China Committee
China Committee Vice Chairman Edmond Yew represented the Chamber at the Jiangsu-Hong Kong High-Quality Development Cooperation Conference on 28 August, organized by SmartHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
In his opening address, HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that the cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong had a long history, with close economic and trade relations and frequent cultural exchanges. Many Hong Kong entrepreneurs have invested and established businesses in Jiangsu, with the cumulative number of investment projects exceeding 35,000 by the end of last year.
He pointed out that nearly 2,300 Jiangsu enterprises have been set up in Hong Kong. More than 100 Jiangsu companies are listed in Hong Kong, with a market value exceeding HK$660 billion.
In the first half of this year, trade volume between Jiangsu and Hong Kong surpassed RMB 85 billion, a year-on-year growth of nearly 35%. Over the years, cooperation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong in finance, technological innovation, education, culture, and youth exchanges has deepened and become more substantial.
Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu attended a celebratory event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the Liaoning-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Conference on 28 August.
In his address, Hao Peng, Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee, said that total economic output surpassed RMB 3 trillion last year. Hong Kong and Liaoning enjoy close cooperation, with total investment from Hong Kong enterprises exceeding US$115 billion by the end of 2023. He hoped that the two economies would continue to expand the scale of trade, jointly explore the international market and promote economic and trade exchange.
Li Ming, Deputy Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau, Taishan City, visited the Chamber on 28 August.
Li outlined Taishan City’s advantages in a meeting with China Committee Chairman Felix Lee. With a GDP of 54.74 billion and a total area of 3,308 sq km, it is the only city in the Greater Bay Area offering large-scale land supply.
The Daguang Bay Economic Zone, an important platform that allows Jiangmen to participate in the development of the GBA, is listed as an essential development platform for cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao after Qianhai, Hengqin, Nansha and Hetao.
Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu was invited to a dinner reception hosted by HKTDC for Yin Hong, Secretary of CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, on 2 September.
At the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Key Businessmen Cooperation seminar organized by the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government the following day, Yin said the three economies comprised the largest source of foreign investment in Jiangxi. He hoped that Hong Kong enterprises would strengthen investment in the province, deepen economic, trade and financial cooperation, and promote integration in industrial development. China Committee Chairman Felix Lee attended the seminar.
Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu attended the Technology + New Quality Productive Forces Summit Forum, organized by the China Overseas Friendship Association, on 2 September.
The platform promotes exchanges on strengthening foundational research, encouraging innovation, breakthroughs in cutting-edge AI technologies and fostering talent.
In his speech, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said it was essential to accelerate the development of new types of productive forces in a manner suited to local conditions. All sectors in Hong Kong must leverage their strengths while actively pursuing innovation and transformation. He added that the HKSAR Government would continue to unite and promote the industry to achieve breakthroughs, using new types of productive forces to drive high-quality development and contribute to the nation’s advancement.
Qinghai’s new achievements in advancing ecological development and the construction of the “Four Regions” industry were on full display at the 2024 Hong Kong-Qinghai Economic and Trade Exchange Conference on 9 September.
Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu attended the event, which promotes the development of a modern industrial system that reflects Qinghai’s advantages while aligning with the requirements of green, low-carbon, and circular development.
The event was organized by the Qinghai Provincial People’s Government.
Shi Jianping, Mayor of Xining City, Qinghai Province, and Li Qing, Chairman of the Qinghai Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, led a delegation to the Chamber on 9 September, where Edmond Yew, China Committee Vice Chairman, received them.
Located in northwest China, Qinghai boasts magnificent landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it a vital demonstration area for ecological and sustainable development. Xining City, the capital, boasts a long history and diverse culture and is a crucial gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Guan Xiangming, Secretary General of the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, paid a call on the Chamber on 10 September. Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan received the delegation.
The main tasks of the Federation are to promote economic development, safeguard the rights and interests of enterprises, provide services and support, and strengthen connections between businesses and the government.
