The Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC) announced today the appointment of Sophia Chong as the Executive Director with effect from 1 October succeeding Margaret Fong, who is to retire. Ms Chong is currently a Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC.
Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of HKTDC, stated, “Sophia is an innovative, resolute and wise leader. Over the years, she has worked closely with small- and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s commercial and trade influence with remarkable achievements. I firmly believe that she will lead the HKTDC to a new chapter upholding the enterprising spirit of innovation and pragmatism to further consolidate Hong Kong’s advantage as a global trading hub, help enterprises seize and explore unlimited business opportunities”.
Professor Ma also expressed his gratitude to Margaret Fong for her outstanding contributions over the years, praising her for helping the industry expand its global reach, deepening international connections, overcoming various challenges and laying a solid foundation for HKTDC. He also wished her a fulfilling and happy retirement life.
Ms Chong, Executive Director (designate), said, “I am honoured and fully aware of the responsibility on my shoulders. The global economy is changing rapidly. Together with the HKTDC team, I will continue to keep pace with the times and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global hub, drive transformation through innovation and fully connect the local, mainland and international business communities. This will create broader business opportunities for enterprises and inject inexhaustible impetus into Hong Kong’s economy”.
Ms Chong has served HKTDC for more than 30 years. She was promoted to Deputy Executive Director in 2022 overseeing exhibition and digital businesses. She has successfully turned several exhibitions into world-leading sourcing and marketing events, led the innovation of digital commerce, created opportunities for SMEs, connected global buyers and guided HKTDC to become a leading trade promotion organisation.
The appointment was unanimously approved by the Council and announced after obtaining the consent of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.
held concurrently with Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and ICMCM
– Food Expo, Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo will be held from 14 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Featuring some 1,890 exhibitors, the five exhibitions present global gourmet foods and lifestyle products – The Hong Kong International Tea Fair fully opens to both the public and trade buyers for the first time, promoting tea culture – Five theme days including Shall We Tea (14 August), Flavours of Intangible Cultural Heritage (15 August), Asian Delights (16 August), Body, Mind & Soul (17 August), and Taste of HK (18 August) – offer engaging activities and highlight trending products – To celebrate Food Expo’s 35th edition, there are more than 100 special offers provided by the exhibitors including products priced at HK$35.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 35th Food Expo, 9th Beauty & Wellness Expo, and 11th Home Delights Expo will take place from Thursday, 14 to Monday, 18 August 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai. Running concurrently, the trade-focused 3rd Food Expo PRO and the 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be held from 14 to 16 August, with the Tea Fair opening to both trade and public visitors for all three days for the first time. Together, these five fairs feature some 1,890 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse global gourmet foods and wines, teas, health and beauty products, and innovative home appliances, providing a one-stop sourcing and shopping experience for trade buyers and the public. Additionally, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), co-organised by the HKTDC, the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), and 10 research institutions, will be held on 14 and 15 August, offering industry professionals the latest insights into Chinese medicine.
At today’s pre-event press conference, Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, commented: “The 35th Hong Kong Food Expo and its concurrent events are key highlights in Hong Kong’s event calendar. There are five curated theme days across the fairs, each delivering diverse experiences for visitors seeking gourmet delights, wellness, and elevated lifestyles. This year, exhibitors will present a comprehensive line up of products and special deals, complemented by interactive activities and special celebrations for the 35th Food Expo, including lucky draws and engaging games with prizes. These initiatives aim to create a memorable experience for visitors and stimulate local consumption.”
The five fairs bring together exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, including first-time participants such as Brazil, Mongolia and Zimbabwe, and representatives from nine ASEAN countries highlighting diverse culinary cultures. With 45 regional pavilions – an increase from last year – the events showcase an extensive international presence, featuring provinces from Mainland China, as well as Macao, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Food Expo PRO and Tea Fair Showcase Diverse Products – Halal Food, and Food Science and Coffee in Focus (14-16 August) The 3rd Food Expo PRO opens exclusively to trade buyers for the first two days, with both public and buyers welcome on the final day (16 August). Global exhibitors present premium food products, services, and technologies, highlighted by the new “Coffee Zone”, featuring coffee products, accessories, and machines from various countries and regions. Mainland China’s leading coffee bean producer, Yunnan Province, presents enterprises from Pu’er City showcasing Kunlu Mountain and Jinpaoshan roasted beans, alongside other specialty products. On 16 August, the Hong Kong Specialty Coffee Association hosts a coffee cupping competition, challenging professional baristas’ taste and smell, fostering exchange among coffee enthusiasts.
Building on last year’s introduction of halal food and beverage label, Food Expo PRO and Food Expo feature more than 120 exhibitors from Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and beyond, showcasing premium halal products and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international food hub. A seminar on the halal food market will feature Kowloon Shangri-La, the first Hong Kong hotel to earn a Level 5 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Certification from Crescent Rating, alongside experts discussing opportunities in the halal industry and promoting Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination. In partnership with the Islamic Trust Fund of Hong Kong, the city’s recognised halal certification body, halal certification certificates will be awarded to local restaurants during the event, supporting businesses in tapping into the Islamic market.
