Hong Kong leads over 70 firms at China import expo, says trade bureau chair
Trade Development Council chair Fred Ma says the bureau leads over 70 Hong Kong firms at the China import expo, with record exhibitor numbers and floor space. He outlines plans to align with national and SAR strategies, leveraging Hong Kong as a super-connector.
The ninth China International Import Expo and Hongqiao International Economic Forum is under way in Shanghai. Fred Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), told the Hongqiao Forum's Hong Kong sub-forum that the TDC will proactively align with national development strategies and the Hong Kong SAR government's policies.
Ma said the TDC will fully leverage Hong Kong's role as a 'super-connector' and 'super-value-adder', continuously optimising its network of 51 global offices, large-scale international exhibitions and conferences, and support services such as the 'Go Global' scheme. These efforts aim to further facilitate the efficient flow of capital, talent and technology, deepening international economic and trade cooperation.
Ma noted that this year marks the start of the nation's 15th five-year plan, and the Hong Kong SAR has announced its first five-year plan. Hong Kong, he said, enjoys the unique advantage of 'backed by the motherland, connected to the world'. The TDC will help Hong Kong enterprises seize opportunities under the national 15th five-year plan while supporting mainland companies in using Hong Kong's professional services and international business platform to explore new markets and enhance global competitiveness, contributing to high-quality development and high-standard opening up.
Ma revealed that the TDC is leading a total of more than 70 Hong Kong companies at this year's expo, setting up a 'Hong Kong Food Hall' and a 'Hong Kong Services Pavilion'. Both the number of exhibitors and exhibition area have reached record highs. He said the food hall includes a new 'Hong Kong Brands Zone', while the services pavilion is themed 'Hong Kong Gateway – Connecting the World'. The pavilion will also showcase the TDC's 'Go Global' scheme, designed to support mainland enterprises looking to expand overseas by pairing them with professional services and leveraging the TDC's flagship events and global network to go global together with Hong Kong.