Executive Councillor Leung Chun-ying (3rd right) officiates during a forum on the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up yesterday. Edmond Tang

Hong Kong entrepreneurs still have an important role to play in the mainland's reform and opening-up but they face increasingly challenging conditions.

Speaking at a forum on the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up yesterday, Hong Kong entrepreneurs who participated in the country's early reform said early ventures were tough and challenging but their hard work paid off - regardless of whether their focus was personal gain or improving the nation.

Annie Ng, an entrepreneur who developed an in-flight catering business in 1979, said investing on the mainland was considered risky three decades ago. Ng said she developed patriotic feelings towards the country when she was eight and the feeling was strengthened while studying in the United Kingdom.

When China began opening and reforming, she saw an opportunity to contribute and decided to develop her business on the mainland.

Her company invested HK$5 million to buy equipment before obtaining official approval. The company started production in May 1979.

"My investment would have been lost if the document was not approved," she said. "It was a daring move at the time."

But Ng is thrilled that her company has provided job opportunities to more than 1,000 people over the years.

Peter Pun, the former head of the planning department, risked his career when he decided to go north because contact with the mainland was considered sensitive.

"There was even a clause in the document approving my visit to the mainland that prohibited me from having contact with any mainland official," he said.

The two believe Hong Kong people can still contribute to the country's development, especially in management and legal aspects.

They said irregularities in mainland systems are still common and Hong Kong can help with regulatory frameworks and enforcement.

But Hong Kong people will face greater challenges as mainlanders are catching up fast.

Pun said he found the role of Hongkongers narrowed when he went to help after the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in May.

An overseas consultancy company was also invited to participate in the rebuilding and Pun could only help with translation.

(HK Edition 12/09/2008 page1)