The “Food Science and Technology” zone highlights health-focused and future foods tailored for the silver economy, featuring innovative products like soft-textured mooncakes and cognitive health supplements developed by local exhibitors. The Food Technology Seminar will explore the development of additive-free foods in Hong Kong and advocate for a “Clean Label” standard.
The 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair welcomes trade buyers and the public over three days, promoting tea culture through health-focused tea and tea-related activities. Visitors can sample premium teas, including Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle Tea), mild-acidity German fruit teas, cherry blossom black tea made from Yunnan’s century-old tea trees, raw Pu-erh tea from 1,500-meter-high ancient trees, award-winning Bai Yun Chun Hao tea, Iranian black and herbal teas, Kenyan orthodox tea, antioxidant-rich Sri Lankan purple tea, paired with exquisite teaware from various regions. The fair also features innovative tea beverages, such as Hong Kong-style Yuan Yang Tea capsules, herbal wellness tea capsules, sparkling tea, kombucha champagne tea, non-alcoholic ice wine tea, and matcha beverages. The “Friends of Tea” zone offers tea-infused snacks and perfumes, blending traditional and modern tea culture.
In collaboration with the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, the fair hosts the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Youth International Tea Art Competition 2025, with the theme of “Bridging Eras in Greater Bay Area’s Tea Culture”, fostering cultural exchange among youth in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong. The judging panel for the “Hong Kong International Tea Competition” will select the winners for the “Best Taste” and “Best Aroma” across six categories, with free tastings of the winning teas available to the public on 16 August. Additional event highlights include the “China & Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition 2025 (HK Milk Tea) – Hong Kong Final”, “2025 Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum and China Tea Tourism City Brand Ceremony”, and the “International Tea Event Space Design Competition 2025”.
Food Expo: A Global Culinary Adventure with New Taste Experiences (14-18 August) The 35thFood Expo presents a five-day celebration of global gourmet foods and beverages. The “Gourmet Zone” features seven themed areas, covering fine dining, craft beverages, and indulgent desserts. Highlights include first-time exhibitor Meigetsudo, an 80-year-old Taiwanese confectionery brand offering wagashi and souvenirs, alongside award-winning beef noodles, tea gelato blended with locally made nut butter, specialty coffee, plum-lemon honey soda, Dubai chocolate, and Chinese sake. Local brand Mezzanine Makers has collaborated with six Hong Kong brands to create the “Mezzanine Pub”, featuring Kowloon Spirits (Hong Kong’s first locally crafted whiskey brand), N.I.P. Gin , and Magnolia Lab , a liqueur brand blending Western mixology with Chinese herbs.
The “Gourmet Zone” invites 10 star chefs, including Dong Lai Shun’s Sze Chiu Kwan, Fook Lam Moon (Kowloon Bay)’s Chan Chun Hung, The Royal Garden Le Soleil’s Do Thi Thuy Linh, OOAK LAMMA’s Stefanie Leung, and Deli Labo’s Nancy Fung, to demonstrate exquisite dishes using premium ingredients. The “Premium Food” zone showcases more than 30 renowned brands, including Chewy, CHOYA, Kee Wah, Lee Kum Kee, Maxim’s, Nissin, On Kee, Original Taste Workshop, Wing Wah, and first-time exhibitor Häagen-Dazs.
The China National Agricultural Pavilion, organised by the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Mainland China, will present a thousand agricultural and food products from 13 provinces, including Anhui, Guangdong, Hainan, Xinjiang, and Shandong. This will fully showcase the distinctive regional characteristics of agriculture in Mainland China.
Beauty & Wellness Expo: Embracing Natural Beauty and Nurturing Mind and Body (14-18 August) The 9thBeauty & Wellness Expo presents premium skincare, haircare, health supplements, and slimming products. A new Polish pavilion introduces high-quality caviar essence creams, natural essential oils, and hair-growth serums.
The new “Scentsation” zone focuses on perfumes and aromatherapy, featuring over 20 renowned brands, including Eternal Group, and first-time exhibitor Lush with its hit product Deep Sleep Magnesium Massage Bar. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Association of Flower Arranging Societies, a “Scentsation” showcase explores the power of fragrances in nurturing mind, body, and soul, alongside more than 30 artistic floral displays with the theme of Brilliant Floral Banquet.
The Body Mind Spirit zone offers stress-relieving activities such as gong baths, sand painting, and hand massages. Industry partners, including the Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness, Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, International Beauty & Health General Union, and the Cosmetics & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong, present the Beauty Salon, providing complimentary eyebrow trimming, manicures, body painting, and hairdressing services with limited availability.
Home Delights Expo: Future Homes for Elevated Lifestyles (14-18 August) The 11th Home Delights Expo showcases products such as home technology, massage chairs, kitchen appliances, bedding, furniture, and interior design services. New exhibitors include EMMAS, KuKa, Leung So Kee and Maxell. The “Avenue of Delights” showcases over 35 lifestyle brands, including LAURASTAR, Osim, Owell, Tiger, and Zwilling.
