Hunan emerges as central China’s new magnet for Hong Kong-based foreign businesses

HONG KONG — For foreign diplomatic and business circles based in Hong Kong, central China’s Hunan province was long defined mainly by its natural scenery. Few were familiar with the province’s industrial strength and urban development. That perception is rapidly changing. Booming advanced manufacturing, technological innovation and vibrant local life have emerged as Hunan’s new hallmarks. Leveraging Hong Kong’s global platform, the inland province is expanding its international presence across industries and tourism. A delegation of foreign consular officials, multinational executives and chamber of commerce leaders recently completed a field visit to Hunan. Organized by the Commissioner’s Office of China’s…