Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Ms Emily Mo, visited Vancouver from October 23 to 26 to promote Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, as well as a global hub for high-calibre talents.

In delivering the welcome address at the National Conference jointly hosted by the HKETO and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) in Vancouver on October 25, Ms Mo updated guests on the latest developments of Hong Kong.

Ms Mo first shared that the Fraser Institute of Canada recently ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy, surpassing over 160 other economies.  The city also consistently excels in various global rankings, including being the second-largest global offshore wealth management center, the third international financial hub, and one of the top ten in the World Talent Ranking.

“These commendations translate into abundant opportunities for international businesses and talent,” Ms Mo remarked. “In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) saw a 57% increase in external companies seeking support to set up or expand in Hong Kong. Additionally, nearly 50 strategic enterprises have committed to establishing operations in Hong Kong, with investments exceeding CAD$6.5 billion and creating over 13,000 jobs, primarily in scientific research and management.”

Ms Mo also highlighted that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong released his Policy Address 2024 announcing new measures to inject vitality into the city’s economy.  “These initiatives will focus on both established and emerging sectors, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for finance, shipping, trade, innovation and technology, and talent,” she said.

In addition, Ms Mo noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is exploring new growth areas. Plans include the development of a comprehensive commodity trading ecosystem to position Hong Kong as an international center for commodity trading, storage, logistics, risk management, and more. “A reduction in import tax on liquor is expected to boost trade and foster the growth of high-value industries such as tourism and premium food and beverage,” Ms Mo added.

Highlighting that Canada remains a significant source of talent for Hong Kong, Ms Mo emphasized that non-Chinese Hong Kong residents can now apply for multiple-entry visas to Mainland China, valid for up to five years, with each stay lasting up to 180 days. “This is one of the reasons why Canadian companies should consider opening an office in Hong Kong,” Ms Mo said.

The HKCBA’s National Conference, titled “Canada-Hong Kong: Forging a Bright Shared Future”, aims to provide a valuable platform for exploring innovation, partnerships, and new opportunities in Hong Kong and the Asian markets. The event was attended by over 200 guests, with panelists coming from Hong Kong and various parts of Canada, including the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Margaret Fong, and the Deputy Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), Ms Anna Au.

In addition, Ms Mo also attended the HKCBA Reception in celebration of its 40^th anniversary.   Speaking at the reception, Ms Mo congratulated HKCBA on this milestone and applauded the Association for its partnership with HKETO in promoting Canada-Hong Kong trade relations over the past four decades.

Earlier upon her arrival in Vancouver on October 23, Ms Mo joined a delegation from HKTE to attend and speak at a themed seminar titled “Unlock Your Future: Career Opportunities in Hong Kong” co-hosted by the HKCBA (Vancouver Section) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business. The event was supported by the HKETO, InvestHK and HKTE.

Ms Mo met with the business students from the UBC highlighting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and enormous job opportunities for overseas university graduates. Ms Au also introduced various talent attraction initiatives designed to attract professionals from diverse backgrounds who are seeking to advance their careers in Hong Kong, in addition to HKTE’s comprehensive support services.

During her four-day visit, Ms Mo paid a courtesy call to the Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, Mr Zeng Zhi, as well as members from the business sector and academia to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.  

Ms Mo returned to Toronto in the afternoon of October 26.