The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which has organised a series of commemorative events to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, brought together several former HKTDC Chairmen yesterday for a special dialogue exploring future opportunities for the Council and for Hong Kong.
Past Chairs Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So and Vincent Lo gathered on stage for the Next 60 Forum in Hong Kong to review the changing economic and trading landscape, while Lydia Dunn also shared her thoughts in a pre-recorded address.
More than 800 political and business leaders attended the discussion, which was moderated by HKTDC’s current Chairman, Frederick Ma.
“This forum brings together an accumulated 480 years of experience and wisdom of several former Chairmen,” Prof Ma said.
“We will build on the past and pave the way for the future, charting a new development outlook for Hong Kong.”
The Council’s former leaders traced Hong Kong’s path from a manufacturing base when the HKTDC was first founded in the 1960s into an international financial and trading hub today, while exploring how the city can continue to thrive as growth opportunities evolve.
“Under 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong is guided by national development and is globally responsive, providing a strong foundation for progress,” Prof Ma highlighted.
“The HKTDC will continue to assist enterprises going global, deepen international exchange, strengthen industry connections and facilitate substantive cooperation.”
The Next 60 Forum was followed by a 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception, where more than 1,000 guests reminisced about the past while looking forward to the road ahead.
A celebratory year
The HKTDC is also rolling out many other commemorative initiatives to mark its 60th anniversary this year.
For example, every month between May and July, HKTDC’s Design Gallery retail store in Wan Chai is offering a 40% discount on a curated collection of 60 popular gifts, household items and fashion accessories.
A branded mobile truck called Design Gallery on the Move has also been touring the city from 29 May to 18 June, showcasing more than 60 products from 36 Hong Kong brands.
The promotion gives people around Hong Kong the chance to experience authentic local design and products up close, while celebrating the Council's long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent.
A tram emblazoned with an HKTDC 60th anniversary design is also running along Hong Kong Island from 12 to 25 June.
Looking ahead, the Council will give people the chance to win tickets to two of its most popular fairs – the Hong Kong Book Fair and Food Expo – through special 60th Anniversary Facebook games.
As part of its 60th anniversary activities, the HKTDC is also hosting two art co-creation events this year. The first, in July, will bring together over a hundred students and Hong Kong artist Jane Lee, aka Messy Desk. The second, in October, will feature the local community in Wan Chai, the Hong Kong district where the HKTDC’s head office is located.
A dedicated exhibition exploring the Council’s 60-year journey will also open to the public in October.
“The HKTDC has always evolved alongside Hong Kong, our growth mirroring our city’s progress,” Prof Ma stated. “And just like Hong Kong, the HKTDC has remained resilient, which I know will see us through the next 60 years.”