Mainland firms see SAR as springboard to global market

RTHK

7 hours ago

Mainland firms see SAR as springboard to global market
Insta360 is setting up its first multi-storey flagship store in Hong Kong. Photo: RTHK
Eyebright Medical Technology (Hong Kong) says four of its products are listed as medical devices under the Department of Health. Photo: RTHK
Angus Yip speaks to Janice Lo
Two mainland firms are seeking to go global through Hong Kong, capitalising on the city's strengths.
Shenzhen-based Insta360 -- the maker of action cameras -- said it's setting up its first flagship store in Hong Kong, according to the company's exclusive distributor in the SAR, Vast World Limited.
It will also be Insta360's first global multi-storey flagship store, where one of the floors will be used as working studios and to hold regular exhibitions.
Senior marketing manager Angus Yip of Vast World Limited said the ability to establish a presence in the SAR showcases Insta360's strengths.
He said the flagship Hong Kong store will carry the latest gadgets as soon as they're released on the mainland.
"And also, we will have the priority in buying the newest product. So in Hong Kong, I think it's quite attractive to the international travellers or the visitors," Yip said.
"Even the shipping to the US may take months or at least a week. But in Hong Kong, you can also get the newest and also you can try the newest [gadgets]."
While Insta360 also has flagship stores elsewhere such as in the Philippines, Yip said the culture of Hongkongers' of always seeking the latest items can help promote its product to the global market.
Another mainland firm, Eyebright Medical Technology -- an ophthalmic medical device manufacturer -- set up its office in the SAR in 2023 with the help of InvestHK, before moving into Science Park last year.
Public relations manager Charles Hui from the Hong Kong office said it is hoping to make their products available in the SAR as well.
Four of its products were recently listed as medical devices under the Department of Health, paving the way for them to be sold locally.
"So after 2023, we actually received our listing approval from MDD [Medical Device Division] in July this year. So we are asking different distributors and trying to work with different companies to sell our products," he said.
Hui added that the firm wants to the SAR as a springboard to Malaysia and South Korea this year, before expanding to more places in Asia.
He also said Eyebright Medical Technology (Hong Kong) is working with local universities on research and development projects, and they are now at the final stage in ironing out the details and contracts.
InvestHK's head of innovation and technology Andy Wong said many of the companies it helped to set up shop in the SAR are from the mainland.
He expects a double-digit growth in the number of mainland firms expanding their business to Hong Kong this year.