Hong Kong, Dec 6, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The 24th Hong Kong Forum, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW), concluded today. The two-day event attracted nearly 260 business leaders from 26 countries and regions. This year’s forum focused on hot topics such as the global business outlook, innovation development, healthcare, sustainable development and youth entrepreneurship, providing participants with in-depth industry insights, successfully promoting exchanges and creating more cooperation opportunities among businesses from different regions.

Innovation, sustainable development, and healthcare as focal points of development

Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Although the pandemic is now a thing of the past, this year has seen its fair share of challenges. I am glad to see that, in spite of them, our network continues to grow. In this regard, I welcome our newest member association representing Kazakhstan. This is a testament to the growing importance of Central Asia to Hong Kong businesses and the strong interest of Central Asia in connecting with us.”

She also mentioned: “Looking ahead, innovation, sustainability and wellness will remain our key focus areas. And these are the themes we will discuss at the Forum over the next two days. We believe these three areas serve as critical sources of opportunity for businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the rest of the world.”

Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide,  delivered opening speeches on the Forum's first day and said: “In the post-pandemic world, Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, has undergone significant changes. We are privileged to have distinguished business leaders who will address a range of topics that reflect these transformations. They will provide insights on the current state of Hong Kong’s business environment, future trends, growth opportunities, industry-specific challenges and opportunities, sustainability and innovation integration, talent retention and attraction, leadership strategies, and invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

In his keynote luncheon address on the second day, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan said: “Over these two days, I am confident that you all have gained valuable insights into the evolving business landscape of Hong Kong and the boundless array of opportunities that lie ahead. I am sure the enlightening exchange of ideas will also inspire fresh perspectives for collaboration and more businesses.” Mr Chan also discussed Hong Kong's economic landscape. “It is clear that in the short term, Hong Kong will face some headwinds in light of the global geo-economic fragmentation. But just as the saying goes, ‘Wherever there is danger, there lies opportunity’. We see the remarkable strengths Hong Kong possesses and are determined to build on them to capture the immense opportunities ahead.”

Analysing the prospects of Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries

The latest policy address stated that the Government will fully promote the development of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries to create more business opportunities. The Hon Bernard Chan, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of the Board, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority served as a guest speaker on the first day, sharing how to leverage the East-meets-West feature of Hong Kong to enhance Hong Kong’s status as a leading arts and cultural hub in Asia and internationally. In addition, at thematic forums, business leaders such as Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited, Winnie Chiu, President of Dorsett Hospitality International, and Bosco Law, Deputy Chairman and CEO, LAWSGROUP, described the challenges and opportunities they faced and how they adapted to the ever-changing business environment and landscape in Hong Kong.

In-depth discussions were also conducted on in-focus topics such as healthcare and youth entrepreneurship. Rachel Fan, Chief Executive Officer of G-NiiB GenieBiome, Dr Charles Hu, Founder & CEO of Ryoden Medical Holdings Ltd, and Dr Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital, explored prospects for healthcare and biotechnology in Hong Kong. On the morning of the next day (6 December), young entrepreneurs including Edmund Chan, COO & Co-founder, Meat the Next Company Limited, Arthur Lam, Co-founder and CEO of Negawatt Technology Limited and Jerry Tam, Advisor of OnePile Tech Ltd, discussed challenges and opportunities encountered in their entrepreneurial journey and their views on the business environment in Hong Kong.

Global business representatives visit key development projects in Hong Kong

In addition to the Forum, FHKBAW’s overseas member associates visited key development projects in Hong Kong, including the Kai Tak Sports Park, Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre and The Hong Kong Palace Museum to understand the latest developments in Hong Kong and experience its unique role as a hub for cultural and artistic exchanges and innovation and technology.

The Hong Kong Forum is the FHKBAW's annual flagship event. The Federation, founded in 2000, comprises a network of 48 business associations with about 11,000 business executives and professionals from 37 countries and regions as its members.

Forum website: https://hkforum.hktdc.com/conference/hkforum/en
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Na5OFK

The 24th Hong Kong Forum, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide (FHKBAW), concluded today. The two-day event attracted nearly 260 business leaders from 26 countries and regions.

In her opening remarks, Margaret Fong, the HKTDC's executive director, said that looking ahead, innovation, sustainability, and wellness would remain the key focus areas.

Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Alliance of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide delivered opening speeches on the first day of the forum.

Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan addressed the keynote luncheon on the second day.

The two-day event also featured in-depth discussions on hot topics such as healthcare and youth entrepreneurship.

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About FHKBAW
The Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide is a unique network of 48 Hong Kong Business Associations in 37 countries and regions with about 11,000 individual associates. These Hong Kong Business Associations were started by overseas traders, buyers and professionals, who have strong business links to Hong Kong in their respective countries, for the purpose of networking and exchanging of business information and ideas. Each of these Associations has their own individual members who are top business people and SMEs in their home country. They are Hong Kong's closest allies and partners in the world market. With the help of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), these Associations formed the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide in November 2000. The Federation aims to achieve synergy among the global network of Hong Kong Business Associations. It provides an effective base for member associations to network and exchange information, thereby generating business opportunities.  www.hkfederation.org.hk/about

About HKTDC 
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.

Media enquiries:
Please contact the HKTDC Communications and Public Affairs Department,
Snowy Chan, tel: +852 2584 4537, email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org

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