The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, had delivered his 2025-2026 Budget Speech to the Legislative Council on 26 February 2025.
We had been deeply honoured that Mr. Chan had accepted our invitation to address the Hong Kong business community on 13 March 2025 regarding his Budget. This exclusive luncheon had presented a perfect opportunity for attendees to hear Mr. Chan elaborate on the details of his latest Budget, which had outlined the Government’s plans to steer fiscal policy and enhance Hong Kong's competitive advantage. He had also discussed measures to attract more businesses, talent, and capital to sustain economic growth while ensuring prudent management of public finances.
KPMG invited our members to the seminar “Thailand Tax Reform, and the Use of Trust and Hong Kong Family Office Offering.” In this seminar, they had discussed the complexities and the impact brought by the upcoming law reforms in Thailand.
Participants had also heard about how to utilize Trust and Hong Kong’s Family Office to enhance overall tax efficiency while managing their family’s wealth and future succession. KPMG had invited keynote speakers to share their insights on the following hot topics:
Thai tax developments and potential legislative reform
The utilization of Trust and Hong Kong Family Office
Family office structures from Thai and Hong Kong tax perspectives
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) invited our members to attend the HKTDC DesignInspire, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5 - 7 December 2024.
The Expo brought together innovative local and global elites offering top-class design objects and projects. A wide range of services and innovative ideas was showcased at the expo to create unique business opportunities and partnerships, including:
GLOBAL Design excellence from around the world
DESIGN Creative solutions and design services
INNOVATE Thematic art-tech experience
BRAND Creativities and design concepts of brands
AWARD The best of the best designs presented by award organisers
ACADEMY Power of the new generation of creative elites showcased by design institutes
SHOP Retail platform promoting the limited and deluxe edition pieces
HIGHLIGHT Maison&Objet Design Factory
This year, Maison&Objet (M&O), the world-leading trade show for lifestyle, decoration, and design professionals that originated in France, debuted the “Maison&Objet Design Factory” at DesignInspire 2024, marking M&O’s premier presence in Asia. The M&O Design Factory consisted of five meticulously curated themed zones on the latest design trends, exquisite craftsmanship, material sourcing, better living solutions, and innovative design pieces, offering trend-setting, engaging, and thriving discussions for trade.
Additionally, the Business of Design Week (BODW), Asia’s world-class design event honoured with the presence of renowned designers and brand owners to drive discourse on the value of design and innovation, together with the Business of IP Asia Forum and Entrepreneur Day, was held concurrently with DesignInspire 2024.
DesignInspire, the anchor design expo, definitely helped us source innovative and creative solutions for business upgrading, such as trend-setting spatial design services and designer furniture for gallery showcases.
Entering a new decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, the digital "Silk Road" was poised to scale new heights, with innovation and transformation in cross-border payments being the key to expanding cooperation among BRI partner economies. To harness the opportunities brought by the digital era, the Belt and Road Forum themed “Digital Economy & Payment Settlement” was held on December 5, 2024, at Conrad Hong Kong.
The Ng Teng Fong· Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute of the Hong Kong Chu Hai College, the Silk Road Economic Development Research Center, and the Maritime Silk Road Society jointly hosted the “Belt and Road Forum 2024 · Digital Economy & Payment Settlement” with the following details:
- Date: 5th December 2024 (Thursday)
- Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Venue: Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty, Hong Kong
- Language: English
- No. of audience: 250
- Opening remarks: The Hon John KC LEE, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Welcoming remarks: Mrs. Regina Ip, Co-Chair, Maritime Silk Road Society
- Keynote speech: Prof. Yong Shi, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Director of CAS Research Center on Fictitious Economy & Data Science
- Panel discussions:
- “Cross-Border Payments Fueling the Accelerated Growth of Global E-Commerce”
- “The Development and Implementation of Web 3.0 in Hong Kong”
- Votes of Thanks: Mr. Lam Kwong Siu, Chairman, Board of Governors, Hong Kong Chu Hai College
The organizers consistently held BRI forums on specialized topics related to global BRI development trends since 2017, with participation from former Chief Executives of the HKSAR. This year, the Belt and Road Forum Committee was honoured to have the Hon John KC LEE, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, participating in this annual event. Our presence was greatly appreciated among 300 distinguished guests, including prominent business leaders from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas, Consul-Generals, government officials, entrepreneurs, and academics.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) had invited our members to attend the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), which had been scheduled to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 18-19 November 2024.
ALMAC had become an international flagship supply chain event, bringing together stakeholders along the supply chains, including air freight, maritime and logistics services providers, as well as shippers, including brands, manufacturers, traders, and distributors from around the world to exchange market intelligence and explore business opportunities.
