Investigation and analysis of the three major challenges and advantages of developing business in the GBA

HONG KONG, Dec 6, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have, for the first time, jointly released a survey study (Hong Kong – the Business Platform to Capitalise on Greater Bay Area Opportunities in the Post-pandemic Era).

Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC (L) and Terence Chiu, Commissioner, HKECIC (R)

Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC

The report found that Hong Kong companies are facing three major challenges: low-price competition, unfamiliarity with the Mainland legal/regulatory regimes, and financing and customer credit risks. However, opportunities coexist alongside the challenges. The companies surveyed expressed that Hong Kong enterprises have considerable unique advantages in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) market, including Hong Kong's brand reputation and capacity to bring in high-quality foreign products. As such, Hong Kong companies are advised to make good use of their advantages and use the GBA as a springboard to further develop the huge domestic sales market in the Mainland, while diversifying the risks of relying on the international market.

Terence Chiu, Commissioner, HKECIC, said: "The HKECIC and the HKTDC have jointly conducted a research study for the first time as many parts of the world, including Hong Kong and the Mainland, see economic and trade activities gradually restarting. Given the uncertainty in overseas markets such as Europe and the United States, the domestic market in the Mainland can provide another option for Hong Kong companies, with the GBA being the ideal springboard. The HKECIC has always attached great importance to the Mainland market and began to underwrite buyers decades ago, and indeed the Mainland is now our biggest insured market after the United States. Riding on the development of the GBA, we will continue to support Hong Kong companies to seize the opportunities offered through the dual circulation strategy that can help them develop their business in the Mainland market."

Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said: "With a GDP of about US$1.96 trillion and GDP per capita of over US$22,500, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao (GBA) is clearly a bright spot for business growth amid challenging market conditions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical issues, interest rate hikes and inflation. The HKTDC has been strongly advocating the GBA, and our GoGBA digital platform has reached a viewership of more than 590,000 since its launch over a year ago, which demonstrates the business community's keen interest in the GBA opportunity. The HKTDC is very pleased to work with the HKECIC to conduct this research to further understand the pain points and needs of Hong Kong companies in developing the GBA market, and to collect opinions from and brainstorm with industry experts so as to make the GBA opportunity accessible by more Hong Kong companies."

In the third quarter of 2022, the HKTDC conducted a questionnaire survey on the "Greater Bay Area Domestic Market Development Strategy", surveying 413 Hong Kong companies that have either started developing domestic sales in the GBA or are planning to do so. Over 95% of the surveyed companies said they are facing various challenges, particularly those related to the pandemic such as disruptions in supply chain and production/sourcing activities as well as stringent border control measures. Besides, declining orders from overseas markets and spiralling costs have also dented business development.

Almost 70% of the respondents have sold directly to the Mainland buyers. Based on the weighted average amount, sales to the Mainland buyers account for 37.5% of the overall average annual sales of the respondents. Among them, over 90% have sold to Guangdong Province/the nine the Mainland GBA cities.

Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan are top three GBA cities in which Hong Kong companies have most interest

The Mainland GBA cities in which the companies surveyed are most interested in expanding into include Shenzhen (73.8%), Guangzhou (68.8%) and Dongguan (43.6%). Hong Kong companies mainly plan to sell products manufactured or sourced by them in the the Mainland as well as goods purchased from abroad to the GBA.

For sales channels, most of them sell to the Mainland importers/wholesalers (48.2%) and other business-to-business (B2B) channels. Almost 40% also sell directly to the Mainland consumers through websites or third-party platforms. Less than 14% of the surveyed enterprises have so far embarked on using e-commerce and internet applications to directly develop the GBA market. However, 65.1% would consider using these e-commerce applications to explore the Mainland market directly in the future.

Unfamiliarity with operation of the Mainland domestic market is biggest pain point for Hong Kong companies

Many survey respondents said they encounter various difficulties in expanding sales in the GBA, such as the Mainland market being flooded with cheap products (36.8%) and an unfamiliarity with the Mainland laws and regulations/product standards (35.8%). Some Hong Kong companies also mentioned issues relating to financing and customer credit (25.9%), including the lack of information on the credit background of the Mainland clients, capital shortage (23.5%), and the high risks of sales on credit (22.0%).

In addition, most Hong Kong companies would demand the buyer to make an advance payment (57.9%) or they would choose to bear the risks themselves (43.6%) in managing accounts receivable in the Mainland domestic sales. There are also a number of Hong Kong companies which buy credit insurance (14.0%) either directly in Hong Kong or through banks in Hong Kong.

To deal with the challenges involved, the companies surveyed said they need various support services, including promotion activities targeting the Mainland markets to identify buyers (33.2%) and marketing strategies for the GBA/Guangdong Province (31.5%). They also need support for a variety of financing and risk management services.

Hong Kong enterprises have unique advantages

In addition to the questionnaire survey, the HKTDC also conducted in-depth interviews with nine selected Hong Kong companies and industry representatives to better understand the views of the trade on how to bolster sales in the GBA.

Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: "Hong Kong companies should make more use of innovative technologies to map out e-commerce solutions and build integrated online/offline sales channels in regard to domestic sales in the Mainland, enhancing their production and operational efficiency to help them seize GBA opportunities in the post-pandemic era."

The companies surveyed believe that Hong Kong possesses various advantages in developing the GBA domestic market, including the good reputation enjoyed by Hong Kong brands or Hong Kong products on the Mainland (48.4%), and Hong Kong being good at bringing in quality and trendy products from overseas (43.3%).

The report also showed that products that are "Made in Hong Kong", "Made by Hong Kong" and "Designed by Hong Kong" are all well received in the Mainland market. As such, Hong Kong companies should formulate the right business strategy targeting the domestic market as part of their plan to develop the GBA market.

Domestic sales risk management is crucial

According to the report, enterprises engaging in domestic sales in the Mainland or exports are inevitably exposed to certain market and customer credit risks. As credit transparency in the Mainland is rather low, Hong Kong companies must take risk management seriously and seek professional services that can provide due diligence checks when necessary to find out about the business status and credit background of their clients. Apart from the option of avoiding sales on credit to clients, Hong Kong companies should also consider using such tools as credit insurance to strike a balance between market development and risk control.

