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| No.10 October, 2024 |
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The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, delivered his third annual Policy Address, entitled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together” on 16 October, setting out a range of initiatives to create new impetus for economic development, improve people’s livelihood and enhance their quality of life.
See the major initiatives here. |
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Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economy
The Fraser Institute published the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report (2024 Report) on 16 October. Hong Kong returns as the world’s freest economies among 165 economies, up by one place from last year. Among the five areas of assessment in the 2024 Report, Hong Kong ranks top in “Freedom to trade internationally” and “Regulation”, and its ranking in “Sound money” rises to third globally. A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said that Hong Kong’s free market and premier business environment are attributable to its distinctive institutional strengths of the “one country, two systems” arrangement, including the practice of the common law system, robust rule of law, a judiciary that exercises powers independently, free flow of goods and factors of production such as capital, talent, and information, a simple tax system and low tax rates, a conducive business environment as well as efficient and transparent markets, a regulatory regime that adheres to international standards, among others. These factors have made Hong Kong an ideal city for doing business.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024
The ninth edition of Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 (HKFW), themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” is taking place from 28 October to 1 November. This flagship event stands at the forefront of the global fintech evolvement. Aligned with Hong Kong’s vision, the aim is to steer the future of financial services and beyond. Organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Insurance Authority, the event is expected to draw over 30 000 attendees from more than 100 economies. HKFW draws votes of confidence from both the Mainland and international companies and markets. The event this year features an unprecedented number of Mainland Chinese big tech companies showcasing their latest innovations, as well as notable speakers and delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East, which solidifies Hong Kong’s multifaceted business connections and landscape.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2024
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, spoke at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) hosted by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council on 14 October. Mr Chan said that HKPAX provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing top-notch performing arts productions from the international and local community, as well as promoting exchanges and collaborations to create business opportunities for these programmes and creative talents. The first HKPAX has received an overwhelming response, with strong support from the country and friends from around the world. More than 1 400 delegates from over 60 countries and regions participated in HKPAX and shared their artistic visions and creations.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
Presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the annual gastronomic highlight of the town Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was held between 23 and 27 October with about 155,000 locals and visitors, about a 10% increase from the last edition. The Festival captured the interest of visitors from around the world, attracting tourists from various countries and regions, including the Mainland, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and more. During the five-day Festival, Hong Kong also welcomed three international cruise liners, whose passengers were interested in checking out the Festival and joined the event’s exclusive wine-tasting and pairing experiences.
More details here. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the 2024 Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the Queensland Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the 2024 Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the Queensland Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) on 9 October. Addressing some 400 guests, Mr Chong said that with the strong support of the motherland and the close connection to the world, Hong Kong is the only place that can capitalise on both the China advantage and the international advantage, bringing businesses and talents to the Asia’s world city. Mr Chong also shared with the participants the encouraging results of attracting enterprises and talent by the Hong Kong Government. In the first half of this year, InvestHK has already assisted 322 overseas and Mainland companies to set up or expand businesses in Hong Kong, an increase of 43% compared with the same period last year. In the international arena, Mr Chong stressed that Hong Kong is striving for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Hong Kong will continue to play the bridging role as the “super connector” and “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Innovation and Tech Show Brisbane 2024 organised by the Queensland Chapter of the HKABA
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the Innovation and Tech Show Brisbane 2024 organised by the Queensland Chapter of the HKABA on 10 and 11 October. Speaking at the event, Mr Chong said that Hong Kong has made substantial strides in transforming into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, fostering an ecosystem where research, development, and entrepreneurship thrive. He highlighted the government’s strong commitment backed by significant investments of some A$40 billion dedicated to creating an ideal ecosystem for I&T development, including supporting cutting-edge R&D, nurturing start-ups and talents, building world class I&T infrastructure, supporting smart manufacturing, and enabling wider adoption of I&T in the community. Mr Chong added that Queensland’s renowned expertise in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare presents enormous potential for collaboration with Hong Kong’s burgeoning tech sector. He encouraged companies to consider Hong Kong as the gateway to the vast opportunities in Mainland China, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. |
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Student ambassadors of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals visited Hong Kong House
