Chamber's Spotlight - 25th Anniversary

Fabio de rosa

President (March 2005 - March 2017) Italian chamber of commerce in Hong Kong & Macao

Thinking of The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao brings back a time of great achievements and satisfaction. A mix of energetic and committed young Italians (Manuele Bosetti, Anna Romagnoli, Alessandra Lombardi, Alessia Monarca, Enrico Bargnani, just to mention a few) with the experience and knowledge of Chinese culture and business of seasoned members of the ICC Board of Directors like Claudio De Bedin, Luigi Rapetti, Andrea Croci and many others. All working together with one single target: to help raise the image of the Italian entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and China to the level their qualities and resilience deserved. In a country that loves Italy and “Made in Italy”.

One clear memory is when the Chairman of the powerful German Chamber in Hong Kong asked me why we had so many people attending the events of the ICC, while apparently, the German Chamber was struggling to attract visitors to their initiatives. My answer was quite straightforward: “Look at our teams and spot the difference: the ICC is managed by enthusiastic youngsters”.

As Chairman I witnessed the constant growth of the ICC within the Hong Kong and Macao business community. With more and more companies of Italian origin joining and contributing to the reputation of the Chamber.

Furthermore, a fruitful alignment of interest with the Consulate General of the Italian Republic in Hong Kong, and with the Trade Commissioner, allowed us to improve our position with different areas of the Hong Kong Government and Agencies. Immigration, Financial Secretary, Invest Hong Kong were all well aware of our efforts to support the commercial business between Italy and the Hong Kong S.A.R. and Macao. Many projects were co-managed with the Consulate General and the Trade Commissioner, to the advantage of the community as a whole.

In short, an incredible experience. For which I once again need to thank the members of the Board of the ICC, the Secretary-General that acted from time to time and all employees of the Italian Chamber.

Claudio de Bedin

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao was incorporated 25 years ago with the objective of fostering bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Italy.

On the 25th anniversary of the Chamber, one could consider the anniversary as the appropriate point in time upon which to reflect as to what has been achieved, congratulate all those involved, which may be justified, and rest on ones’ actual, or perceived, laurels. If one were to do so it would be business as usual and there would be little, if any, no progress.

One alternative, is to take the view that the Chamber could have done better, which is always true, and to surmise that it will, in the future, with the resources available and appropriate participation, fulfil its’ intended role in an exemplary fashion. Context is in my view, important. In this connection, one must remember that Hong Kong and Macau are indisputable integral parts of China. Our future is linked to China and to quote, the first post-handover Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Tung Chee-hwa, “what is good for Hong Kong is good for China and what is good for China is very good for Hong Kong”. This is irrefutable and, as a result, the activities of the Chamber have, and must continue to, take into account the role of Hong Kong and Macau as being part of China with a separate system.

The function of Hong Kong in the current global economic context is clear. It will, however, change and adapt, as the economic and political landscape develops. The role of the Chamber has not been, and must never be, political, or stagnant, but must, in accordance with the reason for it being set up, be a service provider to its members and the community at large. In my view, it must also understand, appreciate, analyse and disseminate the opportunities that exist between Italy and Hong Kong and Macau from an investment, trade and finance perspective. To do so, it is essential that the Chamber strives to provide quality information, and services, appearing to both countries, being Italy and China, whilst identifying the role of Hong Kong and Macau, which must not be underestimated or discounted.

It is with reluctance that I mention Covid. The terrible negative effect of this pandemic gives rise to consideration as to the basic purpose and tenet of the Chamber which is, in essence, to provide useful, practical, and valueadded “business” related services that are required by the community. In this context, one should bear in mind, the fact that the Chamber has been stoically supported by the Italian Consulate and respected, and assisted, by the Hong Kong Government and its various departments. It, therefore, has a reach that very few, if any, companies have.

The Chamber if supported by its members and the community at large can continue to provide innovative benefits and services. One must, however, remember that the Chamber requires input from us all and that it is ours to guide, and assist, and that in so doing it will have additional capacity and capability to serve.

I do not expect agreement on my thoughts, or point of view, however, you would be wrong if you did not agree with me. I could be joking when I say this but, for those of you who know me, you may have some doubts.