References
– HKTDC Research Portal: http://research.hktdc.com/
– Hong Kong – the Business Platform to Capitalise on Greater Bay Area Opportunities in Post-pandemic Era: https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTIzNDA4NTczNw
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3h5tFJM

About HKECIC

HKECIC was established in 1966 under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance (Chapter 1115). Through the provision of export credit insurance services, HKECIC protects Hong Kong exporters who trade on credit terms with overseas buyers against non-payment risks and helps them conduct export business in a prudent manner. The HKSAR Government provides a guarantee of HK$55 billion for HKECIC's contingent liability.

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in The Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the the Mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries

HKECIC
Corporate Communication Division
Gina San
Tel: +852 2732 9998
Email: gina.san@hkecic.com

HKTDC
Corporate Communication & Marketing Department
Kate Chan
Tel: +852 2584 4239
Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Sri Trang introduces new Super Driver jobs for traditional natural rubber planters

BANGKOK, Dec 6, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Sri Trang Agro-Industry Plc. (SET: STA), the world's leading fully integrated natural rubber company, has opened registration for "Super Drivers" to create extra income for rubber planters from a secondary career as rubber transporters, building a rubber delivery network from plantations to factories in the Sri Trang Group. This will connect stakeholders in the rubber industry ecosystem, and drive the industry towards digitalization.

Mr. Veerasith Sinchareonkul, President & Executive Director of Sri Trang Agro-Industry (STA) explained that following the Company's launch of "Sri Trang Friends", the first App. to combine support services for farmers, trading partners, and related services across the digital platform, recently expanding with the new "Sri Trang Friends Station" App, which offers a rubber sales and trading platform, and allows interested natural rubber planters across the country to apply for membership, facilitating a more transparent and professional rubber trading business. This is a major development that will propel the Thai rubber industry towards digitalization, connecting networks of stakeholders across the natural rubber industry ecosystem in Thailand.

Most recently, the Sri Trang Group initiated the new "Super Driver" service, "heroes" to fellow farmers, providing rubber delivery services to Sri Trang rubber factories for fellow rubber planters who may be constrained by distance. The "Super Drivers" will pick up the rubber from plantation owners who require this service, then deliver the products to Sri Trang factories, thus alleviating the problems associated with approaching the factories and the delivery of rubber. Initially, the program is being launched as pilot projects in Loei and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, and will soon be introduced throughout the country.

The main differences that makes the "Super Driver" model special are the approach and the application process. The main target groups are the rubber planters, or those with families in the rubber plantation or rubber delivery business, with their own delivery trucks, who would like to earn extra income, and be ready to represent the senders and various types of natural rubber, such as fresh latex, cup lump rubber, raw rubber sheets and ribbed smoked rubber sheets from plantations in nearby vicinities, to be delivered to factories in the Sri Trang Group. The main purpose of "Super Driver" recruitment is to create an additional income stream for rubber planters and their relatives, along with helping rubber planters with direct access to the factories, as if having the factories right on the gates of their plantations. This is also in line with the Company's policy to conduct its businesses sustainably by caring for the stakeholders in all sectors.

There are no application fees for the applicants. Moreover, they will receive the following benefits: 1) The ready-for-use POS with the downloaded App., 2) A floor-stand weighing scale, and 3) A gift set for Super Drivers, etc. Income from the delivery of rubber to the factory plus the diligence bonus for each "Super Driver" is expected to amount to approximately 18,500 baht per month.

"Our big mission is to create an additional income stream for people in and around rubber plantations by their becoming Super Drivers so they can elevate their quality of life. In addition, the model will provide easy access and opportunities for plantations that are located far away, to access the factories more readily, while connecting all the people involved in the rubber industry ecosystem through the App. which has been specially developed by the Company. In the near future, the "Sri Trang Friends" and "Sri Trang Friends Station" Apps that support the two groups of users – rubber traders and the Super Drivers – will have some connected functions that are aimed at positive and sustainable development towards the "Sri Trang Friends Ecosystem", Mr. Veerasith concluded.

Released by Public Relations Dept., MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. for Sri Trang Agro-Industry Plc.
For additional information, please contact: Wasana 'Jeab" Wongsiri
T: +66 84 359 0659, +66 2 612 2081 ext.131; E: wasana.w@mtmultimedia.com

Sri Trang Agro-Industry Plc. https://www.sritranggroup.com/en/home
[SET: STA; STA-R; STA/F] [SGX: NC2; STA] [XTR: YTAA] [OTCPK: SRGPF]

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hospitality 360 Expands Hotel Management Portfolio

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Hospitality 360 Sdn Bhd (H360), a Malaysian hotel management and consulting company, is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts to expand their portfolio of hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments across Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Dato' Indera Naresh Mohan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality 360 Sdn Bhd; Ms. Teng Car Men, Executive Director of Jesselton Newcity Development Sdn Bhd and Mr. Matt Holmes, Vice President & Head of Development of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (South East Asia and Pacific Rim) [L-R]

As H360 and Wyndham memorialize their common objective to continue their commercial dealings and deepen their business relations, we are witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in their illustrious partnership. Under the terms of their partnership agreement, H360 will deliver at least 15 hotels signed as franchises under various Wyndham-owned brands over the course of the next six years.

To mark this illustrious partnership, there were several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements for H360 to manage, under various Wyndham brands, 4 hotels and luxury serviced apartments in Sabah.

The MoUs were signed between Wyndham and the developers of the hotel properties, namely, Jesselton Newcity Development Sdn. Bhd; and Sumbangan Aru KK Sdn. Bhd; for the properties that will in turn be managed as Wyndham Grand, Dolce by Wyndham, and Ramada by Wyndham brands. Construction of these hotels, totalling more than 2000 rooms will commence in phases starting in 2023 and is expected to complete by 2027.

In addition to the pipeline of current signings, H360 through the newly announced strategic partnership with Wyndham also has other hotel properties in the pipeline. They are namely our future flagship property, the Wyndham Grand TRX KL with more than 190 rooms, developed by Core Precious Development Sdn Bhd in which the construction is underway and due to complete by Q4 2023; and the newly built Ramada by Wyndham The Straits Johor Bahru with more than 190 rooms which will be operational by Q1 2023.

