuous growth for visa service for the past five years. A significant increase in total number of visa applications in 2015-2016 compared to 2014-2015. Rich experience built up over the years and a 100% success rate maintained since Jan 2013. New visa category developed: Investment Visa application service since March 2016 with two successful cases already approved.

Breakdown of HK visas service (by number) The French Chamber offered its first successful investment visa application service while being the visa sponsor for Mr. Carsten Bohn, who created his own company HUB Global Limited. According to the immigration officer who handled this case, it was particularly smooth and fast to get the result for this case within such a short time (only 3 months).

“Thanks to the French Chamber who successfully obtained the investment visa and also the dependent visas for my big family! Thanks for being the sponsor of my visa as well as providing the extra explanation letter signed by FCCIHK’s Executive Director. The whole process of this visa case with the Immigration Department was very rapid, taking less time than the standard 3-month process.”

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 marketing 2) VIP invitation for members and key players 3) Media campaign & press relations 4) 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 •

Promosalons Four fairs promoted this year in various sectors in 2015-16: o Bijorhca: Fashion Jewellery (Spring edition) o Europain: FnB o SIAL China: FnB o SIAL ASEAN: FnB

March 2016: Photo taken at SIAL China 2016 press luncheon organised in Hong Kong with 30+ participants.

Gilles de Beauvais, General Manager of Comepa Industries.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

•

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

•

14th year of partnership with Bureau d’Immigration du Québec, relying on a pool of highly experienced interpreters in almost all Asian languages. This year, the volume of the requests from Quebec Bureau was stable from July to December 2015; however, due to the strike of Quebec Immigration Bureau, the interpretation service was suspended from January until July 2016.

Recruitment & Training Department

Communication

Recruitment Acting as a placement and a consultant agency with 16 years of expertise, the recruitment department specialises in recruiting local and expatriate staff for companies in Hong Kong, from entry to senior levels.

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

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Business Development Department

Our services

Christelle BIMAR Head of Recruitment and Training Department

Regular meetings and communications with the 16 French Chambers in Asia-Pacific, especially the French Chamber in China and Taiwan by exchanging information, promoting their services, and engaging in cross-selling.

Sophie LEHAGRE Recruitment & Training Consultant

For Members and non-members

For Candidates

•

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

•

One-to-one meeting with an experienced recruitment consultant

•

Providing professional services

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

•

Guidance on salary expectations, career orientation and presentation

•

Coaching and interview preparation upon request

•

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

•

‘Job Hunting in Hong Kong’ event: a two hour session of information for French jobseekers in Hong Kong

competitive and recruitment agency

•

Highly competitive fees

•

Unique pool of French-Speaking candidates (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

•

Market intelligence on salary and market mapping

•

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

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.

Indy YEUNG Recruitment & Training Junior Consultan

Recruitment

Training

Achievements

•

1,300 candidates interviewed

Who are our clients?

Who are our candidates ?

•

265 job offers

•

89 placements (+23% compared to last fiscal year)

75% of our clients are French Chamber members.

•

91% long term positions

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

•

We mainly serve small companies, SMEs looking for both local and French talents.

•

An equal amount of new and replacement positions.

Our 5,000 strong candidate database still includes a majority of French candidates, even though, this year, the Recruitment Department received more local talents who can speak French or have worked for French companies. This highlights the importance of international candidates (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.

•

21 training sessions with more than 150 participants

•

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

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Recruitment & Training Department

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

The French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and especially its recruitment service, has been of tremendous help since we set up our company in Hong Kong. They went out of their way to understand who we were, how we were operating, and as a result they were very much on target in each of their missions. They introduced us to not only high quality profiles, but more importantly, to people who shared the same mindset and culture as us. Jean-Pierre TING – MD Arjowiggins

As a recent arrival to Hong Kong and in the context of a restructuration, I needed to recruit two managers. I was recommended the services of the Recruitment Department of the French Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to productive exchanges, and a good understanding with their consultants, we were able to successfully recruit two candidates in a matter of weeks. Several months later, I am satisfied with my two managers both on the technical side, as well as on the personality side. In the event of further missions, I will use the services of the French Chamber of Commerce who provided me with an excellent level of service.

•

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

•

Be more in line with our members’ training needs.

Open D Group Hong Kong is today a team of 10 people; three of them have been introduced, recommended and hired through the recruitment department of the FCCIHK. They are working hard to understand our HR needs and answer to the varied range of profiles our agency is recruiting. Their strength is not only to find candidates when we are looking for them, but to also bring us profiles throughout the year if they believe that would be a good asset for our company’s expansion. And it works; we’ve recently recruited a profile that was not budgeted! Melanie VIQUEL - Open D

Bruno DEVILLERS GIFI Asia

Over the last year, the French Chamber Foundation has increased its activity significantly. Three Lunch Clubs are now open every Monday to Friday with a capacity of 50 to 60 meals per centre. A greater focus has been made on the job matching service and new marketing tools have been developed to raise awareness about the Foundation’s mission.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

The French Chamber Foundation

Achievements

The French Chamber Foundation •

The Foundation successfully registered as a charity under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.

