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29th anniversary of establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) celebrated the 29th anniversary of its establishment on 1 July 2026. Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr John Lee, and senior Government officials attended a flag-raising ceremony and reception to mark the occasion. In his address, Mr Lee reflected on the achievements of the current-term Government over the past four years, highlighting progress in safeguarding national security, enhancing governance, shortening public housing waiting times, and driving economic recovery. He noted that Hong Kong's economy has regained strong growth momentum, while the city has further strengthened its position as a leading international financial centre and one of the world's most competitive and talent-attractive economies. Looking ahead, Mr Lee announced that the HKSAR Government is formulating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, a strategic and forward-looking blueprint that will provide clear directions for the city's long-term economic and social development. On the other hand, the annual Policy Address will set specific targets, report on progress and introduce policy measures aligned with the Plan.
To celebrate the anniversary, the HKSAR Government, together with various sectors of the community, launched a wide range of special offers and activities covering public transport, culture, arts, leisure, dining and retail. These included free rides on trams and selected ferry routes, free admission to museums, cultural venues and leisure facilities, as well as discounts at restaurants, attractions, shopping outlets and tourism destinations, enabling residents and visitors alike to share the joy of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong's gold central clearing and settlement system commences trial operation
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau announced on 7 July the commencement of the trial operation of a new central clearing and settlement system for gold, together with a suite of targeted initiatives aiming to build a modern and full-chain gold trading ecosystem. These measures include stronger connectivity with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, expanded gold storage and refining capacity, new investment products, potential tax incentives, enhanced insurance support, and greater flexibility for Mandatory Provident Fund investments in gold exchange-traded funds. The initiatives support Hong Kong's goal of becoming a leading global hub for gold trading, clearing and reserves, while reinforcing its position as an international financial centre. The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited will closely monitor the trial operation of the system, and strive to identify areas for enhancement to provide further facilitation to market participants before the official commissioning of the system. The system will also establish connectivity with the Real Time Gross Settlement system to enable Delivery versus Payment settlement, seamlessly linking gold trading and physical delivery with Hong Kong's world-class cash clearing and settlement capabilities, as well as reducing settlement risk and improving overall operational efficiency.
More details here. |
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Ninth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong's Full Participation in and Contribution to Belt and Road Initiative held in Beijing
The HKSAR Government, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and relevant central ministries held the ninth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong's Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) in Beijing on 24 July. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Working Group on Belt and Road (B&R) Development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, led the HKSAR delegation. At the conference, Mr Lam highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen economic and trade ties, enhance connectivity, promote green finance and sustainable development, foster cultural and youth exchanges, and reinforce its role as an international mediation centre. The conference also discussed measures to further support Hong Kong's participation in the B&RI, including promoting Mainland enterprises’ global expansion through Hong Kong, advancing offshore Renminbi business, legal and green talent development, and enhancing collaboration with B&R economies in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
More details here. |
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Third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest launched
The launch ceremony of the third edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest was held on 9 July at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Presented by the HKSAR Government and spearheaded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, this year's Festival will take place from 1 to 14 September under the theme "Rhythm of the Heart". The Festival will feature eight flagship programmes curated by six industry organisations, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Hong Kong's fashion industry. For the first time, Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be held in conjunction with CENTRESTAGE, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (HKTDC) flagship international fashion event, creating stronger synergies between the two platforms and further enhancing Hong Kong's position as a leading fashion and creative hub in Asia. Through a vibrant programme of fashion shows, exhibitions, cultural exchanges and public events, the Festival will transform Hong Kong into a stage where Eastern and Western fashion cultures converge.
More details here. |
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HKABA Queensland Food and Wine Dinner celebrates Hong Kong–Queensland trade ties
The Queensland Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) hosted its Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner in Brisbane on 16 July, bringing together leaders from Queensland's food and beverage industry, business community and Hong Kong network to celebrate the strong and growing trade relationship between Hong Kong and Queensland. The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the event. In his remarks, Mr Chau highlighted Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading wine and spirits trading hub, underpinned by its free port status, world-class logistics infrastructure and business-friendly environment. He noted that the reduction in liquor duty on premium spirits has created new opportunities for producers and exporters seeking to expand into Hong Kong and the wider Asian market. With Vinexpo Asia to be permanently based in Hong Kong from 2027, the city will further strengthen its role as the region's premier platform connecting international producers with Asian buyers.
Mr Chau added that Queensland businesses are well positioned to benefit by leveraging Hong Kong's role as a trusted "super connector" linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of Asia. He reaffirmed that HKETO Sydney, together with HKTDC and Invest Hong Kong, stands ready to support Australian businesses in exploring opportunities in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond.
