Chamber representatives led a delegation to Beijing from 21 to 23 June to participate in the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). Comprising Chairman Jacob Kam, Vice Chairman Joseph Law, Former Chairman Agnes Chan and CEO Patrick Yeung, this high-level mission undertook a comprehensive and rewarding itinerary that provided first-hand insights into the nation’s latest developments in supply chain resilience, industrial synergy, and high-level opening-up.
The delegation first attended the APEC China CEO Forum, which featured discussions on regional trade cooperation, connectivity and digital innovation. Kam noted that global supply chains are being reshaped at an accelerating pace, and that Hong Kong continues to play a unique and vital role in connecting the Chinese Mainland with international markets. He emphasised that businesses must strengthen collaboration and leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages to help enterprises seize the vast opportunities arising from national development.
The delegation also toured the exhibition halls, visiting the Hong Kong Trade Development Council pavilion, the aviation supply chain zone, and NVIDIA’s booth to gain insights into the latest industry trends and technological applications across various supply chains. Through exchanges with exhibitors and industry representatives, delegates gained a more nuanced grasp of Hong Kong’s strengths in international business connectivity, aviation logistics and technological innovation. These interactions also enhanced their understanding of the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and supply chain upgrading.
The delegation continued its programme with a visit to the Xiaomi Auto Factory, where members gained a close-up view of Xiaomi’s electric vehicle production line and advanced manufacturing technologies. Members witnessed first-hand how innovative technologies are seamlessly integrated across the factory’s six key production processes – stamping, die casting, body manufacturing, painting, battery assembly, and final vehicle assembly – demonstrating the extensive application of smart manufacturing on a large scale.
The group also gained valuable insights at the Mainland-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Cooperation Forum, co-organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Felix Lee, Chairman of the China Committee, noted that the forum featured forward-looking discussions on the new collaborative models shaping Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector in the context of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
Participants explored how Hong Kong could unlock the potential of its major platforms and connect international professional services to support innovation and technological capabilities. Lee added that the city should continue to leverage its strengths as an international platform and provider of professional services to attract more innovation resources, thereby propelling mutual progress in scientific research, industrialisation and international cooperation between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.