China Committee
Edmond Yew represented the Chamber at the Zhenjiang (Hong Kong) Economic and Trade Cooperation and Exchange Conference on 22 October.
Ma Minglong, Secretary of the Zhenjiang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, said Zhenjiang had seen a total of 6,690 investment projects from the Hong Kong region, an important force driving the development of new productive forces in the city.
Zhang Ke, Member of the Standing Committee of the Zhenjiang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and Deputy Vice Mayor, gave a presentation on the industrial technology development and business environment in Zhenjiang.
Fourteen projects were signed at the conference, covering high-end equipment manufacturing, new materials, green environmental protection, social welfare, technological innovation, financial services and cultural tourism.
The “GoGBA Hong Kong Business Service Station (Futian) Launch Ceremony,” hosted by the Futian District People's Government of Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Guangdong, was held on 29 October at the GBA Hong Kong Business Service Station (Futian).
China Committee Chairman Felix Li attended the launch ceremony alongside Deputy Director Zhu Yonghui of the Guangdong Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Leadership Group.
Zhao Junmin, Director General of the United Front Work Department of Sichuan, called on the Chamber on 31 October for a meeting with Chairman Agnes Chan.
Zhao said there are 7,000 companies from Sichuan currently set up in Hong Kong, with a total investment of more than RMB 30 billion. The province ranks fifth in China in terms of area, population and GDP. Its growth rate in 2023 was 5.3%, while merchandise imports and exports trade exceeded RMB 1 trillion.
Hong Kong and Sichuan have long shared a strong relationship, with Hong Kong's investment in Sichuan accounting for nearly 70% of FDI. Zhao expressed hope that both sides would seek more collaboration in the future and expand connections.
Helen Liao, Partner at Deacons, addressed members at a roundtable luncheon on 5 November on the subject “Hiring in the GBA: What You Need to Know.” Liao outlined the complexities of mainland labour laws and shared insights into effective recruitment practices.
Yolane Japhet, Vice Chairman of the Asia, Africa and Middle East Committee, and Chamber members attended the China Xinjiang Wine Promotion Conference in Hong Kong on 7 November.
The event attracted over 100 participants, including domestic and international wine distributors and agents from various sectors. Participants explored products from boutique wineries in Xinjiang, enjoying on-site presentations and wine tastings highlighting the charm and cultural significance of Xinjiang wine.
Chamber Chairman Agnes Chan joined senior business leaders from Hong Kong for a meeting with Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, in Shenzhen on 8 November.
Chan said the discussions underscored the Central Government’s strong commitment to Hong Kong’s development and well-being, which are closely linked to the nation’s progress. Given the evolving global economic landscape, Hong Kong must seek new growth opportunities. She said the city must enhance its status as a premier maritime and aviation hub, building on its advantage as a vital gateway to the Mainland.
These efforts will contribute to the broader development of the country. She added that the Chamber would continue to engage with stakeholders internally and externally. Externally, it will utilize its international connections and organize overseas missions, visits and talks to promote Hong Kong.
Chamber members attended the “Yunnan Products Entering Hong Kong – Yunnan Products Promotion Conference,” organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce on 11 November.
Thirty-seven specialty enterprises from Yunnan showcased their distinctive products, accompanied by presentations, tastings and experience-sharing discussions.
Data indicates that total trade between Yunnan and Hong Kong reached RMB 8.29 billion in 2023, with mutual investment exceeding US$20 billion from January to September 2024. The event served to strengthen the relationship between Yunnan and Hong Kong, helping local businesses recognize the advantages of Yunnan specialty products and promoting the entry of high-quality goods into Hong Kong, thereby enriching consumer choices for residents.