As 2023 draws to an end, it is time to review our accomplishments in the months gone by. While Hong Kong lifted the last of the quarantine measures in February, growth has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. However, the Chamber kept up its good work and went full steam ahead with a packed calendar of events.
Besides constantly lobbying the Government to support local businesses amid slow economic recovery, we provided timely input through over 15 consultations, proposals and policy submissions, with the Budget and Policy Address at the top of the list. We also offered a wide range of activities for our members and managed to organize nearly 400 training sessions, workshops, seminars, roundtables and site visits.
We had productive meetings with Government officials and Consuls General in Hong Kong, and hosted over 40 Consuls General and country representatives from around the world, in addition to an exclusive cocktail reception in May with Consuls General of European countries. Our ever-popular happy hours with other chambers of commerce also returned, offering a great atmosphere for networking and meeting friends old and new.
After five long years, we restarted the Hong Kong Business Summit, which was a resounding success! Held in May under the theme “Hong Kong: A New Era,” with Chief Executive John Lee and Financial Secretary Paul Chan giving key speeches, the conference looked at how Hong Kong, as a premier financial hub, can manage the challenges of today’s business environment.
We also undertook strategic business missions overseas, from the Middle East to the ASEAN region and Japan, and signed Memorandums of Understanding with organizations in Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Vietnam. These reflect the Chamber’s determination to promote Hong Kong’s international status, grow connections and boost investment, while sharing good stories about our city with the world.
Last month, Chamber Chairman Betty Yuen led a high-level delegation to Beijing, where they met Central Government officials to find out more about the nation’s developments (turn to page 8 for the full report). Also in November, we proudly hosted our traditional Business Community Luncheon for the Chief Executive, who outlined his second Policy Address to a distinguished audience of business executives, Consuls General and leaders of chambers of commerce.
The Chamber’s youth-focused programmes are also thriving. Organized by our Young Executives Club, the Business Case Competition, Business-School Partnership Programme and the Pitch Perfect Programme continue to serve as useful platforms for secondary and tertiary students to learn about the corporate world, via real-world challenges, training and mentorships.
This year also brings up the 50th anniversary of the Good Citizen Award (GCA), which HKGCC has supported since its launch in 1973. Organized by the Police Public Relations Branch, the GCA rewards citizens who have contributed to the community. On the CSR front, we continued to connect with the community through collaborations with local organizations, such as Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the SPCA Hong Kong.
Last but not least, the year-end is when memberships are renewed, and I fervently hope that you have truly benefited from our hard work and services. Looking ahead to 2024, the Chamber will continue to serve you in the best way possible. Here’s wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a new year that brings growth, prosperity and happiness.
Patrick Yeung
ceo@chamber.org.hk