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This event is opened to InterCham members at member price. Please reach out to your esteemed Chamber secretariat for enquiries.

Europe is facing a period of renewed political and economic uncertainty. Modest growth, shifting trade policies, energy and security concerns, pressures on industrial competitiveness, and the evolving EU–China relationship are reshaping the outlook for European markets. According to data published by Eurostat, the EU’s real GDP increased by 1.5% in 2025, with the highest growth recorded in Ireland at 12.3% and the lowest in Hungary at 0.4%.

On the political front, several EU countries are entering an election year in 2026. Among these, Hungary’s parliamentary election has attracted particular attention, given its potential implications for relations with EU institutions, the rule of law, and the Union’s external policy positions, particularly regarding Ukraine. Altogether, these elections will shape the EU’s policy environment as the bloc continues to navigate a complex global and economic landscape.

For Hong Kong businesses, these developments carry direct implications, as Hong Kong and the EU maintain important trading ties, with bilateral merchandise trade amounting to €55.7 billion in 2025. Germany, France, and the Netherlands were Hong Kong’s top merchandise trading partners in the region. Beyond bilateral trade, Hong Kong also serves as an important entrepôt for Mainland–EU trade and as a key location for EU business interests.

To help members better understand the latest political and economic developments in Europe and their implications for businesses in Hong Kong, we are pleased to feature insights from Dr Hung Wing Lok, Lecturer at the CUHK School of Governance and Policy Science, whose research focuses on global political economy and Asia–EU relations; Dr Wilson Chan, Head of Research at Orientis Hong Kong, who specializes in European political economy and contemporary EU–China relations and Mr Paul Yeung, Managing Director and Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking at HSBC.

The speakers will discuss Europe’s political and economic trajectory, EU–China relations, and business and financing considerations for our members. They will also highlight practical issues that Hong Kong companies should monitor when engaging with European markets.

DISCLAIMER
Speakers' presentations at this event are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace independent professional judgment. Statements of fact and opinions expressed during this event are those of the speakers and participants and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion or position of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, its members, or its committees. The Chamber does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Attendees should note that, with the approval of speakers, this event may be recorded, and possibly published on the Chamber's website in audio and/or video formats without further notice.

Recording, duplication or distribution of the contents of the online event is prohibited without prior written permission from the Chamber.

Speaker(s)

Dr Hung Wing Lok

Lecturer, CUHK School of Governance and Policy Science

Dr Hung completed his Bachelor’s degree at the Chinese University of Hong Kong prior to being awarded his PhD in International Relations from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Additionally, he completed a short-term academic exchange at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and served as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Warsaw, Poland.

His expert analysis has been featured in international and local media including EFE (Spain), Lianhe Zaobao (Singapore), Ponto Final (Macau), South China Morning Post, Ta Kung Pao, TASS (Russia) and Wen Wei Po etc. Additionally, his research articles have appeared in numerous academic journals such as Asian Education and Development Studies and the Hong Kong and Macao Journal.

He also serves on the China Committee of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. His efforts include coordinating high-profile events, such as an exclusive briefing on "The Future of Trade in Asia"-covering regional dynamics and multilateral cooperation by Ambassador Manuel Teehankee, PhD, the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2025.

Dr Wilson Chan

Head of Research, Orientis Hong Kong

Dr Wilson Chan bridges academic research and corporate strategy, specializing in European political economy and EU–China relations. He is Director of Research at Orientis Limited and co founds the public policy think tank Pagoda Institute, advising family offices and multinational corporations while engaging in global policy discussions.

He holds a PhD in Politics from Lancaster University, where he co developed the concept of “civilian seapower”, applying it to the geopolitical role of port cities such as Hong Kong in Sino European relations. He was appointed Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong in January 2026.

Actively engaging the business community, Dr Chan translates geopolitical developments into actionable insights through seminars and reports, working with organizations such as the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Business France, and the trade agencies of Italy and Spain.

Mr Paul Yeung

Managing Director and Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC

Paul Yeung is Managing Director and Head of Enterprise Banking, HSBC Hong Kong, where he leads the bank’s engagement with mid market and large corporate clients across key sectors including manufacturing, trading, logistics and real estate. With over three decades of experience in commercial banking, Paul plays a strategic role in supporting Hong Kong enterprises as they expand internationally.

Throughout his career, Paul has held a number of senior leadership roles at HSBC. His extensive regional and international experience gives him a strong understanding of cross border business dynamics, particularly in linking Asian enterprises with European markets.

Paul is a qualified accountant and holds academic qualifications from the University of London, the University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong, bringing together financial expertise and strategic perspective in advising businesses on growth and international expansion."

Date and Time

2026/06/11 09:30 to 11:30

Venue

Chamber Theatre, 22/F United Centre

Media

Closed to media

Enquiries

Ally Wan
Tel: 2823 1266
Email: [email protected]

Fee

Members @ HK$330 / Non-Members @ HK$500
+$60 for booking offline
This event accepts Chamber Coupon (terms and conditions)
Members enjoy 30% discount with BOC HKGCC VISA Card

Notes

- Bookings are only confirmed upon receipt of payment, on a first come first served basis.
- Booking transfer is allowed for corporate members with advanced notice, walk-ins are normally not accepted.
- The Chamber reserves the right to decline any booking or cancel the event. In such case, a full refund of the participation fee will be issued.
- No refund will be made for last minute cancellations or no-shows. If the booking is cancelled at least 3 days before the event, and in such cases the refund will be subjected to a 10% administration fee, or HK$100 deduction, whichever is higher.
- Members paying with their BOC HKGCC Visa Card will enjoy a 30% discount on their reservation. The discount is only applicable to the card holder, and does not extend to their guests. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with Chamber Coupons.
- A $60 handling fee per person will be charged for all offline bookings (e.g. fax, e-mail, post) for all Chamber events. Go online today by downloading our app or registering on the HKGCC website to save the environment and money.
- Priority is given to corporate members. The decision to accept or decline any booking shall be at sole discretion of the Chamber.