Overview
|
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Gross Value of Construction Work |
20,708 |
21,743 |
22,830 |
|
Consulting fee involved (approx. 1%) |
207 |
217 |
228 |
|
Market share for HK and overseas firms (est. 70%) |
145 |
152 |
160 |
|
Market share for US firms (est. 30%) |
62 |
65 |
68 |
All figures are in US$ millions. These are unofficial estimates.
Best Prospects/Services
There is a shortage of landscape architects in Hong Kong. Only a few, sizable firms specialize in landscape architectural services. Hong Kong’s landscape architects are trained mostly in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Some are trained in Canada and a few in the United States. The University of Hong Kong only started offering landscaping courses several years ago, with 24 students graduating every two years. Landscape architects trained in Commonwealth countries qualify automatically for local license requirements while those who train elsewhere must undergo assessment by the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects. All landscape architects must register with the Landscape Registration Board. It is estimated that the private sector and the Hong Kong Government (HKILA) each employ half of the 200 landscape architects in Hong Kong.
Opportunities
Landscape architects are in short supply at a time when there is a focus by the Hong Kong Government (HKG) to “green” the environment and to increase the number of infrastructure projects, especially tourism-related projects. The Hong Kong Government’s Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance requires landscape impact studies for infrastructure projects, so landscape architecture services are in demand.
Although some designs are done in-house, the Government hires private consultants to provide landscape design services, particularly for large projects. It is also common for the Government to hire a lead architect who will then sub-contract the landscaping portion. U.S. landscape architecture firms can team up with local architects to provide conceptual design.
Private developers are putting more emphasis on landscaping to enhance the value of their properties in Hong Kong. Most of these developers invest heavily in hotel, residential and shopping mall projects in Mainland China, where land is more abundant and the demand for landscape architectural services is huge.
The 2002 liberalization of Macau’s gaming industry has led to massive investment. Ultimately, the investment of the gaming concessionaires will amount to USD14 billion over the next few years. The construction of theme parks, casinos, a convention center and hotels will increase the demand for U.S. landscape as well as architectural expertise.
Macau has remarkably poor tourist infrastructure. Millions of visitors take the high-speed ferries from Hong Kong each year to visit Macau. There are some improvements in the works, but are several years away. These include a light rail system, an airport expansion, and a cross-harbor tunnel between the Macau peninsula and the Cotai Strip. Across the border from Macau in Hangqing Island of China, many U.S. companies are planning to build resorts, hotel and theme parks as well. The need for land planning, landscape, architecture and construction services as well as demand for construction materials will increase.
Resources
Major Trade Shows:
Hong Kong International Building and Decoration Materials & Hardware Fair 2008 (Oct 28 - 31, 2008): http://www.hkbdh.com/
Associations and Related Organizations:
Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects
Tel: (852) 2131-8630
Fax: (852) 2131-8609
Address: P.O. Box 20561
Hennessy Road Post Office
Wanchai
Hong Kong
Website: http://www.hkila.com
Email: hkilonline@gmail.com
For more information about this industry sector, please contact U.S. Commercial Service:
Elanna Tam, Commercial Specialist
Email: elanna.tam@mail.doc.gov
Tel: (852) 2521-5950; Fax: (852) 2845-9800