ALMAC 2024 had aimed to examine the megatrends in global trade and supply chains, and how supply chain transformation, new trade line exploration, innovation and technology, and sustainability had been crucial in solidifying future-ready businesses and capturing emerging opportunities. A series of thematic tracks focusing on air freight, maritime, and supply chain management, as well as an exhibition featuring logtech and supply chain solutions, had been staged to showcase the trending issues and developments for the industry.
The Hon John KC LEE, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered his third Policy Address to the Legislative Council in October.
We were deeply honoured that Mr. Lee accepted our invitation to speak to the Hong Kong business community on 7 November.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear Mr. Lee explain his priorities for the Policy Address and learned more about his initiatives to tackle critical issues pertaining to Hong Kong’s future development. These included consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre amid economic restructuring and geopolitical changes, enhancing integration into national development for new opportunities, and fostering the growth of innovation and technology by attracting capital and talent.
As the world's leading electronics marketplace, HKTDC brought together over 3,200 exhibitors from all corners of the globe at the Fair in 2023. They returned with a stronger presence this year, showcasing cutting-edge technologies to create an unforgettable electronics extravaganza; the two fairs provided perfect sourcing opportunities not to be missed.
Members of the Hong Kong-Thailand Business Council were cordially invited to join these fairs to discover pioneering electronic gadgets, the latest trends in smart mobility, and ground-breaking innovations with sustainable solutions, which were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13-16 October 2024.
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition)
Highlights: A World of Leading Innovative Electronics Products
- Gadget Universe (Audio & Visual Products, Personal Electronics)
- Connected Lifestyle (Smart Home, Beauty/Healthcare Electronics, Wearables)
- In-Vehicle Tech (Automotive & In-Vehicle Electronics, Energy Storage)
- Entertainment & Living (Computing & Gaming, Smart Living)
- Essential Accessories & Mobiles
- Office Automation and more...
electronicAsia
Highlights: A World of Electronic Components and Technologies
- Keyboard & Switches
- Printed Circuit Boards & EMS
- Display Technology
- Power Supplies
- Wireless & Sensor Technology and more...
HKGCC had organized a one-day mission to Guangzhou on 27 February 2025. This visit had included site tours of key enterprises and projects in the health and medical sectors, as well as opportunities to explore potential business ventures in the biopharmaceutical and health industries.
Guangzhou had strategically positioned itself as a global hub for biopharmaceutical innovation and industrial development, attracting leading companies worldwide. These firms had established production facilities, research and development centres, and regional headquarters in the city. At that time, Guangzhou had been home to over 6,500 enterprises in the biopharmaceutical and health sectors, ranking third nationwide. In the first three quarters of 2023, the value added by Guangzhou's biopharmaceutical and health industries had reached RMB 124.182 billion, indicating continuous growth in the sector's scale.
Hong Kong had favorable conditions for developing its life and health industries. It could have enhanced integration with the Greater Bay Area's institutional and systemic frameworks in pharmaceuticals, patents, and medical devices. Hong Kong enterprises should have taken advantage of these emerging opportunities to promote cross-border medical collaboration within the Greater Bay Area.
To explore the latest advancements in Guangzhou's life and health industries, the China Committee and the Health and Wellness Working Group had organized a mission to Guangzhou on 27 February. This visit had included site tours of key enterprises and projects in the health and medical sectors, as well as opportunities to explore potential business ventures in the biopharmaceutical and health industries.
The second edition of the HKMA Global Innovation Day had returned on 23 January 2025!
This exciting full-day event had combined the Final Judging of the HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award, Innovation Summit, breakout sessions, exhibition zones, Award Presentation Ceremony, and plenty of networking opportunities such as coffee breaks and collaborator luncheons.
Date: Thursday, 23 January 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Meeting Room N100 and N200 Series
1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which had been jointly organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), had taken place on 13 and 14 January 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Since its inception in 2007, the AFF had gone from strength to strength as a platform for thought-leadership, networking, and deal-making. The 2024 edition had featured 140 distinguished speakers and had attracted over 3,600 participants from more than 50 countries and regions.
As the global economy had continued to evolve, Asia and emerging markets had been poised to play a more pivotal role in shaping the next phase of growth and development. AFF 2025 had convened influential policymakers, regulators, and business leaders from around the world to discuss the emerging drivers and innovative strategies that had set to become the next engines of global growth. A broad array of trending topics had been addressed through engaging signature panel discussions, workshops, and fireside chats, including global economic outlook, China and APAC opportunities, asset and wealth management, insurance and risk management, climate action, sustainability reporting standards, generative AI/deep tech, philanthropy, and more. Notable speakers had included, but had not been limited to:
- Mr Edward Dolman, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips Auctioneers
- Mr J. Christopher Donahue, President & Chief Executive Officer, Federated Hermes, Inc.