Furthermore, the under construction, 85 rooms luxury serviced apartment project Isola KLCC, developed by OCR Berhad, the 152 rooms Shahzan Kuantan in Pahang, the 204 rooms Trinidad Suites Puteri Harbour in Johor and three more properties namely the 88 rooms Lisbon Melaka, the 158 rooms Trigo Kuala Lumpur, and the 90 rooms Shahzan Frasers Hill are all expected to sign to Wyndham's Trademark Collection brand.

Looking ahead and through the various agreements, we target to achieve a portfolio of approximately 5000 rooms all over Malaysia by 2027.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality 360 Sdn Bhd, Dato' Indera Naresh Mohan said, "This is an exciting time for us as we expand our hotel management portfolio to more locations around the country. The properties we will manage are targeted at different segments of the market, from leisure travellers and families to business travellers. We are looking forward to working with Wyndham to ensure all our guests get a full and holistic experience in our managed properties."

Vice President of Development, South East Asia & Pacific for Wyndham, Matt Holmes said, "By signing this strategic agreement with Hospitality 360 Sdn. Bhd, we continue to grow our operational presence in Malaysia. This move will position Wyndham strongly to tap on the exponential rise in travel demand which has accelerated since early 2022 as borders reopen across key markets in Asia Pacific. Looking ahead towards the future, we are excited and happy to strengthen the partnership with Hospitality 360 in Malaysia and deliver our iconic 'Count on Me' service to our business and leisure guests."

Hospitality 360 Sdn Bhd: http://hospitality360.my/

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Palladium One Announces Increase in Brokered Private Placement Financing from C$3 million to C$4.2 million

TORONTO, ON, Dec 3, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (OTCQB: NKORF) (FSE: 7N11) (the "Company" or "Palladium One") is pleased to announce that it has increased the previously announced brokered private placement from $3 million to $4.2 million.

The Company will issue up to 21,000,000 units on a charity flow-through basis (the "Charity FT Units") at a price of $0.20 per Charity FT Unit (the "Charity FT Issue Price") for gross proceeds of up to $4,200,000 ("Offering"). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Charity FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Charity FT Warrant"), and each Charity FT Share and Charity FT Warrant will be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each Charity FT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one non flow-through Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance thereof. The Charity FT Units will be offered for sale to purchasers in all the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec) in reliance on the listed issuer financing exemption available in Part 5A.2 National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") and will not be subject to any statutory hold periods.

The Offering will be led by Echelon Capital Markets ("Echelon", the "Lead Agent") and along with Sprott Capital Partners LP and Research Capital Corporation (collectively "Agents"). As compensation, the Agents will be entitled to a cash fee in an amount equal to 6% of the gross proceeds from the Offering. In addition, the Agents will receive non-transferable warrants (the "Broker Warrants") exercisable at any time prior to the date that is 24 months from the Closing Date to acquire that number of units (each comprised of one common share and one-half of one warrant with an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of 36 months) which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Charity FT Units sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to $0.14.

In addition, the Company's non-brokered flow-through unit financing ("FT Units") to be issued at unit price ("FT Unit Price") remains unchanged.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.palladiumoneinc.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Units and Charity FT Units will be used to incur, on the Company's Canadian mineral exploration properties, Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and that will also qualify as "eligible Ontario exploration expenditures" within the meaning of subsection 103(4) of the Taxation Act, 2007 (Ontario) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). The Qualifying Expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2023 and will be renounced by the Corporation to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2022 to the initial purchasers of the FT Units and Charity FT Units in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Units and Charity FT Units. In the event that the Corporation is unable to renounce the FT Issue Price and Charity FT Issue Price on or prior to December 31, 2022 for each FT Unit and Charity FT Unit purchased and/or if the Qualifying Expenditures are reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Corporation will as sole recourse for such failure to renounce, indemnify each FT Unit and Charity FT Unit subscriber for the additional taxes payable by such subscriber to the extent permitted by the Income Tax Act (Canada) as a result of the Corporation's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures as agreed.

The Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering are expected to close on or about December 20, 2022, or such other date or dates as the Company and the Lead Underwriter may agree (the "Closing Date") and are subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Palladium One

Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) is focused on discovering environmentally and socially conscious Metals for Green Transportation. A Canadian mineral exploration and development company, Palladium One is targeting district scale, platinum-group-element (PGE)-copper-nickel deposits in Canada and Finland. The Lantinen Koillismaa (LK) Project in north-central Finland, is a PGE-copper-nickel project that has existing NI43-101 Mineral Resources, while both the Tyko and Canalask high-grade nickel-copper projects are located in Ontario and the Yukon, Canada, respectively. Follow Palladium One on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at www.palladiumoneinc.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Derrick Weyrauch"
President & CEO, Director

For further information contact:
Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO
Email: info@palladiumoneinc.com

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Palladium One Mining Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the timing and completion of the Offering, the satisfaction and timing of the receipt of required stock exchange‎approvals and other conditions to closing of the Offering and the intended use of the proceeds of the Offering. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in palladium and other commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and tax consequences to Canadian and U.S. Shareholders. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Business of IP Asia Forum sheds light on Global IP business opportunities

HONG KONG, Dec 2, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Intellectual property (IP) authorities and business leaders from across the world gathered to discuss trends, paradigm shifts and opportunities in the IP market at the two-day Business of IP Asia (BIP Asia) Forum, which concluded today. Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Design Centre, this leading annual IP event attracted more than 14,000 online and physical participants from over 40 countries and regions to share insights, network and explore business collaboration opportunities.

The 12th Business of IP Asia (BIP Asia) Forum came to a successful close today

Policy Dialogue – Aspiration to Action: Co-creating a Resilient and Sustainable IP Ecosystem

The HKTDC and Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost mutual cooperation on technology commercialisation

The physical-online hybrid BIP Asia Forum, themed "Creating New Value, Discovering New Frontiers", was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with physical sessions livestreamed. More than 70 seasoned industry leaders and well-established speakers outlined proposals to build a sustainable IP ecosystem and analysed the effective implementation of IP strategies for business expansion, while exploring the business potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through forums, plenary sessions, workshops and product showcases.

