French CG Christile Drulhe says rule of law is key to business collaboration in HK
發佈日期: 2025-07-11 01:46
TVB News
Christile Drulhe, the Consul-General of France in Hong Kong, said the city remains appealing to European businesses with its rule of law and international culture.
She also noted the unique edge French tech businesses can offer to the city.
With the tariff wars and geopolitical situation, more countries and companies are seeking to derisk through diversifying their portfolios.
Christile Drulhe, the Consul-General of France in Hong Kong, believes closer trade ties can be forged between France and Hong Kong.
CHRISTILE DRULHE, Consul-General of France in HK: "There is this whole trend of diversification of investment which would really create more opportunities of investment both ways."
She said Hong Kong boasts 350 companies from France, marking the second highest number of firms from EU member states after Germany. And Drulhe says the allure remains.
"The specificities of Hong Kong, including the rule of law, are very much attractive. As long as Hong Kong can maintain this international overture, we will, I think, certainly see more and more business opportunities. It's true that the world economy is quite sluggish and everybody is quite cautious with investment and recruitment. But we firmly believe that there are opportunities between France and Hong Kong and so we really hope to see more investors, more business people, more delegations come to Hong Kong to see for themselves the opportunities."
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau undertook his visit to Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Cognac in France just last month.
Apart from introducing the SAR's latest tax policies on wine and spirits, he met with the Group Chairman and CEO of France-based global aeronautic company Elior Group, which has recently set up an Asian headquarters in Hong Kong with the help of Invest Hong Kong.
"We're very happy to welcome the Secretary for Commerce and Development and the Chairman of HKTDC to France. This investment by Elior is a very good story of the potential of investment between France and Hong Kong, and we hope that indeed it will emulate other such good stories of investment."
Noting a French presence in the city's start-up sector in a community that they call "La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen," Christile Drulhe hopes more collaboration and exchanges could be on the way among tech players from all three sides.
