To meet the needs of a thriving community of entrepreneurs in the mid-1980s, a handful of them met to create the first French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Over 20 years later, success is not denied and the memories are many. Back on the course of the "French business association."
the mid-1980s, the French community in Hong Kong is rapidly increasing. Companies interested in the British colony, but sometimes shy because we know (at from 1984) that China will resume his duties in 1997. Danger or Opportunity? To answer these questions and lead a dynamic French in business, six or seven entrepreneurs decided to create a chamber of commerce and industry. "The Consulate of France grew in this direction for some time," says Gerard Millet, one of the founding members. There was a real need on the part of businesses. "
The first president of Alain Argenlieu. "The resources were very limited at first, remember Gerard Millet, now director of Sodica, a consulting firm in mergers and acquisitions of Crédit Agricole. We had very little money. "And no permanent offices! The association is now traveling, hosted by various French companies. "The first officers were often the banking sector, says the businessman. Caring for such an association was heavy and required the secretariat. "
Gerard Millet is the third president from 1989 to 1991, a time when the association takes great extent, evidence of its success. "A reorganization was necessary, he says. In 1990, we moved into our first office, and the first post employee director was created. " Then the presidency of Paul Clerc-Renaud, director of Fargo from 1991 to 1993. This is a pivotal time: "It was just after Tiananmen were many who shook Hong Kong, remembers the person. He had to reassure the French employees to encourage them to come here. "It was then that are negotiated permanent visas for key employees of major French companies. "It was also the time of frigates of Taiwan and relations were formally difficult with China, says the former president. But Deng Xiao Ping led a policy of openness in the South. "
In 1992, fears are still recurring topic of upcoming return to Chinese rule. This is the subject of the first article of the first issue of the journal "Hong Kong echo", the magazine of the Chamber of Commerce: "Hong Kong: Who's Afraid of 1997?" Is signed by Yves Chemla. The entrepreneur is optimistic and even enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. This is the slogan of the General Chamber of Commerce during those years. Also in 1992, with the same desire to win the French businessmen, Paul Clerc-Renaud initiates the transaction "The Chinese world." 300 CEOs responded to the call and go visit the special economic zone of Shenzhen. "It was a real adventure in the delta of the Pearl River, says Paul Clerc-Renaud. It was a huge site where everything was under construction. Henry Fok had opened the highway under construction just for us! "
In July 1992 a new governor, Christopher Patten (now Lord Patten), was appointed in Hong Kong. "In October, he made a speech highly frowned upon by Beijing, where he laid out his conditions for surrender next resumed its former president Clerc-Renaud. We met him the day he went to Beijing ... He was limping because of an injury done to tennis in the morning! ". Relationships have always been close with the authorities, the association also like having an interface for communication and mediation. The chamber had also received the predecessor Chris Patten, Governor David Wilson. "It was a great sinologist says Paul Clerc Renaud. A very fine man who anticipated the reactions of the Chinese, but very misjudged by John Major. "
The French business association, is also a network, the scene of many meetings with personalities: Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Raymond Barre, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Michel Rocard, for politics, but Matthieu Ricard, Jacques Seguela Loick Peyron, Pierre Haski and many others to name the French. The book is full of signatures from guests! The chamber has also embarked on organizing the prestigious closing gala of the French May.
With its 600 members and its thirteen permanent employees, the French Chamber of Commerce today is more dynamic than ever. This is the second European chamber, just behind the British. "It's always a social club for entrepreneurs, but totally appropriate for Hong Kong, said Maryse Kraatz, the current CEO. We exceed the dimension of solidarity between the French to go further. By chambers of commerce are powerful and we must be open to foreigners and, of course, to Hong Kong! ". Almost all large French companies are members, thus expanding your password now by businessmen from Hong Kong or by French SMEs wishing to internationalize ... "It a major city to start business opportunities abroad, said the CEO. It is the regional base for the majority of our businesses. "
Chamber of Commerce receives no funding from the French state, is a private company that saw its membership dues. "We meet the needs of members through organizing events, conferences," said Maryse Kraatz. We also thirteen committees to address current problems and expectations of our members. Lobbying activity is very important, even essential. "In 2006, in his editorial for the anniversary issue of the journal "Hong Kong echo" Jacques Chirac praised the "Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong French for his tireless work in favor of deepening ties between France and Hong Kong." And French President concluded: "I express the hope that it continues to this company the benefit of all."
