A high-level delegation led by Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, concluded a week-long ASEAN mission. This mission aimed to strengthen economic and trade relations with Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the delegation signed over 50 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in areas such as trade, finance, fintech, and education, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties.
During the mission, Mr. Lee emphasized the significance of the visit: “Our six-day trip included visits to four cities, where we participated in around 30 events, met with senior leaders, and explored business opportunities.”
Strengthening Ties and Exploring Opportunities
The delegation, consisting of 30 leaders from various sectors, engaged in discussions to explore collaboration opportunities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Dr. Peter K N Lam, Chairman of HKTDC, highlighted the mission's focus on introducing new business opportunities in innovation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing, further solidifying Hong Kong's role as a superconnector.
Key MoUs and Business Engagements
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, 30 MoUs were signed between the delegation members and Vietnamese counterparts. These agreements cover areas including trade and investment promotion, finance, transport, logistics, and education. Notable interactions included meetings with local chambers of commerce and key corporations like VinGroup and Tessellation Binh Duong Co Ltd.
Promoting Collaboration and Future Events
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (HKETO Singapore) and HKTDC co-organized a business luncheon in Vietnam, attended by 220 business leaders and officials, to foster collaboration. Mr. Lee reiterated Hong Kong's commitment to leveraging its strengths to support ASEAN's economic ambitions.
The HKSAR Government and HKTDC will host the Belt and Road Summit on September 11-12 in Hong Kong, providing further opportunities for Vietnamese companies to engage and collaborate.
Building on Previous Success
This mission builds on previous successful ASEAN missions to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The goal remains to deepen economic ties, enhance cultural exchanges, and explore new collaboration opportunities between ASEAN and Hong Kong.