SCED hosts cocktail reception to give update on work of overseas ETOs and Mainland Offices on promoting Hong Kong (with photos/video)
23.11.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (November 23) hosted a cocktail reception to update about 200 guests, including representatives of consulates, chambers of commerce and major trade associations, as well as members of relevant government boards and committees, on the work of the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) and the Mainland Offices on promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong. The Heads of 14 ETOs and five Mainland Offices (HETOs) also attended the cocktail reception during their stay in Hong Kong for the annual meeting of HETOs, which is the first physical meeting since 2019. Speaking at the reception, Mr Yau said that the Government is committed to implementing various measures to assist Hong Kong people and businesses in seizing new opportunities and for Hong Kong to return to the centre stage. He thanked colleagues of the ETOs and the Mainland Offices for their tireless efforts in fostering closer bilateral trade ties and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and various economies, and keeping the respective governments and contacts updated of the latest developments in Hong Kong. Mr Yau added that the ETOs and the Mainland Offices render essential support to senior government officials in visiting long-standing as well as emerging markets to promote Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities. Citing relevant ETOs' support for the Middle East and Association of Southeast Asian Nations missions led by the Chief Executive earlier this year as examples, Mr Yau said that the two visits were highly successful in enhancing Hong Kong's connections with the two regions, not only in trade and investment, but also bringing people closer and telling the good stories of Hong Kong on all fronts. Mr Yau also briefed the guests on the work of the ETOs and the Mainland Offices on attracting enterprises and talent. He said that the 17 Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents set up in the Offices have been supporting the work of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Hong Kong Talent Engage, by reaching out to target enterprises proactively and highlighting the opportunities and advantages of Hong Kong as well as various schemes and new policy initiatives for attracting quality enterprises and talent to Hong Kong. "We treasure very much our bilateral relationships with all our trading partners. Our ETOs not only maintain Hong Kong's prominence on the world map, but also serve as a bridge linking our city to the rest of the world. We will continue to proactively make efforts to explore business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international trade and financial centre," Mr Yau said. Mr Yau stressed that the continued support from the global community is also important. The ETOs and the Mainland Offices will continue to reach out to their community partners and organise a variety of activities to strengthen the promotion of Hong Kong. Also attending today's cocktail reception included Members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, officials from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, as well as representatives of the creative industries and performing arts groups.