Exploring Opportunities in Kocaeli, Türkiye
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.
2025/04/14
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Synergies Across the Value Chain: Making Scope 3 Decarbonization Progress for Buildings and Infrastructure
Following the committee meeting on April 10, members attended a seminar titled "Synergies Across the Value Chain: Making Scope 3 Decarbonization Progress for Buildings and Infrastructure" co-organized with French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong (FCCIHK) to explore the latest insights into decarbonization strategies for Scope 3 emissions in the buildings and infrastructure sectors.
Our Keynote speaker, Arthur Lee, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau, presented Hong Kong’s progress, carbon neutrality targets and decarbonization strategies. The panel also featured Jasper Chan, Senior ESG Manager of Towngas; Pascaline Hayoun, Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain Hong Kong & Macau; and Wallace Lin, General Manager, Facilities Management & Sustainable Development of Swire Properties Limited. The session was expertly moderated by Melanie Kwok, Vice Chairman, Environment & Sustainability Committee of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Deputy General Manager (Sustainability & Innovation) of Sino Group, along with Jonathan Chiu, Co-President of the Smart City Committee at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong and President, Schneider Electric Hong Kong. Key discussion points included a detailed analysis of successful case studies and the role of innovative technologies in reducing emissions. The panel speakers also highlighted the challenges faced and the solutions that could facilitate progress in decarbonization efforts.
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the future trends in sustainable buildings and construction as well as the expectations of industry leaders to achieve carbon neutrality.
2025/04/10
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Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region CPPCC, Chen Yong visited the Chamber
Chen Yong, Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region CPPCC, visited the Chamber on 10 April. He was received by Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu.
Explaining that the visit aimed to deepen ties between Ningxia and Hong Kong, Chen said a new Ningxia-Hong Kong Cooperation Advisory Committee had been established in collaboration with over 30 Hong Kong professionals, acting as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. He highlighted the success of the 2025 Ningxia-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Exchange Seminar held on 9 April, where contracts worth around RMB 4.5 billion were signed. Emphasizing Hong Kong’s role as an important international gateway and “super connector”. Chen expressed appreciation for the Chamber’s strong influence as Hong Kong’s oldest business organization.
Chen noted Ningxia’s strengths in industries such as wine, goji berries, dairy, cattle and Tan sheep. He hoped to increase trade and market access in Hong Kong. He added that Ningxia’s modern coal chemical sector leads the nation, with the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Base producing 4 million tons of coal-based oil annually. The visit provided an opportunity to hear from Hong Kong business leaders directly and explore potential partnerships to promote mutual growth and prosperity.
2025/04/10
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Kevin Ching: When Art Meets Leadership
CEO 123 Tell Me More
Kevin Ching, Chairman, Asia at Christie's, painted a vivid picture of the art world during our “CEO 123 Tell Me More” talk today.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Kevin guided us on a lively journey through Christie’s rich history and explored the development of the art and auction market. Over the past few decades, China’s contemporary art scene has surged in prominence. The demand for Chinese art, especially in cultural and economic hubs like Hong Kong and Shanghai, parallels the country's expanding influence on the world stage.
Kevin later fielded questions from the audience and offered sage advice to art enthusiasts looking to start a collection: “Buy the best you can afford – and invest in pieces you genuinely like so that you can enjoy them for a long time.”
2025/04/09
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Gateway to the Middle East and Emerging Markets
Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq in the United Arab Emirates, and his colleagues visited the Chamber on 8 April to learn more about the development and application of innovation and advanced technologies in Hong Kong. Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, CEO Patrick Yeung, and leaders from the Asia, Africa & Middle East and Innovation Data & Communication committees welcomed the guests.
Al Ghurair highlighted Mashreq Group's significant presence in the MENA region and South Asia, with a strong track record of over 40 years in Hong Kong. Leveraging its expertise in these regions, Mashreq is well-positioned to complement international banking institutions focused on traditional markets, aligning with Hong Kong's strategy to tap into the emerging market economy.
Tarek El Nahas, Head of International Banking at Mashreq Group, emphasized the crucial role of local partners in facilitating overseas expansion. He noted the underrepresentation of Chinese brands in the Middle East and proposed that Mashreq's reputation and support could provide liquidity when establishing a new branch.
Chan concurred on the importance of local partners in market familiarization, citing the Government's initiative on regional collaboration during the CPPCC Standing Committee Session. Timothy Tam, Vice Chairman of the Innovation Data & Communication Committee, shared the interests of start-ups and green technologies partners in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and suggested opportunities for collaboration.
2025/04/08
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