Australia

The beauty industry is big business in Hong Kong, but until recently international brands from Europe, the United States, Japan and Korea dominated the trade.

Melbourne grew explosively in the mid-19th century following the discovery of gold in Victoria, and the city later found its feet as a wool export hub. By the 21st century, Melbourne had developed into a resource and life-sciences hub, continuing to update its capabilities.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has moved health to the top of everyone’s agenda, sustainable development — which is conducive to a healthy environment — is gaining traction.

Given the economic, social, scientific and political issues that continue to dominate news agendas it is perhaps no surprise that the six‑month anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong Australia Free Trade and Investment Agreement has largely gone unacknowledged.

Changes brought by Industry 4.0, fresh economic priorities in Mainland China, the Sino-United States trade dispute and the COVID-19 outbreak have brought rapid and profound changes to supply chains, trade and investment environments worldwide.

Relocating operations has been a perennial theme for businesses in Hong Kong. From the 1950s to 1970s manufacturers flocked to the city, turning it into the factory of the world for everything from textiles and toys to semiconductors.