The Bulletin

Chamber in Review

The Bulletin. August 2023

Patrick Yeung, CEO of HKGCC
Send your view to ceo@chamber.org.hk

International Connections

Chaturont Chaiyakam, Consul General of Thailand in Hong Kong, updated members on the country’s latest business developments and opportunities at the Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee meeting on 19 July.
Chaiyakam informed members about the recent general elections, which resulted in the Move Forward Party defeating the ruling conservative coalition government. He said despite the shift in the political landscape, Thailand would continue its policy direction and work to attract more foreign trade and investment.
Hong Kong is one of the Southeast Asian nation’s top sources of FDI, and the two regions are close partners in numerous areas. Apart from the existing stock market cross-listing, a joint e-payment agreement will soon be finalized, allowing the seamless use of Hong Kong’s FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay platforms across both destinations.
Chaiyakam also discussed the East Economic Corridor (EEC), a national flagship special economic zone aimed at transforming Thailand into a value-based, innovation-driven economy. He encouraged Hong Kong companies to consider investing in the 12 major targeted industries including healthcare, robotics, intelligent electronics, circular economy, biotech, as well as high-value and medical tourism.
At the same meeting, Jonathan Lamport was re-elected Chairman. Dewan Saiful Alam and Edmond Yue were re-elected Vice Chairmen while Yolane Japhet was newly elected Vice Chairman.

Miyashita Masami, Director for Fukushima Reconstruction, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with Yagyu Masakazu, Export Promotion Adviser (F&B), Consulate-General of Japan, visited the Chamber on 14 July to provide an update on the newly released IAEA report on ALPS-treated water discharge at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. They were met by Steve Wong, Chairman of the Environment & Sustainability Committee, and members.
Miyashita said the IAEA’s report concluded that the discharge operation would have negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. Consequently, the EU announced it would soon be lifting restrictions on Japanese food imports. Wong suggested that continuous monitoring of discharged water both within the factory and at different points of the ocean would be essential to provide real-time information on the safety of the operation. This would serve to sustain the public’s confidence in Japanese products and foods.
The visit came on the heels of an informative seminar held on 30 June, where Miyashita shared extensive data and answered members’ questions on the ALPS-treated water discharge at the Fukushima power station.

Asia, Africa & Middle East Committee

Consul General of Thailand Updates Members on Key Industries

Chaiyakam informed members about the recent general elections, which resulted in the Move Forward Party defeating the ruling conservative coalition government. He said despite the shift in the political landscape, Thailand would continue its policy direction and work to attract more foreign trade and investment.

Hong Kong is one of the Southeast Asian nation’s top sources of FDI, and the two regions are close partners in numerous areas. Apart from the existing stock market cross-listing, a joint e-payment agreement will soon be finalized, allowing the seamless use of Hong Kong’s FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay platforms across both destinations.

Chaiyakam also discussed the East Economic Corridor (EEC), a national flagship special economic zone aimed at transforming Thailand into a value-based, innovation-driven economy. He encouraged Hong Kong companies to consider investing in the 12 major targeted industries including healthcare, robotics, intelligent electronics, circular economy, biotech, as well as high-value and medical tourism.

At the same meeting, Jonathan Lamport was re-elected Chairman. Dewan Saiful Alam and Edmond Yue were re-elected Vice Chairmen while Yolane Japhet was newly elected Vice Chairman.

IAEA Report Update on ALPS-treated Water at Fukushima Station

Miyashita Masami, Director for Fukushima Reconstruction, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with Yagyu Masakazu, Secretary General of the Japanese Chamber in Hong Kong, visited the Chamber on 14 July to provide an update on the newly released IAEA report on ALPS-treated water discharge at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. They were met by Steve Wong, Chairman of the Environment & Sustainability Committee, and members.

Miyashita said the IAEA’s report concluded that the discharge operation would have negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. Consequently, the EU announced it would soon be lifting restrictions on Japanese food imports. Wong suggested that continuous monitoring of discharged water both within the factory and at different points of the ocean would be essential to provide real-time information on the safety of the operation. This would serve to sustain the public’s confidence in Japanese products and foods.

The visit came on the heels of an informative seminar held on 30 June, where Miyashita shared extensive data and answered members’ questions on the ALPS-treated water discharge at the Fukushima power station.

Europe Committee

Boosting Economic and Cultural Exchange Between Hong Kong and Europe

Speaking at the Europe Committee’s meeting on 14 July from Berlin, Jenny Szeto, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the German capital, updated members on how her office is working to promote Hong Kong’s economic interests in Europe. She also touched on efforts to remedy misinformation in the media and increase awareness about Hong Kong’s vibrant business environment.

At the same meeting, Alfonso Ballesteros was elected Chairman, taking over from Davide De Rosa, who stepped down after two years of service. CK Lee was re-elected Vice Chairman, while Stratos Pourzitakis was newly elected Vice Chairman.

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