益普索-2018年商业信心调查（英文版）-2018-21页-1mb

AmCham Hong Kong 2018 Business Sentiment Survey Summary

Core Content

The AmCham Hong Kong 2018 Business Sentiment Survey is the first in a new annual series aimed at understanding the concerns, hopes, and expectations of Hong Kong's international business community. Conducted in partnership with Ipsos Business Consulting, the survey highlights the key drivers of Hong Kong's competitiveness and the challenges it faces in the evolving business landscape.

Main Findings

1. Hong Kong's Competitive Advantages

• 70% of respondents believe Hong Kong retains its core attraction as a global business hub.
• Key factors include:
  • Easy access to China and other Asian markets.
  • A deep pool of world-class professional services.
  • Strong infrastructure and governance.
  • Business-friendly policies such as low tax rates and efficient operations.
• Only 2% felt Hong Kong was insufficiently competitive against other Asian world cities.
• 18 out of 20 respondents who answered believed Hong Kong offers attractive lifestyle options compared to other major cities.

2. Concerns Over Governance and Rule of Law

• More than 50% of respondents believed that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the rule of law have been eroded.
• 60% ranked red tape and bureaucracy as the biggest obstacle to Hong Kong's leadership in the smart city race.
• 33% cited uncertainties over China's laws as the second biggest concern.
• Governance, transparency, and the rule of law are seen as critical to maintaining Hong Kong's status as an international business center.

3. Greater Bay Area (GBA)

• 70% of members were positive about the impact on revenue from operating in the GBA.
• Over half (52%) of respondents already had an office presence in the GBA outside of Hong Kong.
• 14% of respondents said their companies had plans to expand in the GBA.
• The major attractions of the GBA include:
  • A large consumer base (67 million people).
  • A strategic base for targeting both domestic and international markets.
  • Hong Kong's connectivity with the GBA.
• Key challenges include:
  • Lack of transparency from Chinese authorities.
  • Uncertainty in policy and rule of law.
  • High costs and complex regulations.
  • Cultural and operational differences between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

4. Innovation Economy

• 37% of respondents believe technology and innovation will be transformative for their companies.
• 26% listed technology and innovation as one of their top three priorities.
• The government's push for an innovation-led economy is seen as a genuine opportunity for business development and growth.
• However, operational efficiency and customer service improvements are viewed as more immediate benefits than government-led infrastructure projects.

5. Talent and Education

• Attracting and retaining talent is considered critical to maintaining Hong Kong's status as a global business hub.
• Education system and availability of skilled workers are cited as key advantages.
• However, shortages of skilled labor and the lack of a fail-and-learn culture are among the main challenges to building a smart city.
• Many respondents expressed a desire to tap into a cheaper talent pool within the GBA.

Top Three Priorities for Hong Kong to Remain a Global Business Hub

1. Maintaining transparency and the rule of law
2. Improving the business environment
3. Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure

Member Demographics

• The survey was conducted from March 10 to May 11, 2018, with 230 valid responses collected from 1,380 invited members.
• AmCham is the largest and most active international chamber of commerce in Hong Kong.
• Respondents represented:
  • 50% from U.S. companies.
  • 36% from Asian companies (mostly Hong Kong-based).
  • 12% from EU companies.
  • 13% in education.
  • 12% in banking/financial services.
  • 8% in apparel and management consulting.
  • 5% in logistics.
  • 4% in IT-related services.

Conclusion

The survey underscores Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global business hub, driven by its open society, strong rule of law, and professional services. However, it also highlights governance concerns, particularly the risk of a bureaucratic mindset and erosion of core values such as "One Country, Two Systems." Despite these challenges, business confidence remains high, especially regarding the Greater Bay Area as a strategic opportunity. The innovation economy is seen as a promising area, though the lack of skilled labor and cultural differences pose significant hurdles. Overall, the survey calls for continued support of Hong Kong's strengths and greater clarity and transparency from the government to sustain its global position.