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Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit successfully concluded
Held from 18 to 20 November, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit (the Summit) successfully concluded. The event brought together approximately 300 global and regional leaders from more than 120 financial institutions, with over 100 institutions represented by their group chairmen or CEOs. Under the theme of “Sailing through changes”, the main session of the Summit discussed key recent developments in macroeconomic environment, geopolitics, technological innovation, and climate change. Discussions centred on how the global financial community can embrace and capture the opportunities arising from these developments, while managing the attendant risks. The Summit commenced with an opening keynote by Vice Premier of the State Council, Mr He Lifeng. Mr He shared insights into the latest developments in the Mainland economy with participants, emphasising the Central Government’s strong support for Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024
The annual highlight of the Hong Kong maritime and port industry, Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024 (HKMW 2024), was held from 17 to 23 November. Riding on the theme “Navigating to a Greener Future” and featuring the tagline “Propel Hong Kong”, HKMW 2024 showcased the strong commitment of Hong Kong’s maritime industry in sailing towards sustainable shipping and consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre. The opening ceremony on 18 November was followed by the World Maritime Merchants Forum 2024 Main Forum which was one of the anchor events under HKMW 2024. With the theme “Navigating the Cycles”, this forum aimed to focus on the new opportunities and challenges faced by the maritime industry amid the changes in the global economy and trade and transportation. The Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2024, another anchor event under HKMW 2024, also commenced on the same day. With a thematic focus on “Shaping the Future of Supply Chains: Resilience and Sustainability”, this two-day conference brought together stakeholders along the supply chain, including aviation, maritime and logistics service providers and shippers from around the world, to exchange market intelligence and explore global business opportunities.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong rose to rank seventh globally in digital competitiveness
The latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2024 published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong’s ranking improved by three places to seventh globally. Hong Kong continued to perform well in “Technology” and “Knowledge”, ranking third and fifth respectively. The ranking in “Future readiness” also improved. A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said that WDCR 2024 recognised that Hong Kong remains one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world. The National 14th Five-Year Plan indicates clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. A thriving start-up ecosystem, a free, open and fair business environment, a simple tax system with low tax rates, together with strong policy support also position Hong Kong favourably to attract strategic enterprises and top talent from around the world.
More details here. |
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OASES announces new batch of strategic enterprises establishing or expanding businesses in Hong Kong
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) held the OASES Partnership Signing Ceremony on 11 November to welcome a new batch of strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong. 17 strategic enterprises signed agreements to become strategic enterprise partners of the Government. These enterprises come from industries such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, fintech, and advanced manufacturing and new energy technology. Most of them will establish their global or regional headquarters in Hong Kong. Together with approximately 50 strategic enterprises previously attracted, they will invest about HK$42 billion in total over the coming years, creating over 17 000 jobs. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, combined with its status as an international financial and I&T centre, world-class universities and research institutions, top-notch professional services, and a highly skilled talent pool, support enterprises in expanding their regional and global reach.
More details here. |
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Measures launched to enhance Top Talent Pass Scheme and Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
The Government launched three measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) on 1 November, namely, expanding the list of eligible universities under the TTPS, extending the validity period of the first visas of Category A applications under the TTPS to three years, and enhancing the assessment criteria and arrangements of the General Points Test under the QMAS. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that since the implementation of the new talent admission regime at the end of 2022, over 380 000 applications have been received, with nearly 240 000 applications approved. Around 160 000 people of talent have arrived in Hong Kong with their families. The enhancement measures implemented will help further attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development, enrich the local talent pool, enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the quest for talent, and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international talent hub.
More details here. |
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Government announces calendar of mega events in Hong Kong
The calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025 was announced on 19 November. The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government will continue to take a proactive role in promoting and attracting different mega events to Hong Kong with an emphasis on quality and quantity. The calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025 includes information on 93 events that cover various areas. Based on the current data, it is estimated that approximately 840 000 tourists would participate in the mega events in first half of 2025. Their spending is estimated to be about HK$3.3 billion, bringing a value add of about HK$1.8 billion to the Hong Kong economy.
See the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong (first half of 2025) here.
More details here. |
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Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema in Sydney
Presented by HKETO Sydney and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Film Festival in Australia, six Hong Kong films “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman”, “The Unwavering Brotherhood”, “Love Lies”, “Peg O’My Heart” and “Happy Together” were screened in Sydney from 28 to 30 November. HKETO Sydney hosted a reception before the premiere screening on 28 November to foster exchanges between film makers and film lovers in Hong Kong and Australia. The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, said in his welcoming remarks that the HKSAR Government has been supporting the development of the Hong Kong film industry through the Film Development Fund. It has also been actively organising and subsidising screenings of Hong Kong films in international film festivals in different overseas and Mainland cities, so that audiences from around the world can enjoy great Hong Kong films and know more about the unique charms about Hong Kong from these exciting movies.
