Opening of the Business of Design Week Forum
Speech by the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade, Frank Heemskerk, at the opening of the Business of Design Week Forum, 11 December 2008, Hong Kong
Your Excellency Mr Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr Victor Lo Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre, Mr Fred Lam, Executive director of the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, Consul-general Mr Robert Schuddeboom,
Ladies and gentlemen,
What better location than Hong Kong to host this seventh Business of Design Week? What better city than vibrant, energetic Hong Kong for a speech about creativity in business?
You just saw a short clip about the creative and innovative power of the Netherlands. I am mightily proud that the Netherlands is the partner country of this year's Business of Design Week. I know I also speak for the almost 300 Dutch designers who are here with me today when I say it's a thrilling experience. Should we be talking about creativity and beauty, about design and innovation, while the global financial markets are in such turmoil? Can we afford such luxuries right now? I would say yes: now more than ever! Design is not just about good-looking products. It's also about creating strong brands, innovative products and better solutions.
Investing in creativity and new ideas is essential if companies and countries want to ensure a sustainable position on the global market. Why? Because more and more companies now offer similar products and services. More and more countries now compete with each other in the same areas of business. [As the Indian born Colombia University professor Jagdish Bhagwati says: companies and countries can have comparative advantages that are man made. But if they do not address those advantages all the time, they loose them and will not profit from globalization anymore.] So successful products need to be different. Successful countries need to be different. And innovative design can make that difference.
That's where Dutch designers come in. Dutch design has earned a strong reputation worldwide. It is innovative and daring. It takes surprising forms and uses new materials, but is also known for its user-friendliness and sustainability. Dutch designers are quick to incorporate new technologies and new ideas into their creations. They are open to foreign influences. And they know how to work with clients.
In short, what distinguishes Dutch designers is their open minds. Which is why Dutch designers and creative companies add value to so many different businesses. Why their designs fit seamlessly with so many different cultures and brands. Why they are popular with multinationals all over the world. And why Open Minds is the theme of our presentation and partnership here at the BoDW. Just take a look around and you'll find proof. Right here in Hong Kong, China and Asia!
Over two million Chinese play video games created by the Spil Group, a Dutch gaming company. Next year thousands of people will climb the 450 metre-high Guangzhou TV tower, designed by the Dutch firm Information Based Architecture. Have you ever worn G-Star Raw jeans? It's a Dutch brand.
I could go on. Dick Bruna's famous Miffy, for example. Or Puma footwear design by Alexander van Slobbe. And of course, the building that broadcast images from this year's Olympic Games all over the world: Beijing's spectacular CCTV building designed by Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture.
I see endless opportunities for the Dutch creative industry in Hong Kong and China. We can help strengthen China's position in the global market. 'Made in China' is already a strong brand. We can help turn it into a killer brand!
We do not simply impose our solutions; we adapt them to our partners' needs. We do business not for you, or to you, but with you!
Take the Dutch Studio Dumbar, which set up a joint venture with Chinese advertising agency Junction. What are they best known for? They created the logo of the 2008 Beijing Olympics!
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have come to Hong Kong with an open mind. So we are hoping for a successful exchange of ideas at this year's Business of Design Week. I am confident that this will be the start of many new and fruitful partnerships between Dutch and Chinese designers and entrepreneurs.
Be it here in China or back home in Europe, we will greet you with an open mind, an open heart and open arms!
Thank you.