DABHolds Christmas Reception with Representatives from Foreign Business Chambers in Hong Kong

December 2, 2024

The DAB's Liaison Committee held an engaging Christmas reception on the evening of November 29 at Lan Kwai Fong in Central, welcoming representatives from foreign business chambers and expatriates in Hong Kong.

The Vice Chairman and Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, Legislative Councilor Holden Chow, addressed the audience, highlighting the DAB's ongoing reform initiatives under the leadership of Chairman Gary Chan. Chow emphasized the importance of harnessing the edge of "One Country, Two Systems" to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen economic and trade connections between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and foreign jurisdictions.

Chow noted that this year has proven fruitful for the DAB's effort in "Connecting the World." Notable events included the hosting of a special summer session on the Xia Shang Zhou exhibition, which allowed foreign business representatives and consuls in Hong Kong to gain insights into ancient Chinese civilization. This was followed by a successful exhibition commemorating 60 years of Sino-French diplomatic relations, aimed at enhancing the awareness of Hong Kong residents regarding the historical development of friendly ties between China and France. Additionally, DAB's Liaison Committee led a delegation in September to Shantou, facilitating foreign business representatives' exploration of potential business opportunities there

As an alumnus of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Holden Chow invited a British undergraduate from LSE, who is currently participating in an exchange program in Hong Kong, to join the Christmas reception, further illustrating the diverse collaboration and engagement fostered by the DAB.

Chow highlighted that attendees at the event came from 13 regions around the globe, including representatives from foreign enterprises in Hong Kong and the overseas Chinese diaspora. The DAB Liaison Committee is committed to continuing its mission to foster global connections, organizing more exchanges with foreign expatriates and business representatives to promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance economic and trade relationships between the HKSAR and various countries. The aim is to drive collective efforts across different sectors to leverage Hong Kong's strengths in connecting with the world and contribute to the country's progress.

Joseph Chan, the Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, addressed the audience by delivering an insightful overview of the local financial landscape and external trade circumstances. He asserted that Hong Kong is a vibrant city excelling in various financial sectors, including capital markets, risk management, and asset and wealth management, expressing optimism for the future development of the financial services industry in the coming year.

He also praised the significance of the Christmas reception, which brought together elites from various sectors familiar with local affairs for meaningful business and cultural exchanges.

The guests attending the Christmas reception included DAB Chairman Gary Chan; Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan; Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan; DAB Liaison Committee Vice-Chairperson Edward Leung; and Committee Vice-Chairperson Noel Shih. Additionally, Legislative Council Members Frankie Ngan, Stanley Li, Nixie Lam, Edmund Wong, and DAB Deputy Secretary- general, District Councilor Terry Yip were present, engaging in fruitful exchanges with participants throughout the event.