Europe CommitteeIncoming Visitors

Business travel spending is regarded as a vital indicator of business growth, with business travellers accounting for 50% of global airline revenues. As one of the world’s foremost online travel agencies, Trip.com Group plays a significant role in this domain. Within the Group are several prominent travel technology companies in Europe, including Travelfusion, Skyscanner and Travix.

Delving into the key business travel trends in Asia and the potential implications for Hong Kong companies engaging in business in Europe, Sherwin Dai, GM of Greater China, Corporate Travel – Trip.Biz, Ctrip International Travel (Hong Kong) Ltd, spoke at the Chamber’s Europe Committee meeting on 21 May.

Dai predicted a steady growth in business travel spending worldwide over the next three to five years, with China and the United States emerging as the largest markets. The primary purpose of travel among European business travellers is attending seminars or training, followed by conventions and conferences.

As the super-connector between China and the world, Hong Kong possesses the right talent, skills, and knowledge to facilitate the global expansion of mainland companies, presenting numerous opportunities for local firms, Dai added.

Norman Cheng (COO, Veolia Hong Kong) and Bruno Botella (Dragages Hong Kong) explored how sustainability in the European Union drives business opportunities during the Europe Committee’s roundtable on 8 May. They also shared their decarbonization success stories in Hong Kong.

Cheng noted that Hong Kong and the EU shared many similarities on decarbonization targets and strategies. He highlighted several major funding schemes in the EU, including Horizon Europe and EU Taxonomy, which incentivize green financing and sustainable practices. He also emphasized the production and use of green hydrogen as a crucial element in achieving global decarbonization goals and discussed the possible implications for businesses. 

Botella noted that buildings account for 90% of Hong Kong’s electricity use, presenting major opportunities for energy efficiency solutions. Both speakers acknowledged the city’s progress in its green transition, exemplified by Veolia’s landmark green hydrogen project with Towngas – a significant step toward a sustainable future.
 

We had the pleasure of hosting a business delegation from Türkiye on 14 April, led by the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry (KCI) for fruitful exchanges on opportunities and collaboration. Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung and HKGCC Europe Committee Vice Chairmen Stratos Pourzitakis, PhD and Bjoern Lindner welcomed the guests, alongside leaders from the Asia, Africa & Middle East and Environment and Sustainability committees. 

Accompanied by Dinçer Tatlıoğlu, Commercial Attaché of the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye, Nurcan Babalik, Chairman of the TOBB Marmara Region Women Entrepreneurs Council and the delegates briefly introduced their companies. KCI representative Mehmet Egemen Mert highlighted Kocaeli’s prominent role in Türkiye’s industrial production. With a population of 2.1 million and 14 organized industrial zones, Kocaeli represents 13% of the country’s manufacturing industry.

Pourzitakis said the Customs Union between the EU and Türkiye has created significant opportunities for the Turkish economy, enhancing the country’s access to the €1.4 trillion EU market. Meanwhile, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, along with Hong Kong’s position as a leading offshore renminbi clearing hub, can facilitate investment for both Hong Kong and Türkiye.

Alison Tsui, Head of International Markets, Consulates and Chambers at Invest Hong Kong, provided valuable insights into the city’s unique status and advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. She also explained how InvestHK can assist overseas and Mainland companies in establishing their businesses here.