DHL Shows that No Business is too Small to Go Global

• DHL and HKPC conclude review of outstanding ideas for going global by local SMEs
• Winner of "Go Global with DHL International Specialist" awarded HK$150,000 funding to expand internationally

HONG KONG, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL and The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today announced the winner of their "Go Global with DHL International Specialist" competition, which is a key part of DHL's ongoing commitment to supporting Hong Kong's SME community. DHL received over 40 entries from local SMEs who want to expand overseas.

The "Go Global with DHL International Specialist" Award Presentation Ceremony was held today. Co-organized by DHL Express Hong Kong and Hong Kong Productivity Council, the event explored the opportunities and challenges for local SMEs in expanding into international markets.

DHL Express Hong Kong presents HK$150,000 funding to Timed Company Limited, winner of the “Go Global with DHL International Specialist” campaign, to help them exploiting international markets.

After a thorough short-listing and judging process by HKPC and a panel of judges, Timed Company Limited, a Hong Kong based manufacturer of innovative mobile phone accessories, was named the winner of the competition. Timed Company has received HK$150,000 in funding, including DHL shipping credit, in recognition of their outstanding proposal for overseas expansion. DHL will also cover travel and logistics costs to attend a local or overseas trade show of the winner's choice.

Ecila Chan, Vice President Commercial, DHL Express Hong Kong, said: "SMEs make up the majority of Hong Kong's businesses and are the foundation of our customer base. Our 'Go Global with DHL International Specialist' competition is focused on helping these companies to fulfill their potential. At today's event, we are delighted to recognize the winning SME who has a clear vision with huge potential for going global. As the International Specialist in the express industry with leading global network and local expertise, DHL will continue to play an important role in supporting SMEs to exploiting overseas opportunities through facilitating cross-border trades."

Mr. Gordon Lo, General Manager, IT & Business Management Division of HKPC, said: "Today's event recognizes the efforts of Hong Kong SMEs in exploring new markets and engaging in international trade over the years. As a close partner of industry, HKPC has been doing its utmost to help local SMEs to be more agile and creative, as well as delivering sustainable high quality services that meet the diverse needs of the customers."

Dr. Edward Lam, President of The Hong Kong Small & Medium Enterprises Development Federation said: "The biggest challenge for an SME looking to trade across borders is the acquisition of timely and accurate information. They often need both local knowledge and logistics support. Through this initiative, DHL Express has set an example for industry players in leveraging its global network and expertise to meet these needs."

DHL launched the competition in the aftermath of a survey (Note 1) it commissioned HKPC to conduct on SME's future plans to do business overseas. The results showed that 79% of the sampled SMEs in Hong Kong are already trading across borders, with 54% of them wanting to participate in local or overseas trade fairs next year.

Since its launch in 1969, DHL has grown from an SME to one of the world's leading logistics companies with a presence in over 220 countries and territories across the globe. DHL's origins mean it is well equipped to understand the needs of SMEs and to appreciate that every SME has the potential to go international.

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Note:

1. Commissioned by DHL and undertaken by HKPC, the survey collected information from 253 Hong Kong SMEs on their international ambitions. Details of the survey can be referred to the related press release - http://www.dhl.com.hk/en/press/releases/releases_2013/local/110413.html