HONG KONG CONNECT


	Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development’s visit to New Zealand and Australia The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, visited New Zealand and Australia from 11 to 15 August to promote Hong Kong’s unique strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle and to foster closer economic and trade collaboration with the two countries. In New Zealand, Mr Yau met with the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry, Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Mr Todd McClay, to discuss bilateral trade relations and Hong Kong’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Mr Yau also engaged with business leaders, including the Chair of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Mr Charles Finny, as well as senior representatives from the New Zealand China Council, Auckland Business Chamber, and New Zealand Winegrowers. In addition, he paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Niue, Dr Wang Xiaolong; and the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie, to update them on the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong. In Sydney, Mr Yau met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, Minister for Corrections of New South Wales, Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, and the National President of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), Mr David Olsson respectively to exchange views on how to further strengthen the bilateral trade and investment relations between Hong Kong and Australia. He also attended a roundtable luncheon with ACBC members, where he highlighted Hong Kong's role as a springboard for Australian businesses looking to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and broader Asian markets. His programme also included a visit to a local start-up incubator, meetings with innovators, and discussion with the Australian Distillers Association. He also paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu. During his visit, Mr Yau participated in a series of events to mark HKETO Sydney’s 30^th anniversary. More details can be found in HKETO Activities below. More details on Mr Yau’s visit to Wellington, New Zealand here. More details on Mr Yau’s visit to Auckland, New Zealand here. More details on Mr Yau’s visit to Sydney, Australia here. More details on Mr Yau’s last day of visit in Sydney, Australia here.

	Promoting multifaceted co-operation between Hong Kong and Macao The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, led a delegation to Macao on 5 August, where he met with the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Sam Hou-fai, and visited local infrastructure facilities. Mr Lee and Mr Sam discussed strengthening Hong Kong–Macao co-operation and advancing the high-quality development of the GBA. Mr Lee noted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, the two cities share close geographical ties, strong economic and cultural links, and will continue to work together to drive the development of the GBA More details here.

	Hong Kong celebrates 100-day countdown to 15^th NG, 12^th NGD and 9^th NSOG The 15^th National Games (NG), the 12^th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9^th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) will commence on 9 November and 8 December respectively. To mark the 100-day countdown, the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) hosted a celebration event at the Hong Kong Velodrome on 2 August. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, highlighted that the NG, NGD and NSOG are the largest multi-sport events in China. He said Hong Kong will leverage the NG, NGD and NSOG as a catalyst to promote the development of the sports industry in the GBA, foster exchange opportunities for young people, and work with Guangdong and Macao to create a new chapter for the GBA's sports legacy. To further promote community participation, the “2025 National Games Fiesta” will run from August to October, offering sports experiences, interactive games, and community performances that showcase the excitement of the Games. More information on “2025 National Games Fiesta”, please visit here. More information on the 15^th NG, the 12^th NGD and the 9^th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit here.

	Hong Kong welcomes Saudi Super Cup in landmark East Asia debut Hong Kong proudly hosted the 2025 Saudi Super Cup on 19 to 23 August, a landmark event bringing four top-tier Saudi clubs to Hong Kong for the tournament’s first-ever staging in East Asia. Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo thrilled a packed Hong Kong Stadium as more than 30,000 fans witnessed his Al-Nassr side secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the first Saudi Super Cup semi-final on 19 August. The excitement culminated in the final on 23 August, where Al-Ahli triumphed over Al-Nassr in a dramatic penalty shootout, capping a spectacular few days of world-class football and underscoring Hong Kong’s growing stature as a premier host of international sporting events.

	Hong Kong celebrates first birthday of panda twins Jia Jia and De De Ocean Park joyfully marked the first birthday of Hong Kong–born giant panda twins, Jia Jia and De De, with a heartwarming birthday party on 15 August that welcomed 18 toddlers sharing the same birthday and nearly 400 panda enthusiasts. The celebration extended citywide throughout August, featuring pop-up installations, customised street signs, and a giant panda–themed ferry sailing across Victoria Harbour. More details here.



	HKETO celebrates 30^th anniversary of its establishment HKETO proudly marked its 30^th anniversary in August with a series of flagship events across Australia and New Zealand, bringing together government officials, business leaders, community partners, and cultural representatives.

