Asia, Africa and Middle East CommitteeIncoming Visitors

The Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry for Industries, Commerce & Investment Department Punjab (ICID) on 13 October to expand cooperation between Hong Kong and Pakistan. 

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Minister, ICID, and Agnes Chan, Chairman, HKGCC, signed the agreement, which was initiated during a virtual meeting with Minister Hussain in September this year. 

Hussain, accompanied by Waleed Ahmad, President, Rahim Yar Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Wahab Tariq Butt, Managing Director, Hong Kong Visa Application Centre, explained that the province of Punjab is actively seeking to attract investment by offering a one-stop shop for investors and encouraging local businesses to go global. The Punjab government views Hong Kong as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland, and is seeking future knowledge exchanges in digital transformation and renewable technology through the city.

Members interested in receiving news updates about Pakistan can contact the Chamber secretariat.

Thank you to the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HKJCCI) for co-hosting a fantastic Joint Luncheon on 13 October! HKJCCI President Kiichiro Takanami welcomed guests to the Japanese Club, and highlighted that this traditional gathering has been an important exchange between Hong Kong and Japanese businesses since 2002. 

We were honoured to be joined by Jun Miura, Ambassador and Consul General of Japan, who highlighted exciting pathways to deeper Hong Kong-Japan ties. He outlined upcoming initiatives, including a tech start-up symposium -- which will highlight the huge IP market – as well as products and cultural festivals, including “Japan Nights – Happy Wednesday” on the 5th, 12th and 19th of November at Happy Valley.

HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan noted that nearly 2.7 million Hongkongers visited Japan in 2024, and hoped that the surge in Japanese visitors to Hong Kong, which is up 35% this year, would continue.

Nick Chan Vice Chairman of HKGCC's China Committee, delivered the keynote address on Hong Kong’s enduring global advantages. He outlined our unique role as a springboard for international business and a super-connector to the Chinese Mainland under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.

We look forward to continuing this invaluable partnership, fostering deeper ties, and creating new opportunities for our members.
 

In a move to facilitate closer bilateral economic ties and collaboration, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, the Provincial Minister for Trade of Punjab, Pakistan, met on Wednesday with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce during a virtual meeting, facilitated by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The discussion focused on Punjab’s evolving investment landscape and pathways for enhanced cooperation between Hong Kong and one of Pakistan’s most populous and economically significant provinces.

Minister Hussain emphasized the strategic importance of the Hong Kong-Punjab partnership, framing it as a mutually beneficial conduit for businesses seeking entry into foreign markets. To attract foreign investment, the Punjab government is implementing a series of incentives, including the establishment of free trade zones and a significantly streamlined investment approval process.

The provincial government aims to secure federal approval for project investments within one month of submission, underscoring the province’s commitment to improving its attractiveness to investors. This proactive approach has already yielded a notable increase in Chinese investment, with a growing number of companies establishing manufacturing operations in the region.

Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung, Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee Chairman Dewan Saiful Alam, and Vice Chairmen Zaman Minhas Qamar and Elton Chan, discussed during the meeting the possibility of signing an MoU during the minister’s visit to Hong Kong in October.