It is a genuine honour to serve as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce’s representative in the 8th Legislative Council. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me, and I approach this responsibility with a keen sense of duty to the Chamber and the wider business community. As this new term begins, my priority is to ensure that Hong Kong remains competitive, outward-looking and firmly aligned with both national development and global economic trends. 

National development is creating new opportunities across a range of sectors. Many companies are exploring these prospects, though practical issues such as licensing arrangements, regulatory clarity and coordination across departments still arise. I will raise these concerns with the relevant bureaux and industry bodies to ensure that businesses can participate more smoothly in emerging initiatives. 

Global trade is also shifting. Supply chains are being reorganized, commercial standards are evolving and new rules are shaping how transactions are conducted across markets. A recent example is the introduction of a legal framework that allows consignments already in transit to be rerouted, resold or shifted between transport modes without outdated documentation constraints. This reduces the risk of highvalue or timesensitive goods becoming idle when delivery plans change. If we move promptly on these developments, we can strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness and open new avenues for commercial growth. 

These changes matter across the commercial sector. Companies of all sizes rely on predictable logistics, clear regulatory processes and efficient coordination to manage daily operations and plan ahead. The Chamber’s latest Business Prospects Survey shows cautious optimism, with many enterprises exploring emerging markets as part of their diversification strategies. Ensuring that policy support sustains a stable and competitive operating environment remains a core area of work. 

Foreign companies continue to view Hong Kong as a strategic base for regional operations. What matters now is how we engage with them, ensuring their experience here is efficient, transparent and internationally credible. By providing clear regulatory processes, strong policy support and a welcoming environment, we can help these companies expand with confidence. In turn, they will carry Hong Kong’s story forward, sharing with global partners how this city remains a trusted hub for trade, investment and innovation. 

Talent remains central to Hong Kong’s competitiveness. Strengthening collaboration between industry and training institutions, and ensuring access to the expertise required for growth, will remain a priority. 

Hong Kong has always advanced by staying practical, outward-looking and closely aligned with national development. I look forward to working with the Chamber and the business community to keep our city confident and competitive. 

Jonathan Lamport
jlamport@chamber.org.hk