The "Seminar on 'Hong Kong's Experiences for International Trade': New Horizon·New Technology·New Model" jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held successfully today (November 6) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The seminar was attended by more than 460 people, including representatives from Mainland provincial and municipal governments and enterprises in various industries. It was one of the major events organised by the HKSAR at the first China International Import Expo.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, delivered an opening speech under the theme "Hong Kong – Gateway to the Country's Import and Export". He elaborated on Hong Kong's unique role as a gateway for the country's imports and exports.
He talked about three historic moments which made Hong Kong a gateway to the country's imports and exports. First, Hong Kong acted as the country's first gateway when it started reforms and opening up. Hong Kong entrepreneurs were the first batch of investors in the Mainland market. Hong Kong companies have since played an important role in the country's opening up. Second, the country's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 has led to further opening up of its market and increase of its external trade, consolidating Hong Kong's role as a trading centre. Third, the Belt and Road Initiative and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiated by the country have made Hong Kong the best gateway and platform for Mainland companies to "go global".
At the seminar, the Chairman of the Fung Group, Dr Victor Fung, delivered a keynote speech on the theme "Hong Kong's Experiences for International Trade – New Horizon·New Technology·New Model", and shared his opinions and insights on the global landscape and Hong Kong's unique role.
The Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong, gave welcoming remarks. The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Salina Yan, was the moderator for the panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Other participating speakers included Expert Partner of Sequoia China Fund, Mr Herbert Chia; the Chief Corporate Banking Officer of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Lin Guangming; and Member of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Yeung. They briefed the participants on the latest industry developments in respect of technology application and financial and legal services, and spoke on how Hong Kong's service industries can help Mainland companies seize new opportunities and face challenges in international trade.
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