CEO Comments
Poised for Relaunch

With the Government’s recently introduced “0+3” quarantine scheme for arrivals and the easing of Covid-related social restrictions, Hong Kong is racing to catch up with the post-pandemic world. Across the city and also at the Chamber, there are several highlights on the events calendar, a positive sign for our economic outlook.

Perhaps one of the most significant events to help reinstate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre is the meeting in November of top financiers and business leaders from around the world. Over 30 CEOs of banks and funds are expected to be present at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, which will be held under the theme “Navigating Beyond Uncertainty.” 

Hosting the world’s financial heavyweights is a resounding statement to the international community that Hong Kong remains an excellent destination with unique advantages for those seeking all manner of opportunities, from investment to careers and quality of life. 

I believe the summit functions as a crucial step towards boosting business confidence and attracting top-level workers, following the ongoing brain drain due to the strict pandemic and travel restrictions of the past few years. 

The first major sporting event to be held in Hong Kong since the pandemic began was the Hong Kong Masters snooker tournament in October, in which Hong Kong’s Marco Fu made a spectacular 147 maximum break. And making a much-anticipated comeback in November – after a forced hiatus of nearly three years – is the long-awaited Hong Kong Sevens 2022. 

The rugby tournament, attended by thousands of fans from all over the world, serves as an excellent indicator of a flourishing economy: in 2017 it brought around HK$380 million into the city, a result of the high volume of overseas visitors.
As the city strives to regain its standing as a premier business hub,  HKGCC is ramping up its events schedule, too. 

We are honoured that Chief Executive of the HKSAR the Hon John KC Lee has accepted our invitation to speak at the Hong Kong Business Community Luncheon on 9 November. Those in attendance, both in person and virtually, will have the opportunity to hear the Chief Executive talk about the priorities of his first Policy Address. 

The audience will also learn about his initiatives on issues including the labour market, land and housing supply and the environment, as well as his plans for further improving governance and strengthening the pace of development. 

Another keenly anticipated event is the Chamber’s Hong Kong Business Summit. The biennial summit is one of the Chamber’s signature events, where leading business and political figures from around the globe come together to discuss a range of issues affecting the business environment. The next edition is scheduled for early 2023, when business delegations will gather to share the true story of Hong Kong. 

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Airport Authority of Hong Kong, among others, are also gearing up for overseas missions and promotions to help relaunch Hong Kong as pre-Covid levels of normalcy return. But we need to move to further remove restrictions so that we can show the world that Hong Kong is back and truly means business.

 

George Leung
[email protected]

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