This year’s Hong Kong Forum, the annual gathering for Hong Kong business associations from around the world, brought together more than 320 business leaders from 30 countries and regions to the city.
The two-day event, which was held in the first week of December, covered a range of topics, including Hong Kong’s business outlook and Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis development, which aims to strengthen the city’s position as an international business and innovation hub.
Delegates included representatives from the Spain-Hong Kong Business Association, the latest addition to the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW) after joining this year.
“With our strengths in traditional industries and the strides we are making in newer sectors, Hong Kong is brimming with opportunities,” said Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), during her opening remarks.
“Amid today’s digital and sustainability agendas, the city is accelerating its transition towards a more innovation-driven, digitally competitive and greener future,” Ms Fong added.
Hans Poulis, FHKBAW Chairman, said: “We had some remarkable sessions lined up this year, including a discussion on the foundation of global competitiveness that emphasised the critical role of the rule of law and international cooperation in maintaining Hong Kong's status as a leading financial hub.”
John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, was guest of honour at the keynote luncheon on the Forum’s second day.
“Hong Kong is the world's super connector,” Mr Lee said. “Hong Kong has long attracted businesses and investors, thanks to our clear and compelling advantages.”
Mr Lee highlighted select government initiatives that have been implemented to promote economic opportunities, including the Northern Metropolis, which he described as “the new engine of Hong Kong’s economic future”.
He also mentioned the ongoing progression of Hong Kong’s eight centres of excellence, eight priority areas for development set out in China’s latest Five-Year Plan, as well as two promotional platforms to attract key people and companies: Hong Kong Talent Engage and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises.
This year marked the 25th Hong Kong Forum, which was co-organised by the HKTDC and FHKBAW.
The Forum is the FHKBAW’s annual flagship event.
The federation, founded in 2000, represents 49 business associations from around the world, with some 11,000 business executives and professionals as their members.
The newly elected FHKBAW office holders for 2024-2027 were also announced during this year’s Hong Kong Forum.
Margaret Wong from the Hong Kong Business Association of Northern California was elected as the new Chairman, while Dennis Chiu of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association was elected Vice-Chairman. Keith Jackson of the Hong Kong-UK Business Forum and Cindy Ho of The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association will serve as Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, respectively.