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HKETO joins HKABA Victoria in honouring global business excellence
The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the Business Awards Gala Dinner hosted by the Victoria Chapter of the HKABA on 24 July in Melbourne. The event celebrated the achievements of enterprises that exemplify innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, while showcasing the depth of talent and the strong business and people-to-people connections between Hong Kong and Victoria. In his remarks, Mr Chau highlighted the enduring partnership between Hong Kong and Victoria, built on decades of strong trade, investment and people-to-people ties. He noted that as Hong Kong continues to strengthen its role as an international financial centre, a global innovation and technology hub, and the gateway to the GBA, the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian market, there are even greater opportunities for businesses from both places to collaborate, innovate and grow together. He also highlighted the growing collaboration in education through the Study in Hong Kong initiative, which is nurturing the next generation of talent and further strengthening the long-term connections between Hong Kong and Victoria. |
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HKETO supports HKABA NSW Career Mentorship Programme
The Acting Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the New South Wales Chapter of the HKABA’s Young Professional Alliance Career Mentorship Programme on 29 July in Sydney. The event brought together experienced professionals, university students and young professionals to foster mentorship, networking and career development. In his remarks, Mr Chau highlighted the enduring people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Australia, and encouraged participants to embrace the opportunities offered by Hong Kong as an international financial and trade centre and gateway to the GBA. He also encouraged aspiring professionals to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas and remain open to the diverse career opportunities across Hong Kong, Australia and the wider region. |
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Young Talent Engagement Seminar showcases Hong Kong opportunities
The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, attended the Young Talent Engagement Seminar jointly organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association (HKNZBA), Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and HKETO Sydney on 30 July in Auckland. The seminar provided undergraduate students with valuable insights into postgraduate study, career and startup opportunities in Hong Kong and the GBA. In his welcome remarks, Mr Chau noted that since late 2022, the HKSAR Government has rolled out a comprehensive range of initiatives to attract global talent, with a tremendous response to date and pointed to Hong Kong’s rise to 4th place globally in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025, its highest ever ranking, as recognition not only of the city’s strong economy, but also of its appeal as a place where meaningful and rewarding careers can be built. He also introduced the attendees to the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative, which reinforces the city’s position as an international education hub, with five universities consistently ranked among the world’s top 100, world-class research, generous scholarships and a multicultural learning environment.
The seminar featured speakers from Hong Kong Talent Engage, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the start-up sector and the business community, who shared practical insights into Hong Kong's talent initiatives, innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurship and international career opportunities, while encouraging participants to build professional networks and explore opportunities in Hong Kong. |
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Harmony Between Human and Nature – An East–West Music Concert (Sydney and Brisbane)
Presented by the Arts and Culture Association for Mindful Souls, “Harmony Between Human and Nature – An East–West Music Concert” will be staged in Sydney (13 August) and Brisbane (14 August). Performed by a Hong Kong ensemble featuring Eastern and Western instruments, the concerts celebrate the harmony between people, nature and cultures through music. Audiences can look forward to a captivating programme of classical masterpieces, beloved film and animation soundtracks, and timeless Chinese folk songs, showcasing the richness of Hong Kong's vibrant cultural and artistic scene.
Free entry tickets for Sydney and Brisbane’s performances here. |
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Prudence Mak's WAVE OF LIFE Exhibition (Sydney and Melbourne)
Hong Kong artist Prudence Mak, creator of Chocolate Rain, the internationally recognised Hong Kong creative brand, will present her solo ink art exhibition, WAVE OF LIFE, at REDBASE Gallery, Sydney from 21 to 24 August, before continuing to SOL Gallery in Melbourne from 27 August to 6 September. Supported by HKETO Sydney, the exhibition showcases Mak's contemporary ink paintings, ceramics and large-scale installations, exploring themes of life, memory, nature and cultural exchange. Blending traditional Chinese ink aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression, WAVE OF LIFE marks the launch of Mak's international touring exhibition and celebrates Hong Kong's vibrant creative talent on the global stage.
More details here. |
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Football fever returns (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong will host an exciting line-up of international football this summer at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium. The Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 (31 July–5 August) will feature four of Europe's most celebrated clubs — Manchester City, FC Internazionale Milano, Chelsea FC and Juventus — competing in two blockbuster pre-season matches, while the Football Summit 2026 on 7 August will see FC Bayern Munich take on Aston Villa as part of FC Bayern's Summer Tour 2026. Together, the two events will bring six world-renowned clubs to Hong Kong, attracting football fans and international media from around the world and further reinforcing the city's position as Asia's premier destination for major sporting events. Football fans can look forward to an unforgettable week of world-class action, electrifying atmospheres and the rare chance to witness some of the sport's biggest stars on Hong Kong's newest sporting stage.
More details on Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 here.
More details on Football Summit 2026 here. |
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HKTDC Food Expo 2026 (Hong Kong)
Food lovers can look forward to the HKTDC Food Expo 2026, taking place from 13 to 17 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by HKTDC, the Expo will bring together exhibitors from around the world, showcasing a diverse selection of food and beverage products, gourmet delicacies and culinary trends.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival 2026 (Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival will be held from 21 to 24 August. As one of Hong Kong's largest technology exhibitions, the Festival will showcase the latest in computers, communications, consumer electronics, artificial intelligence and smart technologies. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, interactive experiences and exclusive offers, the event will provide a vibrant platform for visitors to explore cutting-edge innovations and Hong Kong's dynamic technology ecosystem.
More details here. |
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