Featured home tech includes Towngas’ steam washing machine with smart stain treatment, German Pool’s Induction Cooker Food Warmer Turntable for simultaneous cooking and heat retention, and Thermomix’s multifunctional kitchen appliance, combining over 30 appliances in one compact unit, saving time and space. Celebrating Snoopy’s 75th anniversary, the “Snoopy Hide & Seek” activity invites visitors to snap photos with Snoopy and friends for a chance to win special prizes.
Five Theme Days: Unique Activities Every Day The fairs feature cross-exhibition theme days, each offering curated experiences: 1.Shall We Tea (14 August): The opening day includes Northern and Southern dim sum demonstrations, tea therapy workshops, and talks such as The Legacy and Contemporary Dialogues of Chinese Tea Culture and The Beauty of Tea, Where Small Things Reveal Greatness. 2.Flavours of Intangible Cultural Heritage (15 August): Highlights include Hakka Sau Fan making, and demonstrations of traditional steamers and bamboo crafts. Master Choi Wing-kei share some behind-the-scenes stories related to floral plaque craftsmanship, alongside Tai Chi and Wing Chun performances. 3.Asian Delights (16 August): Showcases Asian cuisine and culture with Chinese sake brewing demonstrations, Vietnamese and molecular Thai cooking demonstrations, Japanese shamisen performances, and Thai yoga massage experiences. 4.Body, Mind & Soul (17 August): Focusing on the silver economy, exhibitors like Mannings offer a Smart Health Station with free health tests for seniors. Seminars explore immunity-boosting diets, therapeutic soups, and cross-border medical trends in Hong Kong. 5.Taste of HK(18 August): Partnering with DRAGONS’ DEN, the Vegetable Marketing Organization, and the Fish Marketing Organization, the event promotes local produce, inspiring healthy, delicious home-cooked meals that embody the farm-to-table dining.
ICMCM: Experts Discuss Trends in Chinese Medicine and Health Products (14-15 August) The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) is partnering with the HKTDC, and ten scientific research institutions to present at the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM). Under the theme “Latest Research Progress in Preventing and Treating Tumors, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases with Traditional Medicine”, the conference features 21 prominent speakers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and abroad, sharing insights on innovations, global trends, challenges, and successful case studies. Conducted in a hybrid format to enable global participation, the conference also offers Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for Hong Kong-registered Chinese medicine practitioners.
Food Expo Celebrates 35th Edition with Exclusive Offers To celebrate the 35th Food Expo, free admission tickets are available each day before noon, with 350 each at Halls 3FG and 5FG entrances respectively and redeemable with the designated advertisement. Over 100 promotions are priced at HK$35 to tie in the 35th Food Expo. The “Food Expo 35th Edition – Treasure Hunt” game engages visitors in Hall 3, where they can hunt for ‘treasure’, scan QR codes, answer questions correctly, and redeem gifts. Together with daily lucky draws, prizes are worth over HK$1 million, including kitchenware, furniture, beauty products, gourmet foods, health items; a lucky draw entry is granted for a single transaction of HK$300 or more. The “Smart Bidding” session allows visitors to bid on favourite items starting at 10% of their original price. Visit the “August Happy Buy” promotional website for flash sales and exclusive discounts.
Physical ticket sales are unavailable at the venue. E-tickets can be purchased in advance through AlipayHK, Alipay, 01 Space, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Octopus app, or The Club app, or at venue entrances using AlipayHK, Alipay, or Octopus. Discounted “Morning Admission” and “Evening Admission” are offered on select dates.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC) welcomes the release of the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems'” by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today.
Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said, “This report details Hong Kong’s business environment and advantages in various sectors, providing concrete analyses with cases and data on business opportunities. It will further attract global businesses to leverage Hong Kong’s business platform and professional services.”
Prof Ma also pointed out that under ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong possesses unique advantages in connecting both Hong Kong and international markets, playing a vital role as a superconnector and super value-adder.
He continued, “As an international investment and financial centre, Hong Kong can provide diverse financing channels and options for infrastructure projects in the mainland and other regions, contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.” The 10th Belt and Road Summit will be held from 10 to 11 September, promoting multilateral cooperation.
The HKTDC will continue to align with HKSAR policies, actively promoting Hong Kong’s business advantages, facilitating international trade and business activities and providing comprehensive support, especially for SMEs.
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
– Spotlighting nearly 260 Brands and Opening the Way for Hong Kong SMEs to Thrive in Mainland E-commerce
The HKTDC returns with the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, building on the initiatives in the 2024 Policy Address to help local SMEs expand into the Mainland China market through e-commerce channels
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival is the flagship event of the E-commerce Express, and has received an enthusiastic response, attracting nearly 260 brands presented by Hong Kong SMEs across seven major categories, providing them with practical opportunities to operate on key e-commerce platforms in the mainland
Fully supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan filmed a promotional video for the Hong Kong Shopping Festival.
The second Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will take place on Mainland e-commerce platforms from 1 to 31 August. Fully aligned with measures outlined in the 2024 Policy Address, the festival aims to support Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they expand into the Mainland e-commerce market. As the flagship event of HKTDC’s E-commerce Express, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival has attracted nearly 260 brands across seven major categories, including health supplements, food and beverages, home and living, personal care and cosmetics, apparel and accessories, smart gadgets, and products for the silver market. The festival features over 500 unique products and offers month-long discount promotions. With the full support of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a launch ceremony for the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival was held today. The Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government Paul Chan also filmed a promotional video for the campaign (video link: https://bit.ly/4mkvpec).
Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government said: “Building on the great success of the first edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival last year, this year’s event has attracted even more brands to participate. E-commerce is a major global trend in retail development. In 2024, the cross-border e-commerce market of the Mainland with vast potential reached over RMB17 trillion, presenting a golden opportunity for Hong Kong businesses to expand. In light of this, the government has been fully supporting industry upgrading and transformation through various measures to help enterprises establish online sales channels. The Hong Kong Shopping Festival serves as an ideal platform to showcase the city’s premium products to more Mainland consumers.”
Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said: “New consumer trends are emerging in the Mainland market, reshaping buying habits and creating tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong businesses. While Hong Kong SMEs offer high-quality products, they need to understand the local business environment and e-commerce practices to successfully enter this vast market. As the flagship event of HKTDC’s E-commerce Express, the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival will partner with major e-commerce and social media platforms for promotion and include a series of training sessions focused on the Mainland e-commerce market. This initiative aims to help businesses effectively tap into opportunities in Mainland e-commerce and connect with their target customers.”
In November 2024, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) released a research study on the development of cross-border e-commerce for Hong Kong traders. HKTDC Director of Research, Irina Fan, said over 60% of surveyed Hong Kong businesses view the Mainland Chinese market as the most promising e-commerce market in the coming one to two years. To help Hong Kong businesses gain insights into the Mainland e-commerce market, HKTDC Research interviewed 2,200 Mainland consumers from different regions about their online shopping behavior and characteristics. Ms Fan said: “Mainland China is the world’s largest e-commerce market and has a well-developed e-commerce industry. Hong Kong businesses must gain a deep understanding of Mainland consumers’ online shopping behaviors, their preferences for Hong Kong products, and the factors they consider when choosing e-commerce platforms. Only then can they formulate appropriate business strategies and effectively capture opportunities in the Mainland e-commerce retail market.” The latest research report: Hong Kong Businesses Navigating Mainland China E-commerce Retail Market – Consumer Survey Results will be released on 7 August 2025.
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival aims to help Hong Kong businesses take advantage of the large customer base and traffic on Mainland e-commerce platforms, boosting their brand and product visibility while providing practical opportunities. Last year’s inaugural edition was very successful, with total views on e-commerce platforms, social media, and the event’s official website exceeding 90 million. This year, the HKTDC has enhanced the programme, enabling businesses to better seize market opportunities and speed up their expansion into the Mainland market.
To enhance support for Hong Kong SMEs and local brands entering the Mainland e-commerce market, this year’s Hong Kong Shopping Festival has introduced thematic seminars and one-on-one consultancy services. From late 2024 to June 2025, HKTDC has successfully organised a series of training sessions led by marketing experts, who shared practical insights on topics such as cross-border e-commerce, logistics, payment tools, marketing skills, and live-stream production. Additionally, nearly 50 one-on-one consulting meetings were held, where Mainland marketing experts offered tailored e-commerce strategies to individual participating companies based on the unique characteristics of their products.
This year, Discount Month and live-streaming e-commerce will return with enhanced offering. Discount Month will take place from 1 to 31 August, with all Hong Kong businesses involved in the Hong Kong Shopping Festival offering discounts of up to 75%. This initiative not only helps businesses grow but also allows consumers to buy high-quality products from Hong Kong online. The official website of Hong Kong Shopping Festival will provide event details, live-streaming schedules and information about participating brands, products and discounts. In addition, HKTDC will promote the campaign through online and offline platforms, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, to boost visits to the official website and, redirect them to the SMEs’ online stores.
HKTDC recently hosted the debut “Product Selection Showcase” which attracted over 40 popular KOLs and their teams from platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Douyin to connect with participating brands offline in Hong Kong. They experienced the products firsthand, learned about the brand stories, shared highlights and live-stream previews. In early August, HKTDC’s invited Mainland key opinion leaders (KOLs), including Li Jiaqi, Lin Yilun and Hu Ke, will conduct 35 live-streaming sessions for more than 80 brands on major e-commerce platforms, in which nearly 20 live-streaming sessions will take place in Hong Kong for the first time, allowing Mainland consumers to fully experience shopping in Hong Kong. This arrangement will make live-streaming more appealing, enhance visibility for Hong Kong products and brands, and build consumer trust and interest, while providing a valuable live-streaming experience for participating businesses.
Mainland online marketing strategies are diverse and multifaceted. Beyond live-streaming, there are numerous ways to enhance brand exposure. Ryan Tse, President of the Hong Kong Health Food Association, Director of Vita Green Health Products Co., Ltd., Elijandy, Founder and Director of Cross International Ltd and Jones Ng, Founder of Chiwa Digital Media Capital Group Ltd. shared valuable insights in e-commerce marketing and promotion at the launch ceremony. Artist Samantha Ko Hoi Ling talked about her experiences in live-streaming and online shopping, further enhancing the effectiveness and exposure of the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
– “Digital Trade Masterclass” spotlights digital financing, e-bills of lading and retail supply chain management
The HKTDC continues to help SMEs seize digital trade opportunities by co-hosting with the ICC DSI a masterclass on technologies such as electronic bills of lading and blockchain. More than 200 SMEs took part.
Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, emphasised that Hong Kong is actively developing its digital trade ecosystem, with a focus on innovation, efficiency and international collaboration, to consolidate its competitive advantages. As digital trade becomes more common, the HKTDC will ensure Hong Kong businesses continue to thrive and enhance the city’s role as a leading supply chain hub.
Pamela Mar, Managing Director of ICC DSI, noted that by aligning its finance, trade and logistics sectors with global digital trade standards, Hong Kong can remain competitive and resilient on the world stage and is well-positioned to spearhead Asia’s digital-trade development.
Andy Lam, Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said that the Government is making reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records and is considering legislative amendments to remove the legal hurdles in the digitalisation of trade documents. The target is to submit the relevant legislative proposal to the Legislative Council next year to help industry develop technical solutions based on their actual needs.
Digitalisation is reshaping the global economy, and companies must embrace digital transformation to capitalise on new opportunities. The 2025-26 Budget announced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government would make reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and consider legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of trade documents. The legislative proposal will be submitted to the Legislative Council next year. The MLETR is a global standard advocated by the UNCITRAL to provide a legal framework for electronic trade documents. Aligning local legislation with standards of the MLETR is a major endeavour in promoting trade digitalisation. In line with these efforts, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) co-hosted the “Digital Trade Masterclass” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to examine the MLETR’s potential impact on Hong Kong’s cross-border trade. Industry experts shared practical insights on digital transformation, helping equip businesses with the information they need to enhance their high value-added service capabilities. More than 200 SMEs participated in the event.
As an international financial and trading centre and a leading re-export hub, Hong Kong is able to capitalise on its unique advantages to reinforce connectivity, serving as a bridge linking the mainland and global markets. It provides high-standard professional services, robust financial infrastructure and an innovative environment for international trade. The HKTDC works closely with the HKSAR Government to highlight the city’s strength in delivering high value-added services across the trade supply chain.
Speaking at the event, Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said that with the changing trade landscape, there was no better time to reinforce Hong Kong’s competitive advantages. “Hong Kong is actively developing its digital trade ecosystem, with a focus on innovation, efficiency and international collaboration, to consolidate its competitive advantages. As digital trade becomes more common, we are committed to making sure Hong Kong businesses continue to thrive. It is also a great opportunity to reinforce our city’s role as a leading supply chain hub. The HKTDC is dedicated to helping businesses leverage innovative technologies to equip businesses to be future-ready. Our Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) examines trends in global trade and supply chains, innovation and digitalisation, while our support programmes, including Transformation Sandbox, help enterprises scale up their capabilities in key areas, including digital transformation and supply chain solutions, to empower SMEs and start-ups to benefit from digital trade.”
Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the ICC DSI, believes Hong Kong, as an international trade and logistics hub already aligned with global standards, will lead Asia’s future digital trade development by remaining competitive and resilient amid a shifting global landscape. “Finance, trade and logistics make up over 45 % of Hong Kong’s economy, so accelerating digitalisation in these sectors will have a positive economy-wide impact.”, said Pamela Mar. “Hong Kong is well-positioned to become a leader in this space by aligning global standards and building on its strength as a trusted hub. The adoption of MLETR is a vital step, providing legal certainty for electronic documents like bills of lading, while streamlining processes and enhancing traceability. But legal reform is only the beginning — even greater gains lie in the private sector stepping up its digital transformation, which can be enhanced by Web3 technologies.”
Andy Lam, Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said, “The HKSAR Government is committed to fostering an efficient business environment and maintaining the international competitiveness of Hong Kong. Facilitating the digitalisation of trade documents is part of this strategy. We anticipate that the industry would actively provide feedback and allow the Government to formulate a legal framework that is in line with the needs of the industry, on which basis the industry may propose different technical solutions. On the other hand, the Government is also pressing ahead with Phase 3 of the Trade Single Window, which will not only facilitate the industry in their submission of business-to-government trade documents such as import and export declarations, but will also connect with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)’s Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) to facilitate banks in accessing relevant data to process trade financing.”
Industry experts discuss challenges in trade digital transformation Accelerating digital transformation across every link of the supply chain introduces unique challenges. At the Masterclass, the conference brought together specialists in digital trade finance, electronic bills of lading, digital freight and logistics, and digital retail supply chain management to share their practical experience and insights working on digital transformation.
Kenise Sin, Senior Data Analyst in the Financial Infrastructure Department at the HKMA, explained: “SMEs’ access to trade finance has long been hindered by different pain points in the process. For instance, the heavy reliance on paper-based documents has led to inefficiencies and difficulties in tracking and verifying the transactions.” She added that HKMA aims to formulate a digitalisation roadmap for sea, road and air transportation cargo data by the end of this year, integrating cargo data sources across jurisdictions with the HKMA’s CDI, to enhance data sharing. In the coming two years, the HKMA will also work with the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Transport and Logistics Bureau as well as pilot banks to leverage cargo data and CDI to improve digital trade finance.