International IP experts share sustainable IP ecosystem insights

To cope with ever-changing global IP protection policies and thrive in a dynamic world amid technological breakthroughs, effective bilateral communication with market participants is of the utmost importance in the IP industry to establish its position and remain resilient through economic cycles. At the inaugural Policy Dialogue – Aspiration to Action: Co-creating a Resilient and Sustainable IP Ecosystem, a forum highlight, international IP experts exchanged valuable insights on enhancing the sustainability of the global IP ecosystem. Antony Taubman, Director of Intellectual Property Division at World Trade Organization (WTO) said: "We have witnessed a revolution in the way that intellectual property is traded and used to promote development and economic growth. Knowledge flow is also central to equitable development. The experience with COVID has shown that innovation and access to the fruits of innovation are essential and must be factored into all areas of policy and international trade. The Hong Kong government is right to position the city as a regional IP trading centre, and to provide the strategic, careful, integrated and systemic thinking required to make it work."

Summit focuses on re-industrialisation

The BIP Asia Forum's "Global Tech Summit" addressed the "Industrial Metaverse: Propelling Re-industrialisation in Hong Kong" topic. The HKSAR Government has actively promoted re-industrialisation to boost the city's sustainable economic growth. The summit brought together technology leaders and pioneers to analyse the transformation of the global manufacturing landscape and ways in which it could accelerate the revitalisation of Hong Kong's manufacturing sector. Having led artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in the Asia Pacific, Simon See, Senior Director and Chief Solution Architect; Global Head of NVIDIA AI Technology Center, NVIDIA Corporation, shared his views on metaverse and re-industrialisation.

Simon See said: "Many people believe that the metaverse is only for social purposes. However, it is indeed highly relevant to how industries operate. Digital twins, for example, can assist businesses in developing simulations and increasing efficiency. To build the metaverse, many IP and digital assets will need to be created, and no single company can do it all. The private sector, the education sector and communities are all needed to help build various components. That is why we need the ecosystem to grow as quickly as possible for the metaverse to become a reality."

Educating IP users and owners on diverse topics

The sessions on the first day covered a diverse IP-related topics. Inspo Talk: IP issues Revolving KOL/Influencer Marketing was an informative session for IP users who actively deploy personalities on social media for marketing purposes. On the same subject, legal experts shared crucial guidance at the IP Do's and Don'ts on Social Media session. A talk on the Introduction to the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks provided valuable information to innovators who seek to protect their creations.

Many firms are seeking to explore opportunities in the vibrant Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a fast-expanding trade bloc. On the second day of event, the Workshop on ASEAN Roadmap to Successful IP Commercialisation in a Knowledge-based Economy offered thoughts on how innovators could use inventions and expand in ASEAN. Another panel on business expansion brought together representatives from various fields, such as enterprises, research institutions, financial institutions and IP institutions, to exchange views on the latest technological achievements and IP financing within the GBA.

Education remains an indispensable part of the BIP Asia Forum. This year, collaborating with the Intellectual Property Department, the event continued to offer a wide range of training sessions for IP owners and users. Topics ranged from deployment of copyright and designs in the digital age to the application of patents and key concepts for IP trading. There were also sessions answering questions pertaining to legal issues arising from disputes over IP appropriation.

In the IPHatch Asia – Enabling Deep Tech Startups with IPs and Business Networks session, Jason Loh, Founder and CEO of Piece Future, analysed the role of IP and business networks in deep tech start-up development. Start-ups were invited to discuss the importance of IP in business development, share their entrepreneurial journey and offer advice on how to stand out amid the competition.

Co-organised by HKTDC and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) for the first time this year, the Innovation & IP Market included the Inno Showcase, Open Stage and Tech Consultation Salon. It brought together universities, R&D centres, start-ups, IP users and service providers to network and explore collaboration opportunities. Start-ups and SMEs also gained insights from various industry experts on trademark registration, IP and tech commercialisation, invention protection and capitalising patents.

The HKTDC and The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to boost mutual cooperation on technology commercialisation to develop and promote Hong Kong as a global innovation and technology (I&T) hub and regional IP trading center.

Business of IP Asia Forum website: https://bipasia.hktdc.com/en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3FlWDOE

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies:
Rachel Zhu, Tel: +852 6816 5846, Email: rachel.zhu@hkstrategies.com
Jade Sin, Tel: +852 5646 8944, Email: jade.sin@hkstrategies.com

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Entrepreneur Day and Start-up Express help innovators adapt to the post-pandemic era

HONG KONG, Dec 2, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Seeking a balance between the youthful enthusiasm of start-ups and steady performance of established firms has become a key issue for Hong Kong, as its entrepreneur ecosystem matures. The HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-day) and Start-up Express International, organised by The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), brought together industry leaders, experts, start-ups and participants to discuss the shift towards sustainable and inclusive growth within the international start-up universe and how start-ups can address the pressing challenges of the post-pandemic era. The three-day E-Day ran from 30 November to today and included the debut of the Start-up Express International entrepreneurship development programme.

Under the theme "Balance Beyond the Boom", the E-day attracted over 9,000 attendees and viewers from 44 countries and regions to the hybrid exhibition and seminars

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, E-day incorporated the 12th World SME Summit, co-organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business

Overseas start-ups from Mainland China, Germany and Korea discuss health tech trends with three Hong Kong Start-up Express winners

Under the theme "Balance Beyond the Boom", E-day and Start-up Express International offered physical and online seminars and exhibitions. More than 60 industry experts and renowned speakers analysed venture capital trends, offering insights on emerging industries and strategies for business expansion in a post-pandemic new normal through a series of forums, exhibitions, workshops and networking events. The event attracted over 9,000 attendees and viewers from 44 countries and regions to the hybrid exhibition and seminars.

HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang said: "E-day saw entrepreneurs from different sectors exchange their views on the various trends shaping the world of business. In particular, we are delighted that outstanding Hong Kong start-ups shone alongside their global peers at the pioneering Start-up Express International. The contest between local and international start-ups inspires enhanced business models and nurtures start-ups locally and globally. We believe E-day has served as an exceptional occasion to showcase Hong Kong's supportive infrastructure for the incubation of young businesses which will surely attract even more outstanding start-ups looking to expand operations in Hong Kong."

Fundraising in a competitive environment

Winning an investor's trust takes more than just a compelling pitch. Gaining trust has become even more challenging during the pandemic, where investors are cautious with fund deployment. On the first day of E-day, Eric Manlunas, Founder & Managing Partner of Wavemaker Partners, shared how venture capital firms had positioned themselves amid heightened volatility in the plenary session T-Chat – Global VC Investment: Rise or Fall. Mr Manlunas offered guidance on how early-stage businesses can convince investors of their potential and thrive, especially when venture capital investors are cautious about expanding portfolios.