•

Part-time recruitment consultant hired by the Foundation to enhance the quality of our Employment services and strengthen our collaboration with our charity partner, Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service.

Lunch Clubs •

Two additional Lunch Clubs opened in one year in Mong Kok and Tsuen Wan.

•

17,356 meals served.

•

Meal costs reduced from HK$40 to HK$8 without diminishing food quality and taste.

•

975 Lunch Club members.

•

253 members actively involved in the career development services.

•

25% of the coached members found a better job.

•

A total of 33 Job skills trainings and information sessions organised across the three Lunch Clubs.

Fundraising and events •

The Foundation successfully raised HK$1.9million at the 2016 Gala Dinner.

•

The Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan Lunch Club with its partners, members and the media.

•

A fundraising event ‘Mulled Wine for Charity’ was organised with La Rotisserie in December 2015.

Objective for the coming year

•

Opening of the fourth Lunch Club in Kwun Tong while further developing the existing centre.

•

Enhance our job matching service and develop a seamless approach for FCCIHK’s members looking to hire Lunch Club beneficiaries.

•

Involve FCCIHK’s members in the job matching programme (collect vacancies and identify the best candidates among Lunch Club members).

•

Engage more volunteers from FCCIHK’s members for job talks, meeting with beneficiaries etc.

•

Increase the awareness around the Foundation’s work through new communication initiatives and events.

Relationships with our Hong Kong and foreign partners

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

The European Chamber of Commerce (ECC)

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.

Initiated in 1997, the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (ECC) is a nongovernmental 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 Business Coalition on the Environment (BCE)

Relationships with our Hong Kong and foreign partners

The International Business Committee (IBC)

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.

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 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 18 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 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. 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.

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 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.

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.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Institutional Partners

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.

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, Technology (ICTBC)

Communication and Business Council

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

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Institutional Partners

Relations with our French partners in Hong Kong The 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 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 ‘So French, So Innovative’ and the French National Day. 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 French International School

Alliance Française

In early 2015 Ubifrance and Invest in France merged to become Business France.

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

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.

The Chamber supports Business France’s specialised ‘VIE’ 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 five 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.

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.

Hong Kong Accueil and Union des Français de l’étranger (UFE) For the third 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.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Institutional Partners

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

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

Relations with our partners in France CCI France International CCI France International is a network chaired by Arnaud VaissiĂŠ. 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, once with all the international French Chambers (hosted in Berlin, July 2015). In June 2016 the Chamber received the award for Innovation in recognition of its work with the French Chamber Foundation.

Key figures A network of

115

French Chambers of Commerce abroad

32 500 members The largest

More than

private French network in the world

97%

self-financed

Business review

•

The financial statements of 1 July 2015 - 30 June 2016 have been audited by Baker Tilly Hong Kong.

Direct costs were at HK$8.2 million (-12%) following the decrease of the Marketing Services business line while general expenditure amounted to HK$20.2 million (up 2%), 85% made up of salaries and rental (83% in FY15). Rents increased 9% due to the expansion of the Chamber’s Business Centre in FY16.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Financial Report

Hong Kong’s official inflation rate was 3% for 2015.

The Chamber has encountered a challenging environment during the year ending 30 June 2016: due to social movements, one major client suffered a significant loss in activity, which had a flow-on effect on the Chamber’s business.

Breakdown of indirect expenditures was as below:

Equally, the Chamber’s set-up 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. However, thanks to its members’ involvement, continuous new projects, innovations and efficient costs management, the Chamber managed to post positive income after tax for the seventh consecutive year, despite investment in the new Business Centre, its website and CRM. •

Total Income decreased 2% compared to previous year, because of the Marketing Services business line going down 31%.

Evolution of the Chamber’s main business lines were as follows: Memberships: +1% Publications (Sales & Advertising): +10% Events: +16% Marketing Services: -31% Business Centre: +16% Recruitment/Training services: +10%

•

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. 2015 and 2016 have been years of investment to expand the Chamber’s Business Centre capacity and welcome more companies in need of an office in Hong Kong. At the end of FY17 the Chamber will be able to offer more than 100 office desks in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district. The Chamber has also invested in IT tools (CRM and website) in the past few years to respond more efficiently to the growing needs of its members.

French Chamber 2015-2016 Annual Report

Financial Report

2015/2016 2014/2015 In thousands HK$

Income HK$ 28,740 HK$ 29,420 of which Membership HK$ 5,193 HK$ 5,158

Expenses HK$ 28,461 HK$ 29,073 of which Direct Costs HK$ 8,218 HK$ 9,294 Global expenses HK$ 20,243 HK$ 19,779

Profit/(Loss) of the year(before taxation) HK$ Taxation HK$ Profit/(Loss) of the year (after taxation) HK$

280 HK$ 118 HK$ 161 HK$

346 111 235

Accumulated surplus HK$

11,195 HK$ 11,034