- Mr Antoine Gosset-Grainville, Chairman of the Board of Directors, AXA
- Dr Fred Hu Zuliu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Primavera Capital Group
- Ms Yimei Li, Chief Executive Officer, China Asset Management Co., Ltd.
- Prof Justin Yifu Lin, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, World Bank (2008-2012)
- H.E. Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance, Luxembourg
- Prof Stuart Russell, OBE, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI
- Mr Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Mr John Zhao, Chairman, Hony Capital
Alongside the conference programme, the AFF Deal-making had continued to facilitate project owners and investors around the world to explore investment opportunities via one-on-one meetings. The exhibition, which had consisted of the Global Investment Zone, Fintech Showcase, and InnoVenture Salon, had gathered prominent worldwide financial institutions, tech companies, and start-ups to present technologies and innovative business ideas across various sectors, helping businesses from different parts of the world to explore new opportunities.
The Business of IP Asia Forum took place on 5-6 December 2024, focusing on "Reimagining IP for Impact and Growth."
Jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and HKTDC, the Business of IP Asia Forum was an annual flagship event for intellectual property (IP) policymakers, owners, users, investors, and professionals to exchange thought leadership and market trends, as well as explore business opportunities in Asia and beyond. The 2023 edition attracted more than 90 prominent speakers and 2,500 participants from 35 countries and regions.
The 14th edition of the BIP Asia Forum was held on 5-6 December 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme of “Reimagining IP for Impact and Growth,” it examined the immense potential of IP in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, and driving impactful economic and social development on a global scale.
The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the 2024 International Trade and Economic Globalization Forum, hosted by the Global Trade Development Federation, took place on November 8, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hall C2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Held during the China International Import Expo, this forum focused on key topics such as international trade, economic collaboration, and resource integration, with the aim of fostering strategic cooperation and innovative development among global enterprises.
Forum Highlights
Official Inauguration of the Global Chamber of Commerce Federation
During the forum, the Global Chamber of Commerce Federation was officially inaugurated. As a non-profit organization headquartered in Hong Kong, the Federation aimed to integrate resources from national chamber associations across the globe, breaking down regional and sectoral barriers to provide seamless international trade opportunities and comprehensive services to global enterprises. The establishment of the Federation offered a unique platform for global chamber associations to foster international trade exchanges and cooperation, as well as provide services such as investment promotion, trade facilitation, and commercial legal support. Participants gained access to the latest market information and policy support, promoting the integration and sharing of global resources. One of the core topics of this forum was to deepen the involvement of global enterprises in international economic governance. By facilitating dialogue with governments, chamber associations, and international organizations, the forum aimed to promote reforms and innovations in economic governance systems, ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the global economy.
Forum Services and Support
Global Chamber Cooperation Platform
The Global Chamber Federation established an International Trade Services Center as a platform to provide a unique cooperation mechanism for national chamber associations, promoting the implementation of international trade policies and helping businesses overcome market barriers. This enhanced their ability to expand globally. Through the Federation's global network, enterprises had the opportunity to engage in deep cooperation with industry leaders and top companies worldwide.
Global Resource Integration and Supply Chain Optimization
The forum also explored ways to optimize supply chains and promote the sharing of global resources, helping businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain competitive advantages in global markets. The Federation provided a comprehensive range of services, including market access, investment facilitation, and international certification support.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) was dedicated to promoting and upholding cyber security in various industries. Co-organised with local IT organisations, the Cyber Security Summit (the Summit) was one of HKPC’s regional flagship events. Marking its 21st year since 2003, this extraordinary Summit aimed to provide participants with the latest information security trends and developments focused on the Asia-Pacific region. It served as a platform to bridge the prestigious global network and strengthen connections among participants, as well as foster a community within the cyber security industry. Your support was a tremendous success for the Summit.
This year, the Summit was scheduled to take place on 23 - 24 October 2024 (Wednesday - Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the theme of “Cyber Security Fortification – The AI Paradox.” The Summit gathered local and overseas experts to share experiences and knowledge in information security, including emerging technologies, legislation, regulations, privacy, and compliance, through free-admission conferences and technical workshops. Enterprises found ways to enhance their cyber security awareness and guard against cyber security challenges in the emerging AI world.