Erik Kwok, Head of Technology and Operations at Air8 — which develops a supply chain finance platform for cross-border trade — echoed these concerns: “Many small to medium-sized exporters struggle to secure funding due to inadequate data for credit assessments, hindering their ability to compete globally. These obstacles are compounded by insufficient support for risk management strategies, leaving SMEs vulnerable in a rapidly evolving market.”
Another guest speaker, Candy Chan, Product Manager at IQAX, outlined how digitalising bills of lading can save both time and costs, boosting the efficiency of the entire trade ecosystem. She said many banks, freight forwarders, and customs systems still operate on fragmented digital platforms and lack interoperability. Blockchain, she argued, can bridge these silos: “Each trading partner has unique operational needs when adopting blockchain networks in digital platforms. In cross-border trade, trading and shipping documents are exchanged, and digitalised documents within a blockchain network can solve trust issues within and across networks, backed by MLETR.”
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
– Three special offers invite residents and tourists to enjoy city’s cultural and leisure showcase
– A Hong Kong spotlight event in July and a feature of Hong Kong Summer Viva, the Hong Kong Book Fair opened today alongside the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks. More than 770 exhibitors are participating in the three events – With “Food Culture-Future Living” as the theme of the year, the Book Fair celebrates its 35th edition in 2025. To mark the occasion, three special offers have been introduced, including free entry for visitors born in 1990 to allow them to celebrate this milestone together – The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, including a session where the assistant and close friends of the late Hong Kong food critic and writer Chua Lam will share anecdotes about his life – To echo the theme of the year, the World of Art & Culture presents “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought”, an immersive exhibition where eight local and overseas artists collaborate with various consulates general in Hong Kong to explore global food culture through art – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 is held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo on 19-20 July, while visitors can enjoy more than 1,300 treats at the World of Snacks
The 35th HKTDCHong Kong Book Fair, 8th HKTDCSports and Leisure Expo and 5th HKTDCWorld of Snacks opened today, running concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for seven days (16 to 22 July). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three events offer a one-stop experience encompassing literature, shopping, leisure and sports for residents and tourists alike. Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), gave a speech and proposed a toast at today’s opening reception, accompanied by Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC.
The Hong Kong Book Fair marks Professor Ma’s first major HKTDC event since he assumed Chairmanship. “Since its inception in 1990, the Hong Kong Book Fair has, with the unwavering support of the industry and the public, evolved into one of Asia’s premier cultural events,” Prof Ma said. “It fosters a passion for reading and serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange between East and West,” he added. He further noted that this year’s Book Fair, held in conjunction with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, has garnered an enthusiastic response. Featuring over 770 exhibitors, the events collectively offer a vibrant, family-friendly summer experience that seamlessly blends literature, sports, lifestyle and gastronomy.
Three special offers celebrate Book Fair’s 35th edition To mark its 35th edition, the Book Fair has launched three special promotions. Visitors born in 1990, the year the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification, while a limited-edition 35th-edition special package will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. In addition, visitors spending more than HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
As a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva promotion in July, this year’s Book Fair has “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living” as its theme of the year. The event features more than 620 cultural activities, both inside and outside the venue, inviting prominent authors from the culinary literature realm to explore themes of cultural identity, lifestyle philosophy and food innovation through writing.
Seminar Series gathers writers from around the world to foster cultural exchange The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, covering a diverse range of topics, including Personal Development andSpiritual Growth, World of Knowledge, Theme of the Year, English and International Reading, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle, and Renowned Writers, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan.
The Personal Development and Spiritual Growth series features a seminar celebrating the memory of renowned Hong Kong food critic and writer Chua Lam, with his assistant Yeung Ngo and close friend, well-known stylist Tina Liu, sharing stories about his life. Other distinguished speakers include former HKTDC Chairman Jack So, who will share his new book with the Chinese title As part of the World of Knowledge seminar series, Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chairman of the China Heritage Fund, will share the journey of restoring the Jianfu Palace Garden in the Forbidden City, drawing insights from the newly published book in Traditional Chinese, The Palace of Established Happiness: Restoring a Garden in the Forbidden City.
Highlights of the Theme of the Year seminars include renowned director and dietary therapy expert Yim Ho discussing anti-cancer nutrition (18 July); American commercial spaceship pilot Sian “Leo” Proctor on “Nourishing the Future – in Space and on Earth” (19 July); and a conversation between Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant, and food reviewer and author Benny Li (20 July).
The English and International Reading series features Akutagawa Prize winner Rie Kudan from Japan. With 5% of her book Tokyo Sympathy Tower generated by ChatGPT, she will discuss writing in the age of artificial intelligence (17 July). Emerging Korean novelist Cheon Seon-ran will share her creative journey (18 July); and 16-year-old Vietnamese English-language author Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black) will share her story of writing during her school years, with parents invited to bring their children to participate (20 July). For more details on the seminars and the speaker lineup, visit https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html.
Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the HKSAR, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year by holding the exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought”, a collaboration between eight local and overseas artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition presents eight themed tables guiding visitors through stories of life and culture told through the dining table and covering topics such as food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music and art. Additionally, interactive installations on site recommend curated books and exhibits to visitors.