Innovators transform entrepreneurship and economy

As non-fungible tokens (NFTs) transcend their initial role as assets and have evolved into a marketing tool, more entrepreneurs are considering NFTs as core business functions. The seminar "NFT: Eye Candy or Key to Gold?" debated whether NFTs are pure gimmicks or can expand business in a concrete way. Representatives discussed the tangible impact NFTs had on brand value and how they boosted business opportunities.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, E-day included the 12th World SME Summit, co-organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business. Under the theme "Achieving re-industrialisation through innovation in the new era", Herbert Chia, JP, Venture Partner of Sequoia Capital China, and Dr Denis Yip, CEO of ASTRI, discussed how small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs in Hong Kong could transform and re-industrialise via digitalisation and application of emerging technologies including 5G, IoT and metaverse.

The hot investment trend of sustainability has joined hands with innovation and entrepreneurship to promote a circular economy. The E-day gathered like-minded companies to explain creating sustainable supply chains, contributing to a more sustainable society. Melanie Kwok, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) of Sino Group, outlined the Group's experience in implementing sustainability strategies and how start-ups had helped the conglomerate achieve sustainability goals and created shared values. Ms Kwok said the Group was delighted to collaborate with two Hong Kong start-ups – archiREEF and Clearbot – to drive conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong, and looked forward to more projects on sustainability.

Fresh start-ups meet regional names

On the final day, technology start-ups described their successful growth into regionally known brand names. For instance, Jong Yoon Kim, CEO of Yanolja, a leading Korean travel-tech unicorn, explained how it managed to ride out the COVID-19 storm as well as its plans to equip itself for a new wave of growth as international borders re-open. Mr Kim pointed out that big-tech companies such as Amazon, Netflix and Google had come to dominate many global industries but such a player had yet to emerge in the travel sector, presenting an opportunity for Yanolja to potentially fill that void. He also shared the vision and strategy to transform Yanolja into the world's leading global travel platform.

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a short-term payment model that has grown in popularity among merchants and consumers, especially within the retail industry. In the afternoon, Trasy Lou Walsh, Regional Managing Director (SG, MY, HK, PH) of Atome, Asia's leading BNPL brand, described the model's landscape and its increasingly intense competitive environment as more credit card companies and banks joined the field to provide similar payment solutions to businesses.

Start-up Express International

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Start-up Express entrepreneurship development programme organised by HKTDC, Start-up Express International debuted on the second day of E-day, fostering discussions among innovative minds from all over the world across overseas start-ups and their local counterparts. The programme aims to encourage high-calibre foreign start-ups to set up in Hong Kong, and is supported by global partners from Belgium, Mainland China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

During Start-up Express International, 10 overseas winners shared the stage with eight Hong Kong Start-up Express laureates to discuss industry insights and their entrepreneurship journeys. The 10 global winners were selected by a panel of professional judges earlier. They are:

– inContAlert from Germany
– Contents.com from Italy
– Closer Inc. from Japan
– VegeSense; KnowCarbon; InxMed from Mainland China
– OTECH (Otsuka Technology) from Singapore
– AON from Korea
– MOBIQU from Turkey
– rThreat from the United States

A replay of the event, including highlights of the expo and forum, is available on-demand until 2 January 2023: https://eday.hktdc.com/conference/eday/en/programme

Websites
– HKTDC Entrepreneur Day: https://portal.hktdc.com/eday/en
– Start-up Express International: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/s/start-up-express-international
– Photo download: https://bit.ly/3FhlKCl

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies:
Joyce Kwong, Tel: +852 6842 5929, Email: joyce.kwong@hkstrategies.com
Nannerl Yau, Tel: +852 6846 7888, Email: nannerl.yau@hkstrategies.com

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Austral Gold Begins Drilling at Jaguelito in Argentina

SYDNEY, AU, Dec 2, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) ("Austral") is pleased to announce that it started its first drilling program on 30 November 2022 at the Jaguelito project located in the El Indio Belt, San Juan – Argentina, close to the Veladero mine and the Alturas project.

Figure 1

The drilling program is pursuant to the option agreement (the "Agreement") with Mexplort Perforaciones Mineras SA ("Mexplort") announced on 11 February 2022 whereby Austral may acquire a 50% interest in the Jaguelito project by performing the following work commitments within the next four years:

– US$2 million in exploration expenditures, including drilling a minimum of 5,000 meters on Jaguelito (the "First Stage") by 10 August 2024, two years after the Agreement was approved by the Instituto Provincial de Exploraciones y Explotaciones Mineras de la Provincia de San Juan IPEEM.

– US$2 million in exploration expenditures on Jaguelito within two years after completing the First Stage (the "Second Stage").

Austral Gold's Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva said: "As part of our strategic alliance with Mexplort, we are pleased to announce the start of our first phase of drilling at the Jaguelito project. Jaguelito is an advanced exploration project with a long history in the province of San Juan. Based on mineralisation of silver and gold intercepted in previous drilling campaigns, Jaguelito appears to have the same affected volcanic units that host a large zone of alteration having the same age as other large high sulphidation projects in the area."

DRILLING PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Austral plans to complete the First Stage of approximately 5,000m of diamond drilling (DDH) in 15 to 20 holes at Jaguelito Norte and Jaguelito Sur.

– At Jaguelito Norte, five drilling targets have been identified and in this stage at least three targets are expected to be tested with 3,500 meters of DDH drilling. The program intends to prioritise the Capote – Alcatraz sector under a new concept of gold ore control related to northwest direction and to drill the La Cuna maar-diatreme complex, which we recently identified as the main or major control of the hydrothermal system in the area. The third target corresponds to the satellite body of the Guanaco Breccia.

– At Jaguelito Sur, preliminary work has identified five structures related to phreatomagmatic activity that may control the alteration and possibly mineralisation in that sector. Progress is being made in the delineation process and our objective is to define drilling targets to be tested with 1,500 meters of drilling.

Casposo-Manantiales Project located in the province of San Juan, Argentina

We are finalising our second drilling campaign in 2022 as announced on 19 September 2022 and anticipate receiving and announcing assay results soon.