The directors and main cast of “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman” and “The Unwavering Brotherhood” joined the Q&A sessions in person after the screenings to share with local audiences the making of the movies. |
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Acting Director of HKETO Sydney attended the “Connecting Global Cities” Career Seminar organised by the New South Wales Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association
The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the “Connecting Global Cities” Career Seminar organised by the New South Wales (NSW) Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) on 28 November. Mr Chau said that as one of the world’s most connected global cities, Hong Kong has long been a hub for trade, finance, and innovation. Its world-class infrastructure, including one of the world’s busiest international airports, an efficient public transport network, and cutting-edge telecommunications, ensures that Hong Kong remains at the heart of Asia’s connectivity. He encouraged the participants to think about the incredible opportunities that lie at the intersection of trade, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchange, build upon the strong foundation that Hong Kong and Australia share and explore new ways to collaborate in this increasingly interconnected world. |
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Acting Director of HKETO Sydney attended the investment promotion seminars in Melbourne
The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the investment promotion seminars hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office from 27 to 28 November in Melbourne. Addressing at the seminars, Mr Chau said that GBA is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in the world. As an international financial centre and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in connecting global businesses with the GBA. He added that HKETO Sydney will continue to work closely with InvestHK and GBA Development Office to promote the business opportunities in the GBA and facilitate Australian businesses to tap into the GBA market via Hong Kong. |
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Acting Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Business Awards Gala Dinner 2024 organised by the NSW Chapter of the HKABA
The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the Business Awards Gala Dinner 2024 organised by the NSW Chapter of the HKABA on 22 November. Mr Chau said that the relationship between Hong Kong and NSW is built on a solid foundation of shared values and collaboration. NSW is home to a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and professionals with close ties to Hong Kong. He highlighted the new measures announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, stressing that Hong Kong’s vibrant financial sector, rule of law, and strategic location make Hong Kong an ideal platform for NSW businesses to grow in Asia. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner organised by the Victoria Chapter of the HKABA
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner organised by the Victoria Chapter of the HKABA on 8 November. Addressing the guests, Mr Chong said that Hong Kong and Victoria share a robust relationship grounded in trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. Victoria, known for its agricultural excellence and high-quality food and beverage exports, has found a valuable partner in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has also been serving as an essential gateway for products from Victoria, connecting them to the vast markets in the Mainland, across Asia and beyond. Mr Chong added that to further promote high-end liquor trade and the development of related industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as food and beverage consumption in Hong Kong, the Government has reduced the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over HK$200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above HK$200, highlighting the exciting opportunities for market expansion in Victoria’s vibrant alcohol industry. |
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HKETO supports woodwind concert in Melbourne to foster cultural exchanges
HKETO supported the “Woodwind Quintet – Hong Kong and Australia Cultural Exchange Concert” held in Melbourne on 7 November to showcase the young musical talent of Hong Kong. The concert featured a diverse selection of classical repertoire performed by M•eureka!, a chamber group formed by young talented musicians from Hong Kong. Associate Professor of Music (Performance - Clarinet) of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Mr David Griffiths, was invited as a guest musician to perform with M•eureka in the concert to deepen musical exchange between Hong Kong and Australia. The performance was well-received by around 500 audiences.
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that HKETO has a deep commitment to fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia and the Government is dedicated to enhancing its arts infrastructure to bring in more local and international arts productions. He also shared with the audience the latest initiatives announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, including the reform of various aspects of the talent admission regime to build a quality talent pool for long-term development. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Cathay Pacific Sydney 50th Anniversary Cocktail Party
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended Cathay Pacific’s cocktail party on 4 November to celebrate the 50th anniversary of direct service between Hong Kong and Sydney. Addressing the guests, Mr Chong said that Cathay Pacific has been far more than just an airline, commending its role as a bridge linking people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities between Hong Kong and Australia. He encouraged the guests to take advantage of the over 70 weekly direct services between Hong Kong and Australia, including the new service to Cairns starting December, to visit Hong Kong and experience the mega events and some 80 Michelin-starred restaurants. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association Welcome Dinner in Honour of the President
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association Welcome Dinner in Honour of the President on 4 November. Mr Chong welcomed the President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Professor Jin-Guang Teng and his delegation to Australia, noting that Hong Kong and Australia have long been collaborating through exchange programmes, research partnerships, and other initiatives that enhance the quality of education and open new horizons for students and faculties alike. Universities in Hong Kong, including PolyU, are renowned for their academic excellence and pioneering research, and offer exceptional opportunities for Australian students, enriching their learning experience and equipping them to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Mr Chong promoted Hong Kong as a gateway to Asia for Australian students, offering not just a top-tier education but also a unique blend of East and West that allows students to broaden their perspectives and gain invaluable skills. He also introduced the key measures announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address to develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education. |
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Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema 2024 in Melbourne (Melbourne)
Six Hong Kong films “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman”, “The Unwavering Brotherhood”, “Love Lies”, “Peg O’My Heart” and “Happy Together” will be screened in Melbourne from 5 to 7 December. Film directors and talents of the films will attend the after-screening Q&A session to interact with the local audiences. Don’t miss this opportunity and get your tickets now!
See more details on the programme here. |
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Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 (Hong Kong)
Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open is an ATP sanctioned tournament on the men’s professional tour to be held at Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court from 29 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. It is the first Asian swing tournament of 2025 and opens the curtains for the 2025 world tour for professional players and tennis fans. In addition to bringing world class players and tennis fans to the city, the week-long event will also deliver exciting activities and an exceptional hospitality experience to visitors and the general public alike. Apart from ticket holders who will have access to the exciting matches up close in person in the Centre Court stadium, there will be free live broadcast of the tennis action via the giant TV screen at the Tournament Village, and free access to the qualifying rounds and matches on show courts 1 and 2 during the week.
More details here. |
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The Asian Financial Forum 2025 (Hong Kong)
To be held on 13-14 January 2025, The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) is the region’s premier platform that brings together influential leaders from government, finance, and business communities globally for ground-breaking discussions and exchange of insights on the global economy from an Asian perspective. AFF 2024 brought together more than 140 elite speakers from around the world and attracted over 3,600 visitors from more than 50 countries and regions, including over 70 overseas and Mainland China delegations, participating for thought leadership and discussions while witnessing the latest fintech advancements, emerging business strategies, and expanding their professional networks.
More details here. |
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