It was an honour to lead the Chamber’s high-level delegation to Shanghai and Hangzhou on a mission last month that strengthened old connections and unveiled a wealth of new opportunities.
This trip, my first to these dynamic cities since the pandemic, was a revelation, with the energy in Shanghai’s bustling streets and Hangzhou’s innovative hubs underscoring the immense potential for collaboration.
During our meeting with Chen Tong, Standing Committee Member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee and Minister of the Shanghai United Front Work Department, he underlined the historical ties between Shanghai and Hong Kong and shared insights into Shanghai’s development.
Shanghai is actively developing five key international centres: economic, financial, trade, shipping, and science and technology. Zhu Min, Party Secretary and Director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, highlighted Hong Kong’s role in assisting Shanghai businesses seeking international expansion through its exceptional financial and professional services. With a robust financial ecosystem, Hong Kong is well-positioned to facilitate Shanghai’s global outreach.
We also had productive exchanges with Shou Ziqi, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CPPCC and Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, who thanked the Chamber for its longstanding support, contributing to Shanghai’s deep ties with Hong Kong.
The city’s aspiration to become an international economic hub complements Hong Kong’s goals, creating fertile ground for collaboration. Furthermore, Shanghai is also keen to broaden its innovation and technology landscape, establishing Hong Kong as a talent hub that can boost its growth in this sector.
During our visit to Hangzhou, a vibrant hub for technology and entrepreneurship, I was particularly impressed by the cutting-edge innovation displayed by local companies.
A standout example is the work being done in the film and animation sector. Projects like “Legendary Su Dongpo,” an animated feature film combining traditional art forms with contemporary storytelling, exemplify how local firms are pushing the boundaries of creativity. This initiative not only promotes Chinese heritage but also positions Hangzhou as a centre for cultural tourism.
We also engaged in productive talks with Lu Shan, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, and other senior officials. Hong Kong shares close ties with Zhejiang, and talent exchanges between the two economies have led to fruitful cooperation in many sectors.
The positive feedback from our delegation, which included leaders of international chambers, clearly reflects the value of engaging directly with key stakeholders and policymakers in these cities.
As we navigate the evolving global landscape, the Chamber will continue to act as a “super-connector,” leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between the Mainland and the international community, strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation and growth.
Agnes Chan
chairman@chamber.org.hk