ECONOMIC/TRADE ISSUES

The balance of power in Washington has altered following the mid-term elections held in November 2014. But Sino-US trade relations are not expected to see significant changes. As such, the US will likely continue to cultivate a pragmatic and collaborative relationship with Beijing in order to advance US trade objectives, although additional trade remedy actions against products from China are expected this year. More

Switzerland’s effective public institutions and favourable business environment have allowed this relatively small and resource-poor European country to transform itself into a high-tech “knowledge economy”, one that Hong Kong companies would do well to partner with. More

High-value timepieces and jewellery are the principal items of interest in Hong Kong’s long established business ties with Switzerland but, as well as being a major trading partner of record, there is now also the possibility of new commercial relations as Swiss companies increasingly target Asia. More

The HKTDC Export Index, rebounded to 48.1 in the first quarter of 2014 (1Q14), from 38.5 in 4Q13, reflecting improving export confidence. However, a reading below 50 indicates a pessimistic sentiment and signals a quarter-on-quarter contraction of Hong Kong’s exports. More