About the Jaguelito Project

The Jaguelito project is an advanced exploration stage project located in located in one of the main districts of precious metals worldwide; the El Indio – Pascua Lama district in the Province of San Juan, Argentina. Its deposits, of the high sulfidation epithermal type of Miocene age, include mines in production, construction and exploration.

The Jaguelito project covers an area of 11,000 approximately hectares, and over 150 holes (~30,000m) were drilled by previous owners (Minera Penoles, Minera IRL) between 1996 and 2009. It is located approximately 225 kilometers northwest of the city of San Juan in Valle del Cura, Iglesias Department, San Juan Province, Argentina. Its central coordinates are 29 46' 20" West Latitude, 69 38' 15 South Longitude and a variable altitude between 3,600 and 4,300 meters above sea level. Jaguelito is a high sulfidation epithermal deposit related to a Miocene volcanism hosted in basement of Permo-Triassic age. Its mineralisation is related to a hydrothermal system controlled by northeast-southwest oriented faults and hosted in porous-permeable volcaniclastic units. These rocks allowed the circulation of precursor acidic hydrothermal fluids that strongly altered the rocks through which they circulated, generating a secondary porosity or vuggy silica, in the alteration cores. The high porosity product of the alteration served as a conduit for the posthumous hydrothermal fluids responsible for the mineralization of gold and silver.

About Austral Gold Limited

Austral Gold Limited is a gold and silver explorer and mining producer whose strategy is to expand the life of its cash generating assets in Chile, restart its Casposo-Manantiales mine complex in Argentina and build a portfolio of quality assets in Chile, the USA and Argentina organically through exploration and via acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Austral owns a 100% interest in the Guanaco/Amancaya mines in Chile and the Casposo-Manantiales mine complex (currently on care and maintenance) in Argentina, a non-controlling interest in the Rawhide Mine in Nevada, USA and a non-controlling interest in Ensign Gold which holds the Mercur project in Utah, USA.

In addition, Austral owns an attractive portfolio of exploration projects in the Paleocene Belt in Chile (including those acquired in the 2021 acquisition of Revelo Resources Corp), a noncontrolling interest in Pampa Metals and a 51% interest in the Sierra Blanca project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Austral Gold Limited is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: AGLD) and the Australian Securities Exchange. (ASX: AGD). For more information, please consult Austral's website at www.australgold.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Release approved by the Chief Executive Officer of Austral Gold, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information please contact:

Jose Bordogna
Chief Financial Officer
Austral Gold Limited
Jose.bordogna@australgold.com
+61 466 892 307

Ben Jarvis
Director
Austral Gold Limited
info@australgold.com
+61 413 150 448

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections – statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include Austral's plans to complete the First Stage of approximately 5,000m of diamond drilling (DDH) in 15 to 20 holes at Jaguelito Norte and Jaguelito Sur and that we are finalising our second drilling campaign in 2022 at the Casposo-Manantiales Project the as announced on 19 September 2022 and anticipate receiving and announcing assay results soon.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, business integration risks; uncertainty of production, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets especially in light of the effects of the novel coronavirus,, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates, Austral's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and management, potential labour unrest, reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties; unpredictable risks and hazards related to the development and operation of a mine or mineral property that are beyond the Company's control, the availability of capital to fund all of the Company's projects, and other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on the ASX and on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

The 23rd Hong Kong Forum gathered 100 global business leaders from Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide to explore the latest opportunities in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Dec 1, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the 23rd Hong Kong Forum once again welcomed in-person participation, while the event was also livestreamed to engage the wider global community. The Forum, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), serves as the annual flagship event of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW).

From third left: HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter KN Lam, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee; FHKBAW Chairman Hans Poulis and HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong

In her opening remarks, Margaret Fong said businesses the world over will pay close attention to Mainland China, including the GBA, and RCEP markets in the years ahead to reap its benefits. And that is the focus of this year's Hong Kong Forum.

In a plenary session chaired by Stacey Chow, Director and Asia-Pacific Regional Lead for Business and Society at the Brunswick Group, business leaders discussed how overseas companies can seize RCEP and GBA opportunities through Hong Kong.

The two-day event, which concluded yesterday, welcomed more than 180 participants, including 100 global business leaders, in-person. At the same time, over 700 business representatives from 35 countries and regions, including Canada, Europe, Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United States and more, participated online.

Hong Kong continues to capitalise on its advantages and strengthen its global business connections

Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Businesses the world over will pay close attention to the Mainland China, including the GBA, and RCEP markets in the years ahead to reap its benefits. And that is the focus of this year's Hong Kong Forum. With the theme "Gear Up for Worldwide Business Opportunities", the event will delve into the arising opportunities and outlook of the Mainland China, GBA and RCEP markets to equip you with the latest insights and help you make the right business decisions."

In his keynote address, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, mentioned that "One country, two systems" ensures the continuation of our compelling advantages, from the rule of law and judicial independence, to the free flow of capital, our free trade and investment regime, simple and low tax system, favourable business environment, sophisticated logistics and communications infrastructure and more. These distinctive strengths have long attracted global business and investment. Together, we have built one of the world's most competitive and open economies.

In his opening remarks, Hans Poulis, chairman of the FHKBAW, said: "Hong Kong is an ideal gateway to Mainland China, especially the Greater Bay Area, a strong economic powerhouse with a market of more than 86 million people, which is equivalent to a large global economy, where the population has high spending power. The Hong Kong Forum this year again, has invited renowned industry experts and successful entrepreneurs to share their leadership insights and versatile experience. Besides, we also arranged the local visits and cultural tours that will enable participants to understand the latest development in Hong Kong from cultural, historical and infrastructural perspectives."

Business leaders dissect RCEP and GBA opportunities

As an international innovation and business hub, Hong Kong serves as an important conduit connecting the GBA and RCEP economies with the rest of the world. Stacey Chow, Director and Asia-Pacific Regional Lead for Business and Society at the Brunswick Group, presided over a plenary session attended by business leaders, including Dee Poon, President, Brands and Distribution, Esquel Group; Bertrand Chen, CEO, Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN); Sonia Cheng, CEO, Rosewood Hotel Group and Vice-chairman, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; and Tracy Wong Harris, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance for Asia at Standard Chartered Bank.

These esteemed business leaders discussed post-pandemic business opportunities in Asia driven by the RCEP and GBA, and shed light on how Hong Kong can help overseas companies seize market opportunities in sustainable development.

