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17th Asian Financial Forum
The 17th Asian Financial Forum, co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was held on 24 to 25 January. Themed “Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow” and in line with our country’s initiative to promote global development for mutual benefits, this year’s forum encouraged different quarters from around the world to join hands in exploring strategies on sustainable economic development and opportunities of multilateral co-operation. The forum assembled more than 3 000 financial officials, representatives of central banks and regulators, senior executives from international financial and multilateral organisations, financial and business leaders and leading economists from over 40 countries or regions to shed light on hot topics such as opportunities in Mainland China, investment prospects, green finance, fintech, family office ecosystem, Renminbi internationalisation and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, reflecting Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre from various perspectives. Addressing the opening session, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong can create opportunities for companies, and economies, in Asia and around the world. Hong Kong will contribute to realising a bright and shared future for the global community. He invited participants from around the world to see for themselves Hong Kong’s new development opportunities and enjoy the experiential activities around town specially provided by the forum.
More details here. |
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Financial Secretary attends World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting from 15 to 19 January in Switzerland. The WEF Annual Meeting 2024, themed “Rebuilding Trust”, engaged in in-depth discussions around four areas: achieving security and co-operation for the world, creating growth and jobs, artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and long-term strategies for combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. Leaders of governments, representatives of major international organisations and senior management of enterprises from over 100 countries and regions attended the Meeting. During the WEF Annual Meeting, Mr Chan attended and spoke at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Mr Chan held bilateral meetings with political and business leaders attending the WEF Annual Meeting, introducing to them the latest developments and prospects in Hong Kong, and promoting the city’s new advantages and development opportunities.
More details on Financial Secretary’s first day, second day, third day, fourth day and fifth day visit. |
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Hong Kong signs first protocol to amend ASEAN - Hong Kong, China free trade agreement
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, signed the First Protocol to Amend the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Hong Kong (the Protocol) on 9 January to update the Product Specific Rules (PSR) of origin under the FTA, enhancing the coverage of the PSR from more than 200 categories of products to almost 600, thereby enabling Hong Kong businesses to more easily and effectively gain Hong Kong-originating status for an increased number of specified products, and thus enjoy preferential tariff treatment when expanding into the growing ASEAN market. Hong Kong and ASEAN will continue to work closely to bring about the early implementation of the Protocol, so that Hong Kong exporters may reap the benefits as soon as possible.
More details here. |
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Hong Kong Marathon 2024 returns in full scale
The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2024 returned in full scale after the pandemic, with some 74 000 runners, including 50 top runners from Asia and beyond, taking on the challenges of different levels of long distances races on 21 January. The event also featured the 19th Asian Marathon Championships, with over 30 elite runners from across the region. |
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Government announces a range of measures to promote mega event economy
The Government announced a range of measures to promote mega event economy, with a view to strengthening the co-ordination mechanism and the effectiveness of publicity for mega events. The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government will step up promoting the development of mega event economy and will reach out proactively and attract more world-class mega events to be staged in Hong Kong. Amongst others, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will leverage on its existing network, together with the HKTDC and the Economic and Trade Offices of the Government, to scout for suitable events worldwide. The HKTB will proactively contact the organiser or agency of the relevant events, and discuss the feasibility and the assistance and supporting arrangement needed for bringing in the events to Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been presenting her charm as Asia’s Events Capital to the world. International major events bear strategic significance for Hong Kong. Not only do the events boost the local economy, but also attract elites of industries from around the world to personally experience Hong Kong’s actual situation and vibrancy.
More details here. |
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Electronic services for application for Certificate of Registered Particulars
The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced the introduction of electronic services for the application for Certificate of Registered Particulars on 18 January. Applicants can apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars online, and choose to receive the relevant Certificate by post, without having to attend a Registration of Persons Office in person. Applicants are required to register an “iAM Smart+” account and perform a digital signing with legal backing before they can apply for a Certificate of Registered Particulars online. The applicant may complete the entire application process through the ImmD mobile application, or by visiting the ImmD’s website or the GovHK website.
More details here. |
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HKETO Events |
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A Melodious Chat of Music Concert (Sydney)
To be held on 19 February at The Concourse, Chatswood, the free performance showcases music works from Lingnan culture, Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, Cantonese pop songs, traditional literature and classic folk songs. A variety of genres will be performed including original and arranged compositions incorporating traditional and modern styles, combining Chinese and Western music and interpretation. This reflects Hong Kong’s social characteristics of inclusiveness, integration and innovation as a cultural exchange hub between the East and the West. Action now to get the free tickets and don’t miss out this amazing performance!
Free tickets and more details here. |
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Other Events |
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HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show (Hong Kong and online)
To be held from 29 February to 4 March, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show presents the glamour of the jewellery industry’s sparkling elites. This festival of radiance is recognised as the preeminent annual marketplace for stunning masterpieces, timeless classics and visionary creations. Beyond everlasting beauty and grace, the line-up of industry seminars, jewellery parades and networking sessions delivers exceptional insight.
More details here. |
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52nd Hong Kong Arts Festival (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF), launched in 1973, is a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city by presenting leading local and international artists in all genres of the performing arts as well as a diverse range of “PLUS” and educational events in February and March each year. This year HKAF will feature more than 1 400 outstanding international and local artists in over 150 performances of 45 programmes, and more than 350 PLUS, outreach and education events. It opens officially on 22 February, with the Bayerische Staatsoper’s performance of Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss, and closes on 22 March, with the Shanghai Ballet’s performance of A Sigh of Love.
More details here. |
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