Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Mr Bill Wong, visited Vancouver and Ottawa from September 19 to 24 to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities and strengthen economic ties with Canada.

Speaking at the “Canada x Asia: Go Global Connections” networking reception organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) (Vancouver Section) on September 21 in welcoming delegates from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong representing the green technology, sustainability, and life and health sciences sectors, Mr Wong updated participants on the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced by the Chief Executive last week.  

In particular, Mr Wong pointed out that the Plan is a strategic blueprint guiding Hong Kong’s efforts in fully leveraging its strengths to serve the dual objectives of contributing to the country’s development, while building a better future for Hong Kong in the coming five years.

“We will strengthen the ‘four centres and one hub’ through consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as international financial, maritime, and trade centres as well as an international aviation hub, while expediting the city’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent,” he said.

Mr Wong also highlighted the expedited development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, strategically positioning as an integrated hub for “talent cultivation, scientific research, transformation of outcomes, and industrial development”, in a bid to achieve the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

“Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan reflects our firm commitment to capturing national development opportunities, leveraging our unique advantages, and maintaining a competitive business environment for enterprises from around the world,” he added. “Our GoGlobal Task Force, established last October, has already assisted more than 340 Chinese Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong. I also encourage Canadian enterprises to consider allocating more assets to Hong Kong.”

On September 22, Mr Wong attended the “Discover Hong Kong through stories” luncheon organised by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre Learning Lab. Mr Wong shared the latest developments of Hong Kong as an international financial centre and the global asset and wealth management hub in Asia, how Hong Kong serves as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, and Hong Kong’s advantages as one of the world’s most popular regions for family offices.

Earlier upon arrival in Vancouver, Mr Wong visited Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Polygon Gallery to explore collaboration opportunities. He has also met with the representatives of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver and the Canada Confederation of Shenzhen Associations, and visited the ClimateDoor of Northeastern University for exchanges. He paid a courtesy call on Consul General Fu Fengshan of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

In the second leg of his visit, Mr Wong travelled to Ottawa to attend the “Mid-Autum Review: Canada-China Roundtable” organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Ottawa Section) on September 23.

At the meeting, Mr Wong reiterated the deep-rooted economic ties between Canada and Hong Kong.  He noted that the two sides signed the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement 10 years ago, demonstrating their commitment to facilitating investment and strengthening bilateral ties. Today, the partnership has grown even more important with Canada’s diversification goal and Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” connecting Canada with Asia. Senator Yuen Pau Woo, as well as Members of the Parliament Yasir Naqvi, Michael Ma and Zoe Royer also attended the meeting.