New zones break cultural boundaries Two new zones are introduced at the Book Fair this year. The Cultural and Creative Products Zone showcases cultural and creative products from the museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department along with interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage. The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao also joins the zone with its signature “Craft Market” while Hong Kong exhibitor Tsi Ku Chai showcases creative pieces inspired by the Palace Museum in Beijing. The Hong Kong Tech Showcase area, meanwhile, presents innovative technology products in various fields including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Sports and Leisure Expo encourages wider participation as National Games arrive This year sees the staging of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, with several events taking place in Hong Kong. In response to the National Games and to promote wider sports participation, the Sports and Leisure Expo has set up an exhibition area where participants can take photos with games mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. They can also learn more about the competitive events hosted in Hong Kong as well as the mass participation events, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the games. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth: 5C-B02) has set up a “Giant Cheering Net” where people can leave encouraging messages for all Hong Kong athletes, including those competing in the National Games. In addition, cyclist Leung Ka-yu, who has represented Hong Kong in the Asian Games and National Games, and freestyle rope skipper Ho Chu-ting, who was crowned men’s champion at the World Rope Skipping Championships, will share their journeys and experiences during the Star Athlete Sharing Session.
In collaboration with organiser M1 Group Limited, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 basketball tournament will be hosted indoors at the HKCEC for the first time. Matches will take place on Saturday and Sunday (19-20 July) in Hall 5E, featuring 16 of the world’s top teams, including four elite squads competing for the championship. Visitors can not only enjoy access to the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks with a single ticket, but they can also visit the 3×3 Village to experience the atmosphere of a world-class event. Additionally, they can engage in various sports games and explore the Sports Industry Showcase Area. This initiative aims to create a multifaceted experience that promotes cultural, sports and tourism development while providing a one-stop shopping, leisure and sports experience for locals and tourists alike.
The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth: 5C-D02 & 5C-E02) is once again participating at the Sports and Leisure Expo, introducing a new sports experience area that offers participants the chance to engage in both traditional and emerging sports. Activities will include pickleball, freestyle rope skipping and running on 16-17 July; street fitness on 18-19 July; HADO AR dodgeball on 20-21 July; and drone soccer on 22 July. The latter is one of the mass participation events at the National Games. This year’s Sports and Leisure Expo also features a brand-new Travel Zone, showcasing the ever-popular Japan Pavilion, co-organised by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong and 17 participating Japanese prefectures and cities. The zone also includes pavilions from Taiwan and Thailand as well as a variety of uniquely Hong Kong attractions.
World of Snacks features international delicacies and more! The World of Snacks is divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – and brings together over 1,300 creative and international snacks that offer everything from nostalgic flavours to festive party treats to satisfy every craving. A highlight this year is Heartwarming (Booth: 5B-A21), whose stone-ground black sesame products were endorsed with the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025. Signature offerings include black sesame ice cream, black sesame paste and sesame balls. Meanwhile, Krisca, in collaboration with Kwan Hong Bakery and LY Bakery, has launched a new range of pistachio snacks (Booth: 5B-A11). World of Snacks is also hosting a series of snack-related activities for visitors, including a Junior Mixologist Workshop (non-alcoholic version), to cater to the diverse interests of visitors.
This year’s Hong Kong Book Fair again offers a morning admission tickets promotion. Visitors entering before noon can enjoy a discounted ticket price of HK$10. In addition, the special re-entry promotion allows eligible ticket holders to re-enter the venue during two designated time slots. All ticketing can be found below.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedIn
– Front-loading supports current performance; expectations soften but remain positive
Standard Chartered and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) jointly released the latest Standard Chartered Greater Bay Area Business Sentiment Index (GBAI), which showed resilient current business performance after the so-called US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs shock, supported by front-loading of orders and production. Meanwhile, businesses were cautious on the outlook as expectations softened but remained positive.
The “current performance” index for business activities eased marginally to 53.1 in Q2 from 53.5 in Q1. A breakdown of index components supports the front-loading narrative; “Production/sales” was the strongest performer among the eight main sub-indices, in terms of both absolute score (57.1, the highest in a year) and change (+4.2 pts). Other positive drivers include “Fixed asset investment” (+2.0pts), “Profits” (+1.1pts) and “Raw material inventory” (+0.1pts).
Meanwhile, the “expectations” index for business activity fell to 52.0 in Q2 from 54.3 in Q1. This is the weakest level since Q4-2022, but the fact that expectations stayed above the 50 neutral mark provides some relief. There is a broad-based deterioration across sub-components as seven of the eight expectations sub-indices fell, and the exception was “Capacity utilisation”. “Financing scale” (-5.1pts), “Finished goods/services price” (-4.8pts) and “Production/sales” (-2.6pts) saw the biggest declines in the quarter.
By sector, “Innovation and technology” outperformed (+6.3pts for “current performance” and +5.5pts for “expectations”), while “Manufacturing and trading” showed short-term resilience (-0.4pts and -2.1pts) as rush orders ahead of US tariff implementation have kept manufacturers busy. ‘Retail and wholesale’ disappointed (-1.0pts and -4.1pts), despite the perceived effectiveness of China’s consumer goods trade-in program.
