Past Events

Professor Christine Loh posed some thought-provoking questions at the Chamber’s “CEO 123 Tell Me More” talk on 10 April. She pointed out that Hong Kong has gone through some remarkable chapters in its history, and we all can relate to a specific date or event which is etched on our memories and hearts. For her, it was the riots and bombs in Central from the cultural revolution post World War II.

From such chaos, Hong Kong rose into Asia’s leading Tiger, demolished squatter huts and built public housing to provide homes for 45% of the population. And from reunification and closer integration with the GBA, Hong Kong’s growth and development has been relentless.  While critics may try to argue that Covid saw our population shrink and represented the start of the end of Hong Kong, as a transient city, there have always been ebbs and flows in tides of people living in global cities. Today, at 7.5 million, our population continues to notch new highs. For the coming chapters in our history, we are moments in time shaping our future. We definitely have many strengths, but also we must acknowledge our weaknesses to address these threats and reinforce our advantages.

Our next thought-provoking talk will be with Professor KC Chan, Chairman of WeLab Bank, on 8 May, when he will explore Hong Kong’s future as a global financial hub, and our role in the Mainland, ASEAN and the world. Please sign up today to secure your seat here 

Podcast

Why do business and invest in Spain and Portugal? Besides being among the world leaders in tech, innovation, talent, tourism and gastronomy, their economies are also among the strongest performers in Europe. To explain in more detail what Hong Kong companies should be looking at in these two countries, Miguel Aguirre de Cárcer, Consul General of Spain, and Alexandre Leitão, Consul General of Portugal in Macao, provided a fascinating update at our country briefing on 9 April.

As the world’s second-most visited country after France, Spain received 85 million visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-Covid numbers. It is also cultivating a strong manpower pool as it is a magnet for talent from around the world.

Neighboring Portugal prides itself on its secure and safe business environment. Leitão also highlighted Portugal’s blue economy, its strategic location and innovative DNA, characterized by its citizens’ innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Alfonso Ballestero, Chairman of HKGCC’s Europe Committee, also spoke at the event about the Chamber’s mission to these two countries in late May. Any member interested in learning more about the mission can find more details here.