As a super-connector between the East and West, Hong Kong has always benefited from its position as a strategic springboard for economic and cultural exchange. With the Government continuing to expand Hong Kong’s trade and financial services network, the Chamber is also extending its reach to overseas and Mainland markets, building on existing relationships and forging new ones. 

The Middle East is an oasis of vast potential. A growing number of countries in the region are working to diversify their economies and explore green and sustainable initiatives for long-term development. Such reforms present new opportunities for Hong Kong companies across a wide range of industries.

Last year, the HKSAR Government led a successful mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where 13 Memoranda of Understanding or Letters of Intent were inked across a range of fields, from innovation technology to energy. These included an agreement signed by Chamber Chairman Betty Yuen and the Riyadh Chamber. 

To further bridge the knowledge gap on both sides, the Chamber is leading a mission to Bahrain and the UAE later this month. Our delegation will connect with government officials, visit culturally significant sites, and meet representatives of local business chambers and companies, opening up two-way paths in trade and investment as well as sectors such as real estate and tourism.

Hong Kong has long enjoyed multilateral exchanges with the European Union, which is our second largest trading partner after the Mainland. The Chamber will undertake a mission to Spain and Portugal in May to help our members deepen their business ties on the continent, explore new investment avenues and seek expansion, further solidifying bilateral connections.

Besides spearheading international outreach initiatives, the Chamber is also forging deeper links with cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for better integration, which is a crucial aspect of Hong Kong’s internationalization. Last month, a delegation from the Chamber visited Macao, Hengqin and Zhuhai, where we connected with local government officials and enterprises for an insight into the latest developments in these cities and their investment policies. Further business trips are planned to Zhongshan, Shenzhen and Foshan. 

Simultaneously, by pursuing cooperation with the Mainland, Hong Kong can leverage its unique advantages in the nation’s development strategy. This year, we will undertake missions to Mainland cities such as Shanghai and Chongqing, on the heels of the high-level mission to Beijing last November, underlining the importance of cross-border collaboration. 

It is said that change is the only constant. As we continue to widen our reach, we must remember that embracing transformation will help Hong Kong and the business community stay ahead of the competition and emerge stronger than ever.

Patrick Yeung
[email protected]