With Hong Kong fully reopening to the world and hosting a slew of international events, the Chamber has been busy drafting its 2023 calendar.
I am happy to say we have plenty of useful events lined up for the rest of the year. We are proud to be organizing the 23rd Hong Kong Business Summit on 10 May, which returns after a five-year hiatus. Ever the highlight of the Chamber’s events list, the biennial summit features high-profile leaders who will share their views on issues affecting the business environment.
This year’s Summit, under the theme is “Hong Kong – A New Era,” will focus on how Hong Kong as an international financial centre can adapt to the changing geopolitical environment, and how traditional pillar industries can be reinvented as new engines of economic growth.
Chief Executive John Lee and Financial Secretary Paul Chan will deliver keynote speeches on Hong Kong’s new role and positioning after China’s Two Sessions, and how the business sector should prepare for it. A panel of distinguished speakers will address “Hong Kong’s Future as an International Business and Financial Hub,” while in the second panel, titled “Traditional and New Drivers of Hong Kong’s Economy,” business leaders in Hong Kong will discuss the diversification of the economy.
In late March, the Chamber went on a mission to Nansha, our first trip out of Hong Kong since the pandemic began three years ago. Nansha is experiencing rapid growth, and offers Hong Kong companies investment potential in a diverse range of sectors.
To help young people capture opportunities in the GBA, the Chamber again partnered with independent think tank MWYO on a research study about the HKSAR Government’s GBA Youth Employment Scheme. Further afield, we hope to send a mission to Kansai, Japan, following the success of our HKGCC X JETRO Invest Japan Webinar to introduce investment opportunities in Osaka, Nara and Wakayama.
This month brings up the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held in-person for the first time in two years. We are also hosting special receptions for our current members and new ones, who will be introduced to the Chamber’s services and membership benefits.
On May 31, we will host a Cocktail Reception with European Consuls General in Hong Kong, an exclusive event that affords members a unique chance to expand connections with dignitaries while learning about what is happening in Europe and exploring business opportunities. We also have plans to organize a similar reception for Asian Consuls General in Hong Kong.
Later in the year, we will host a celebratory dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Good Citizens Award (GCA), of which the Chamber has been the sole sponsor since 1973. At the last awards ceremony in February, 80 citizens were honoured for helping maintain law and order in the city.
Our Pitch Perfect Programme 2023 is also in full swing, with local university students bringing their best game to the popular business competition.
Besides all these events, there will also be seminars and workshops on various topics every month. As always, your Chamber is leaving no stone unturned to support the business community and our valued members. I encourage you to sign up for our events and make the most of the opportunities to enhance your business and stay ahead of the curve in these challenging times.
George Leung
ceo@chamber.org.hk