The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has sent a trade delegation to Hong Kong this week (22-24 January). This is the first of our exclusive daily updates from APSCo director Marilyn Davidson.

The first day of the APSCo Hong Kong Trade Delegation kicked off yesterday with a great response by all involved. As part of its programme of identifying the best business opportunities nationally and internationally, this APSCo delegation is fully supported by the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong and the project is part-financed by the European Union.

Hong Kong is the world’s 10th biggest trading economy and one of Asia’s leading financial and business centres. It is an easy place to do business with a strong rule of law, transparent government and a free flow of information.

With one of the most open and business-friendly environments in the world, Hong Kong offers excellent opportunities for UK recruitment companies.

The delegation began with a briefing by the Trade Commissioner at the British Consulate-General providing information on exciting high-value opportunities over the next few years, including major infrastructure projects driving a need for staff. Examples given were a 40km bridge to Macao, a new Cruise terminal, and the biggest train station in the world from which a high-speed train will whisk you to Beijing in under nine hours. And, of course, not forgetting the West Kowloon cultural district that will deliver 17 new performance venues over the next 10 years.

Hong Kong is an advanced and technologically developed environment, so there is a high demand for professional level skills across all sectors. It is quite apparent that a base in Hong Kong will also give you access to significant opportunities in China.

Added to this, there is an incredibly active British Chamber of Commerce in the region that will provide invaluable support to any of our members establishing businesses over there, headed up by Brigadier Christopher Hammerbeck.

Hong Kong really is a fantastic place to do business and we’re looking forward to reporting more from the delegation tomorrow!

• APSCo chief executive Ann Swain blogged for Recruiter from the organisation’s previous trade delegation to China last June.