	Strengthening partnerships: HKETO co-hosts business dinner with BusinessNZ in Wellington On 11 August, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, together with the Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended a business dinner in Wellington co-hosted by HKETO and BusinessNZ. The event marked both the 30^th anniversary of HKETO and the 15^th anniversary of the Hong Kong–New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement. It brought together senior government officials and business leaders to celebrate the longstanding trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and New Zealand, while reaffirming shared commitment to deepening future collaboration.

	Hong Kong Dinner in Auckland highlights trade and cultural ties On 12 August, HKETO and the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association co-hosted the Hong Kong Dinner in Auckland to celebrate the long-standing trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and New Zealand. In his keynote remarks, Mr Algernon Yau highlighted the significance of the Hong Kong-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in boosting trade, investment, and people-to-people links between the two economies. Mr Ricky Chong noted in his welcome remarks Hong Kong’s vibrant Kiwi community and its role as a trusted base for New Zealand companies expanding into Mainland China and Asia, particularly the GBA.

	30^th anniversary reception marks milestone for HKETO On 13 August, HKETO hosted a reception in Sydney to celebrate its 30^th anniversary, with Mr Algernon Yau as the Guest of Honour. Addressing more than 300 guests, Mr Yau highlighted HKETO’s pivotal role since 1995 in fostering communication and collaboration between Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. In his welcoming speech, Mr Ricky Chong reflected on the office’s three-decade journey in supporting business and investment missions, advancing op-operation in innovation and technology, and brought people together through the arts, education and professional exchanges. He emphasised that these achievements were made possible through the strong support of government counterparts, business leaders, chambers of commerce, academic institutions and the vibrant Hong Kong – Australian community. More details on the reception here.

	HKETO supports cultural exchange concerts in Sydney and Brisbane As part of its 30^th anniversary celebrations, HKETO proudly supported the “Cultural Exchange Concert – The Power of Chinese and Western Strings” held in Sydney and Brisbane on 14 and 15 August respectively. The concerts showcased Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene and youth talent, while fostering cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Australia. To mark the Sydney performance, HKETO hosted a pre-performance reception at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, where Mr Algernon Yau highlighted the long history of cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Australia in the arts, sports, education, and cuisine, citing the recent Hong Kong Sevens at the new Kai Tak Stadium as a vivid example. The Brisbane concert was also warmly received, with audiences joining in to sing along to classic famous Cantonese songs such as Beneath the Lion Rock, creating a memorable moment of connection.

	HKETO joins HKABA NSW Chapter in honouring global business excellence On 15 August, Mr Algernon Yau, together with Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Business Awards Gala Dinner hosted by the New South Wales Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association in Sydney. In his keynote address, Mr Yau highlighted the significant trade, investment, cultural and people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Australia, and Hong Kong’s role as a strategic bridge between Mainland China, the GBA, and the Asia-Pacific.



	*Belt and Road Summit (Hong Kong)* The 10^th Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will be held on 10 to 11 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Recognised as a premier platform for business collaboration, the Summit will bring together senior government officials, international institutions and business leaders from across and beyond the Belt and Road to exchange insights, explore partnerships, and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” in fostering global connectivity and economic cooperation. More details here.

	*International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong (Hong Kong)* Get ready for a breathtaking new experience as Hong Kong’s first-ever International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes over the Central Harbourfront on 4 to 7 September. Tethered hot air balloons will float against the iconic Victoria Harbour backdrop, accompanied by live music, carnival games, tantalising street food, and a mesmerizing “Night Glow” light-and-music show. More details here.

	*Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2025 (Hong Kong)* The Li-Ning Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2025, part of the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500, will run from 9 to 14 September at the Hong Kong Coliseum, offering a record-high US$500,000 prize pool. As a marquee “M-Mark” event, recognised for its intense, spectacular, and signature status in Hong Kong’s sporting calendar, the tournament will bring together top global talent, including reigning champions and world-ranked stars. More details here.

	*Asia+ Festival 2025 (Hong Kong)* Returning from 19 September to 30 November, the Asia+ Festival will present over 100 performances and events from more than 30 countries and regions across Asia and the Belt and Road. Highlights include world-class stage productions, exhibitions, and the popular outdoor carnival featuring folk music, crafts, and cuisine that celebrate the richness of cultural exchange. More details here.

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