Examining Mainland China's economic outlook

The Forum also focused on the Mainland economic outlook. Chang Ka Mun, Senior Advisor at Fung Business Intelligence, and Managing Director at Li & Fung Development (China) Limited; Adam Kwok, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited; and Peter Mok, Head of the Greater Bay Area at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), partook in a discussion alongside panel chair Irina Fan, HKTDC's Director of Research, to discuss the broader economic outlook, new growth areas and longer-term challenges facing Mainland China.

Keeping abreast of Hong Kong's latest cultural, aviation and I&T developments

In addition to the Forum, FHKBAW's overseas member associates visited the West Kowloon Cultural District, the M+ museum, Hong Kong International Airport and HKSTP. The on-site visits enabled them to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's most recent developments – such as the HKSAR's role as a hub for arts and cultural exchange, international aviation, and innovation and technology.

Hong Kong in the eyes of global business leaders

Dennis Chiu, Chairman of Hong Kong Singapore Business Association said: "I find Hong Kong after COVID-19 has become more resilient, it is very determined to make things work. I have heard a lot of misperceptions about HK and would highly recommend those people to make a trip to HK personally, to see in their own eyes the robust development in the West Kowloon Cultural Districts, The Hong Kong International Airport, The Science & Technology Park, etc., Hong Kong has metamorphosised out from the pandemic impact, and has grown stronger and become more impactful to international business communities."

Mark Staublin, President of Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest mentioned "This is my first visit to Hong Kong after two years. I haven't lost confidence in Hong Kong despite the negative media news I have read. This visit is proven to be worthwhile. Hong Kong has equipped itself to grow stronger and more resilient. This is still the preferred city for businesses, network, entertainment and culture. I will encourage my US teams and friends to book the next flight ticket to Hong Kong soon."

Global business association representatives tell a positive Hong Kong story

The Hong Kong Forum is the annual flagship event of the FHKBAW. The Federation, founded in 2000, comprises a network of 47 business associations with about 11,000 business executives and professionals from 36 countries and regions as its members

Forum website: https://hkforum.hktdc.com/conference/hkforum/en
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3OODUP0

About FHKBAW

The Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide is a unique network of 47 Hong Kong Business Associations in 36 countries and regions with about 11,000 individual associates. These Hong Kong Business Associations were started by overseas traders, buyers and professionals, who have strong business links to Hong Kong in their respective countries, for the purpose of networking and exchanging of business information and ideas. Each of these Associations has their own individual members who are top business people and SMEs in their home country. They are Hong Kong's closest allies and partners in the world market. With the help of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), these Associations formed the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide in November 2000. The Federation aims to achieve synergy among the global network of Hong Kong Business Associations. It provides an effective base for member associations to network and exchange information, thereby, generating business opportunities. Website: https://www.hkfederation.org.hk/about

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:
Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Palladium One Announces C$4.0 million Private Placement Financing

TORONTO, ON, Dec 1, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (OTCQB: NKORF) (FSE: 7N11) (the "Company" or "Palladium One") is pleased to announce a brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 units of the Company issued on a charity flow-through basis (the "Charity FT Units") at a price of $0.20 per Charity FT Unit (the "Charity FT Issue Price") for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 ("Offering"). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "Charity FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Charity FT Warrant") each to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each Charity FT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one non flow-through Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance thereof. The Charity FT Units will be offered for sale to purchasers in all the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec) in reliance on the listed issuer financing exemption available in Part 5A National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") and will not be subject to any statutory hold periods.

In connection with the Offering, the Company has entered into an agreement with Echelon Capital Markets ("Echelon"), on its own behalf and, if applicable, on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively the "Agents"). As compensation, the Agents will be entitled to a cash fee in an amount equal to 6% of the gross proceeds from the Offering. In addition, the Agents will receive non-transferable warrants (the "Broker Warrants") exercisable at any time prior to the date that is 24 months from the Closing Date to acquire that number of Common Shares which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Charity FT Units sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to $0.14. In addition, the Company shall grant the Agents an over-allotment option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing date of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional number of Charity FT Units as is equal to 15% of the number of the Charity FT Units issued under the Offering, on the same terms as set forth above, to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

In addition, the Company will issue up to 6,666,667 units of the Company on a flow-through basis (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.15 per FT Unit (the "FT Issue Price") for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 issued on a non-brokered basis ("Non-Brokered Offering"). Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "FT Warrant") each to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase Warrant Share at an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof. All securities issued or issuable under the Non-Brokered Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period lasting four months and one day following the closing of the Non-Brokered Offering.

No fees will be paid in connection with the Non-Brokered Offering.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.palladiumoneinc.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Units and Charity FT Units will be used to incur, on the Company's Canadian mineral exploration properties, Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and that will also qualify as "eligible Ontario exploration expenditures" within the meaning of subsection 103(4) of the Taxation Act, 2007 (Ontario) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). The Qualifying Expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2023 and will be renounced by the Corporation to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2022 to the initial purchasers of the FT Units and Charity FT Units in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Units and Charity FT Units. In the event that the Corporation is unable to renounce the FT Issue Price and Charity FT Issue Price on or prior to December 31, 2022 for each FT Unit and Charity FT Unit purchased and/or if the Qualifying Expenditures are reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Corporation will as sole recourse for such failure to renounce, indemnify each FT Unit and Charity FT Unit subscriber for the additional taxes payable by such subscriber to the extent permitted by the Income Tax Act (Canada) as a result of the Corporation's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures as agreed.