Li Xueyi, level two Inspector of the Jilin Provincial Department of Commerce, visited the Chamber on 10 September, where he was received by China Committee Chairman Felix Lee.
Industries in the northeastern province are primarily focused on agriculture, manufacturing and services. Jilin’s key sectors include automotive and processing, while the service sector has been continuously growing thanks to the development of tourism and finance, contributing to economic growth.
Zhong Wenming, Director of Jiangmen Investment Promotion Bureau, called on the Chamber on 12 September for a meeting with GBA Working Group Convenor Petrina Tam.
Zhong also introduced Jiangmen’s latest policies and invited Hong Kong enterprises to develop their business there. The two sides also discussed potential opportunities for collaboration.
Chamber Vice Chairman PC Yu delivered the address at a seminar on Internationalization of Enterprises in the GBA – Cross-border Investment on 12 September. The event was organized by HKTDC and the Integrated Service Centre for Chinese Enterprises “Going Global.”
Yu also signed an MOU with the Centre on behalf of the Chamber to help businesses expand development opportunities.
In June 2022, the State Council issued the “Overall Plan for Deepening Globally Oriented Comprehensive Cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong & Macao in Nansha.” The Centre, located in Nansha, offers exhibition and roadshow halls, office areas, meeting rooms and various other facilities.
It was a pleasure to welcome Xu Xu, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of Zhejiang, to the Chamber on 13 September. Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, Vice Chairman PC Yu, CEO Patrick Yeung, China Committee Chairman Felix Lee and committee leaders received the delegation. The discussions centred on Zhejiang’s economic growth, strategic industries and potential collaboration with Hong Kong.
Xu said Zhejiang’s GDP grew by 5.6% last year, positioning it as one of China’s most dynamic provinces, and its emerging industries have also shown positive momentum in recent years. He expressed hope that Zhejiang would continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the development of the two economies.
At the China Committee meeting on 13 September, Chairman Felix Lee and Vice Chairmen Gilbert Ho, Edmond Yew and Neo Wang discussed the latest developments in the China market drawing from their experience and industry perspectives.
Xiang Weigao, Director of the Investment Promotion Division of the Hubei Provincial Department of Commerce, called on the Chamber for a meeting with China Committee Vice Chairman Edmond Yew on 19 September.
Hubei is located in central China, with the Yangtze River running through it. Its capital, Wuhan, is an important transportation hub with rapid economic development, known for its automotive, electronics and biopharmaceutical industries. Hubei’s GDP ranks seventh among all provinces in China. The province’s Ezhou Huahu Airport, located in Ezhou, is known as Asia’s first professional cargo hub.
China Committee Chairman Felix Lee attended the opening ceremony of the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium and Beijing-Hong Kong Cooperation Promotion Conference in Beijing on 20 September. Mayor of Beijing Yin Yong delivered the opening address.
Themed “Leveraging mutual strengths, creating prosperity together,” the forum featured 15 thematic promotional events and other supporting activities. The event also saw the debut of “Invest in Hong Kong,” which underlined the city’s investment opportunities and business advantages to foster exchanges and cooperation.
GBA Working Group
Greater Bay Area Seminar: Insights Unlocked
The Greater Bay Area Seminar on 13 September brought together experts from different industries to share about opportunities in the region. Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan, China Committee Chairman Felix Lee and Convenor of GBA Working Group Petrina Tam attended the event, which drew over 100 participants.
Benjamin Mok, Acting Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, outlined the GBA’s latest developments. Esteemed panel speakers included John Wong, Managing Director & Head of Global Payments Solutions, Hang Seng Bank; Catherine Tsang, Partner, China Tax and Business Advisory, PwC Shenzhen Qianhai; Chiang Ling Li, Partner of Tiang & Partners; C K Lee, Managing Director of C K Lee & Associates and Angel Choi, CEO, Fortune Pharmacal Co., Ltd.