HKETO received the student ambassador delegation of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals led by its Chairman, Ms Mandy Tang, at Hong Kong House on 10 October. The delegation had a tour in Hong Kong House and learnt about the history of the building. They were also briefed on the work of HKETO, including its mission to strengthen the bilateral trade and cultural relations between Hong Kong and Australia and New Zealand, as well as its upcoming events. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended East Meets West: Food and Wine Pairing Evening organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the East Meets West: Food and Wine Pairing Evening organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association on 15 October. Mr Chong shared with the participants the exciting developments in Hong Kong, particularly the mega events to be held in the coming months. He promoted the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and encouraged the participants to visit Hong Kong to experience its vibrancy. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the 2024 Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the South Australia Chapter of the HKABA
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the 2024 Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the South Australia Chapter of the HKABA on 18 October. Mr Chong gave an update on the latest development in Hong Kong and introduced the new measures announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for trade, innovation and technology, aviation and legal services. Mr Chong highlighted that Hong Kong will reduce the duty rate for liquor with an import price of over HK$200 from 100% to 10% for the portion above HK$200, so as to foster trading of liquor and boosting development of high value-added industries in Hong Kong. He added that this will benefit alcohol export from South Australia on spirits and other alcohol products, in addition to wine. |
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New Hong Kong Dragon shines brightly at OzAsia Festival
HKETO is supporting the OzAsia Festival from 24 October to 10 November to promote the unique arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong. In collaboration with the organiser of the Festival, the Adelaide Festival Centre (AFC), HKETO presented a 40-metre-long new Hong Kong Dragon Lantern which took centre stage at the Moon Lantern Trail of the OzAsia Festival, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as celebrating the artistic synergy between Hong Kong and Australia.
Addressing more than 200 guests at the OzAsia Festival Opening Night, the Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, said that 2024 marks the 15th year of partnership between HKETO and the AFC, and HKETO treasures the opportunity for cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. He also introduced the key measures announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” for bolstering the cultural and creative industries. With a view to branding the West Kowloon Cultural District as a must-visit landmark for cultural and creative tourism, the Government will roll out more special experience activities and step up worldwide promotion in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to bring in more tourists. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the press conference of Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema 2024 Sydney and Melbourne
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Ricky Chong, attended the press conference of Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema 2024 Sydney and Melbourne on 29 October. Mr Chong said that HKETO is honoured to present Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema in Australia with the support of the Hong Kong Film Development Fund and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. He added that the Hong Kong Government is determined to realise the positioning of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as supported under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and HKETO will spare no effort in promoting cultural and creative industries and will continue to support film festivals like Making Waves to enhance the exposures of Hong Kong films in international markets.
Presented by HKETO and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, in collaboration with Hong Kong Film Festival in Australia, six Hong Kong films will be screened in Sydney from 28 to 30 November and in Melbourne from 5 to 7 December. Film directors and talents of the films will attend the screenings and interact with the local audiences.
See more details on the programme here. |
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Woodwind Quintet – Hong Kong and Australia Cultural Exchange Concert (Melbourne)
Supported by HKETO, the Woodwind Quintet - Hong Kong and Australia Cultural Exchange Concert will be held in Melbourne on 7 November. Five talented young musicians from Hong Kong will showcase classical masterpieces like Debussy’s Clair de Lune and Bizet’s Carmen Suite. Highlighting this performance is guest musician Mr David Griffiths, the Associate Professor of Music of the University of Melbourne.
Date and time: 7 November, 7 pm
Location: The Round Theatre, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Registration: https://tickets.theround.com.au/WebPages/EntaWebHtmlSeatPlan/HtmlSeatPlan.aspx
Don’t miss this beautiful celebration of music. Act now to get the free tickets! |
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Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit (Hong Kong)
The Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit 2024, organised by HKMA, will be held from 18-20 November. Similar to last year, the Summit is a three-day event including roundtable discussions, a welcome dinner, a main summit event and an investment forum. Audience includes prominent financial leaders from global financial institutions including banks, securities firms, asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds, and insurers.
More details here. |
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The Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (Hong Kong)
To be held on 18-19 November, the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference brings together logistics, maritime, air freight and supply chain management services providers and shippers, including manufacturers, traders and distributors, to exchange market intelligence and explore business opportunities in the region.
More details here. |
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LINK Hong Kong Open 2024 (Hong Kong)
The 2024 Hong Kong Open, one of ten global tournaments on The International Series, will be staged for a 63rd time at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 21 to 24 November and will offer a prize purse of US$ 2 million. It will be a spectacular showcase of both international and local sporting talent, including local hero, Taichi Kho, as well as a host of major champions and stars of the game.
More details here. |
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