The Offering and the Non-Brokered Offering are expected to close on or about December 20, 2022 or such other date or dates as the Company and the Lead Underwriter may agree (the "Closing Date") and are subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Palladium One

Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) is focused on discovering environmentally and socially conscious Metals for Green Transportation. A Canadian mineral exploration and development company, Palladium One is targeting district scale, platinum-group-element (PGE)-copper-nickel deposits in Canada and Finland. The Lantinen Koillismaa (LK) Project in north-central Finland, is a PGE-copper-nickel project that has existing NI43-101 Mineral Resources, while both the Tyko and Canalask high-grade nickel-copper projects are located in Ontario and the Yukon, Canada, respectively. Follow Palladium One on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at www.palladiumoneinc.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Derrick Weyrauch"
President & CEO, Director

For further information contact:
Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO
Email: info@palladiumoneinc.com

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Palladium One Mining Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the timing ‎and ‎completion of the Offering, the satisfaction and timing of the receipt of required stock ‎exchange ‎approvals and other conditions to closing of the Offering and the intended use of the ‎ proceeds of the ‎ Offering. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in palladium and other commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and tax consequences to Canadian and U.S. Shareholders. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

12th HKTDC Business of IP Asia Forum opens today

HONG KONG, Dec 1, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong Design Centre, the 12th Business of IP Asia Forum kicked off today. The first day took place in person at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with livestreaming available, while the second day will be entirely virtual. Themed "Creating New Value, Discovering New Frontiers", the two-day forum brings together more than 70 global intellectual property (IP) experts and business leaders to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the Asian IP market.

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, delivering opening remarks

Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Daren Tang, Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)(center), shared his insights in the Policy Dialogue "Aspiration to Action: Co-creating a Resilient and Sustainable IP Ecosystem".

John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region spoke at the forum's opening ceremony this morning, along with Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC; Shen Changyu, Commissioner at the China National Intellectual Property Administration; and Daren Tang, Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

In her welcome, HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong remarked: "In the past 12 years, our Forum has become a leading platform for IP professionals and business leaders from around the world to exchange insights, make connections and explore opportunities. It also underpins Hong Kong's status as a regional IP trading hub. With its strong IP protection regime, efficient IP commercialisation, deep and liquid capital market and sound judicial system, Hong Kong is uniquely placed to foster a vigorous IP ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area, the rest of Mainland China and Asia at large."

Addressing participants at the opening session, John Lee said: "Our country's National 14th Five-year Plan firmly supports Hong Kong's rise as a regional IP trading centre. It's one of the eight important sectors to drive our future development, and to lead the way in – for China and for the Asian region as a whole. To strengthen IP rights' protection, the Hong Kong SAR Government will work to implement the international trade mark registration system. We'll also update our copyright regime to boost digital copyright protection."

In his opening address, Shen Changyu, added: "The China National Intellectual Property Administration supports the development of the intellectual property business in Hong Kong and the whole Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). We will help Hong Kong develop its patent system, streamlining patent examination, staff training and information-system development. Hong Kong is expected to rapidly develop into a regional intellectual-property trading centre. This will provide an optimised business environment for industry players, actively integrating the city into the nation's development and contributing to a robust IP industry."

Discussions on the first day began with the Policy, with welcome remarks delivered by Algernon Yau, JP, HKSAR Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development; IP experts Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO; Anthony Taubman, Director of the Intellectual Property Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO); Rowel S. Barba, Chairman of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation; Kyo-sook Choi, Chair of Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and Antonio Campinos, President of the European Patent Office exchanged views on how to coordinate global efforts to build a sustainable IP ecosystem.

Daren Tang said: "Intangible assets will play a growing role in the economic growth of Mainland China, Hong Kong and the world. We anticipate that an increasing number of Hong Kong-listed companies will derive the majority of their value from intangible assets. In addition, intangible asset finance is rising on policy agendas as governments and businesses use intellectual property as a financial asset. As growth and trade in intangible assets surge around the world, creating new patterns of commerce and exchange, they will open up a wealth of opportunities for Hong Kong. The city and the Greater Bay Area are well-positioned to be key centres of an increasingly intangible asset-driven global economy."

The sessions on the first day covered a myriad of IP-related topics. The plenary session shed light on the effective implementation of IP strategies for business expansion. Another session, the Global Tech Summit, focused on the industrial metaverse with leaders from various industries sharing their insights on the ways in which technology can propel reindustrialisation in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, other trending topics discussed included Patent Application Grant (PAG), dispute resolution mechanisms over domain names, precautions that need to be taken to protect online media IP, regulation frameworks and the metaverse ecosystem, and business collaboration efforts with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). Co-organised by the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (Guangdong Intellectual Property Administration), the GBA IP Development and Market Update session introduced new opportunities for technological innovation and IP in order to encourage more overseas enterprises to tap into the China market.

IPHatch Asia was hosted by Jason Loh, Founder and CEO of Piece Future. In his opening speech, Jason Loh analysed the role of IP and business networks in helping deep tech startups to jumpstart and scale up. He also shared the strategic reasons for hosting IPHatch Asia edition in Hong Kong, showing great confidence in the vibrant Hong Kong's startup ecosystem. The session invited past winners to discuss the importance of IP in their business development, share their entrepreneurial journey and give tips for staying ahead of the industry competition.

HKTDC and The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Forum, pledging deeper cooperation on technology commercialization.

Innovation & IP Market: Smart Manufacturing and Building

For the first time at the Forum, the HKTDC co-organised the Innovation & IP Market with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to enhance IP commercialisation and facilitate industry exchange. The event brought together universities, R&D centres, start-ups, IP users and service providers to network and explore collaboration opportunities. The Inno Showcase provided a platform for IP owners to display their innovations. At the Open Stage, IP owners promoted their latest innovations and research results, while business advice was offered at the Tech Consultation Salon.

Meanwhile, an action-packed agenda on day two will see legal representatives, industry leaders from the cultural and creative industries, and IP experts from Hong Kong and the GBA explore the opportunities in the GBA and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and share how IP can protect and promote cultural and creative arts development. In addition, participants can take part in a series of IP training courses co-organised by the HKTDC and HKSAR Intellectual Property Department, which will introduce basic concepts of various IP types. These training courses will be a learning opportunity for anyone seeking to understand how they can protect and manage their intellectual property in the digital age.

Also on the second day, the HKTDC, ASEAN Secretariat and HKSAR Intellectual Property Department will organise an online workshop on IP commercialisation in ASEAN. The workshop will bring together representatives from legal departments, research & development (R&D) institutions and enterprises from Hong Kong and ASEAN member states to share their collective experience in the financial and legal systems to facilitate IP commercialisation and technology transfer in a knowledge-based economy.

Business of IP Asia Forum website: https://bipasia.hktdc.com/en/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Vo1Z1t

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries
Please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies:
Rachel Zhu, Tel: +852 6816 5846, Email: rachel.zhu@hkstrategies.com
Jade Sin, Tel: +852 5646 8944, Email: jade.sin@hkstrategies.com

HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Clayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com