Hong Kong businessmen in Beijing
(cctv)

Ten years after Hong Kong's return to China, business, stocks and confidence are up. With concerted efforts made by the government of the Hong Kong SAR and, members from all corners of society, the region has met with a range of challenges, making remarkable progress. Zhou Jintai, a thirty-six-year-old, is one of the beneficiaries of the hand-over.

Zhou Jingtai opened a South Korean restaurant in one of the oldest and the best preserved "Hutongs" in Beijing. He came to Beijing two years ago. By chance, he was brought here to NanLuoGuXiang by a friend. He was attracted by the unique cultural atmosphere of the oldest "Hutong". He liked it so much, he decided to set up his business here.

Zhou Jingtai said, "I saw that the Hutong view is absolutely fantastic, with a very strong Chinese character. It is rather unique."

It's the first time Zhou has ever run a restaurant. For him, it's a very interesting and exciting venture. However, Zhou's parents, especially his father once weren't totally supportive of his decision at the beginning, because his father is a typical business man of the older generation. He worried his son would encounter problems with the government and administration or local people.

Zhou Jingtai said, "There were a lot of misunderstanding before, but I think through time and through good efforts, on the social level or on the political level, I think we can understand each other and we can become one."

After a year of operation, Zhou's business is on the right track. Zhou said as soon as business is steady, he would like to open another restaurant in Beijing.

Zhou Jingtai said, "Thanks to the CEPA agreements, they gave us lot of liberty to do business here, and now I can do it totally individually by myself, not needing a local partner. Without your hard work, this restaurant probably won't exist. Happy anniversary."

Zhou is just one of many Hong Kong business people, who are actively seeking opportunities on the Chinese mainland. With its vast market, abundant labor and an emerging middle-class, the mainland is becoming increasingly attractive for entrepreneurs from Hong Kong. And their presence is contributing to the dynamic economic development on mainland.