The first president of Alain Argenlieu. "The resources were very limited at first, remember Gerard Millet, now director of Sodica, a consulting firm in mergers and acquisitions of Crédit Agricole. We had very little money. "And no permanent offices! The association is now traveling, hosted by various French companies. "The first officers were often the banking sector, says the businessman. Caring for such an association was heavy and required the secretariat. "
Gerard Millet is the third president from 1989 to 1991, a time when the association takes great extent, evidence of its success. "A reorganization was necessary, he says. In 1990, we moved into our first office, and the first post employee director was created. " Then the presidency of Paul Clerc-Renaud, director of Fargo from 1991 to 1993. This is a pivotal time: "It was just after Tiananmen were many who shook Hong Kong, remembers the person. He had to reassure the French employees to encourage them to come here. "It was then that are negotiated permanent visas for key employees of major French companies. "It was also the time of frigates of Taiwan and relations were formally difficult with China, says the former president. But Deng Xiao Ping led a policy of openness in the South. "In 1992, fears are still recurring topic of upcoming return to Chinese rule. This is the subject of the first article of the first issue of the journal "Hong Kong echo", the magazine of the Chamber of Commerce: "Hong Kong: Who's Afraid of 1997?" Is signed by Yves Chemla. The entrepreneur is optimistic and even enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. This is the slogan of the General Chamber of Commerce during those years. Also in 1992, with the same desire to win the French businessmen, Paul Clerc-Renaud initiates the transaction "The Chinese world." 300 CEOs responded to the call and go visit the special economic zone of Shenzhen. "It was a real adventure in the delta of the Pearl River, says Paul Clerc-Renaud. It was a huge site where everything was under construction. Henry Fok had opened the highway under construction just for us! "
In July 1992 a new governor, Christopher Patten (now Lord Patten), was appointed in Hong Kong. "In October, he made a speech highly frowned upon by Beijing, where he laid out his conditions for surrender next resumed its former president Clerc-Renaud. We met him the day he went to Beijing ... He was limping because of an injury done to tennis in the morning! ". Relationships have always been close with the authorities, the association also like having an interface for communication and mediation. The chamber had also received the predecessor Chris Patten, Governor David Wilson. "It was a great sinologist says Paul Clerc Renaud. A very fine man who anticipated the reactions of the Chinese, but very misjudged by John Major. " The French business association, is also a network, the scene of many meetings with personalities: Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Raymond Barre, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Michel Rocard, for politics, but Matthieu Ricard, Jacques Seguela Loick Peyron, Pierre Haski and many others to name the French. The book is full of signatures from guests! The chamber has also embarked on organizing the prestigious closing gala of the French May.
With its 600 members and its thirteen permanent employees, the French Chamber of Commerce today is more dynamic than ever. This is the second European chamber, just behind the British. "It's always a social club for entrepreneurs, but totally appropriate for Hong Kong, said Maryse Kraatz, the current CEO. We exceed the dimension of solidarity between the French to go further. By chambers of commerce are powerful and we must be open to foreigners and, of course, to Hong Kong! ". Almost all large French companies are members, thus expanding your password now by businessmen from Hong Kong or by French SMEs wishing to internationalize ... "It a major city to start business opportunities abroad, said the CEO. It is the regional base for the majority of our businesses. " Chamber of Commerce receives no funding from the French state, is a private company that saw its membership dues. "We meet the needs of members through organizing events, conferences," said Maryse Kraatz. We also thirteen committees to address current problems and expectations of our members. Lobbying activity is very important, even essential. "In 2006, in his editorial for the anniversary issue of the journal "Hong Kong echo" Jacques Chirac praised the "Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong French for his tireless work in favor of deepening ties between France and Hong Kong." And French President concluded: "I express the hope that it continues to this company the benefit of all."
FD.
Sources: Hong Kong echo; French business directory with thanks to Maryse Kraatz, Paul Clerc-Renaud and Mr. Gerard Millet, for the time they have spent and their valuable information. Photo credits: private archives.
The two photographs: Paul Clerc-Renaud with Governor Wilson (center) and then with Governor Patten. Third paper: cover of the first issue of the journal Hong Kong Echo in autumn 1992.
The two photographs: Paul Clerc-Renaud with Governor Wilson (center) and then with Governor Patten. Third paper: cover of the first issue of the journal Hong Kong Echo in autumn 1992.
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