Across GBA cities, there was setback for Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Hong Kong saw the biggest drops among GBA cities (-9.8pts for “current performance” and -10.5pts for “expectations”) in the quarter. This partly reflects its vulnerability to the external environment and domestic consumption struggles. Guangzhou fell 9.3pts for “current performance” and 6.3pts for “expectations”.
Kelvin Lau, Senior Economist, Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered, said: “The looming tariff uncertainty has driven the front-loading of orders and production in the second quarter, while also accelerating AI development. Looking ahead, the findings revealed a more cautious view of GBA businesses amid the uncertain business outlook in the second half, especially regarding the outcome of bilateral trade deals after the 90-day pauses. Additionally, Hong Kong’s economy saw steady expansion in the first quarter. Given the significant proportion of external economic activities relative to its GDP, international trade and tariff policies are crucial for Hong Kong.”
For thematic questions, only some 10% of respondents saw a material direct impact from US tariff hikes. Notably, tariff pauses and exemptions provided relief on the impact, this underscores the importance of maintaining the recent US-China trade truce and quickly finalising other bilateral trade deals in Q3.
In terms of the impact of doing business, 41% of the respondents said US tariff hikes would delay the implementation of their business plans. Other major impacts include “difficult to navigate high level of logistical/customs disruption/uncertainty” (35%) and “losing business to other markets with lower tariff impact” (30%). Meanwhile, 32% of the respondents would sell more into the domestic market as the most common way to address the US tariff shocks and associated uncertainties.
Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said: “The findings showed that GBA companies are relatively resilient to US tariffs, although our survey was conducted shortly after the US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs against its trade partners in April and did not capture all of the more recent developments since. Some 75-80% of the GBA companies see negative impacts by US tariffs, mostly due to delay in business plan implementation and logistics disruptions.”
“In response to this new era of US trade policy, GBA companies seek to increase domestic sales and expanding to key markets in the region, in particular ASEAN, reflecting the mainland and HKSAR Governments’ efforts in promoting closer economic ties with these countries and regions.”
About the GBAI The GBAI is the first forward-looking quarterly survey in the market that looks at the business sentiment and synergistic effects in cities and industries across the GBA. It is compiled based on a survey of more than 1,000 companies in the GBA covering the manufacturing and trading, retail and wholesale, financial services, professional services and innovation and technology sectors. The index enables investors and businesses to better understand the current business climate, gauge future performance prospects and formulate their market strategies for the GBA.
About Standard Chartered We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
UOB Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASEAN Conference 2025 in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN. This strategic agreement positions UOB Hong Kong as the first Singapore-based bank to formalise a partnership with HKTDC, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic development and deepening regional integration.
The MOU was announced by Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, and Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, witnessed by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, Teo Siong Seng, Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, and Kwan Ho Leung, Regional Director – Designate, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC.
The agreement outlines a robust framework for cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable growth. Through strategic initiatives, the partnership will enhance connectivity, promote trade, and foster integrated development of markets across the GBA, including Hong Kong, and ASEAN.
The MOU also aims to create job opportunities and empower communities across both regions by supporting enterprise development and deepening regional collaboration. Companies can leverage UOB’s extensive regional network and financial expertise, alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, to access new markets, resources and professional knowledge.
Vivienne Chee, Director of Singapore, HKTDC, said: “We are delighted to partner with UOB Hong Kong to strengthen GBA-ASEAN collaboration. This MOU reflects our shared vision to foster sustainable economic growth through deeper trade and investment ties. By leveraging our respective strengths, we will enable businesses to seize arising opportunities and navigate the evolving global landscape with confidence.”
Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said, “This partnership with HKTDC underscores our strong commitment to driving regional growth and connectivity. By leveraging our extensive ASEAN network, professional financial expertise and well-established foreign direct investment (FDI) advisory capabilities alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that fuel trade and development. Together, we empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic economic landscape.”
The partnership focuses on initiatives that drive cross-border collaboration, facilitate trade flows and foster cultural and business exchange through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms. By matching local value chains with incoming FDI, the partnership creates new avenues for local enterprises and promotes inclusive growth. Enhanced financial connectivity and investment support strengthen the region’s economic resilience, while capacity-building efforts equip businesses to sharpen their competitiveness and succeed in the regional landscape.
About UOB UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
– July’s Spotlight Event in Hong Kong runs together with Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
– Book Fair runs alongside the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks from 16 to 22 July at the HKCEC – With a single ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the worlds of literature, sports and leisure activities and global snacks. To celebrate the Book Fair’s 35th edition, three special offers will be launched to welcome both Hong Kong citizens and tourists, encouraging attendees to visit the fairs with their companions – The theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, featuring more than 620 cultural activities. The World of Art & Culture will feature an interactive exhibition, “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event will take place at the Sports and Leisure Expo, while the World of Snacks will offer more than 1,300 tasty treats
The 35th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 16 to 22 July (Wednesday to Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The popular annual event will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the HKTDC World of Snacks, bringing together more than 770 exhibitors across the three fairs. With the theme of the year “Food Cultureï½¥Future Living”, the Book Fair will feature more than 620 cultural activities both onsite and offsite, including acclaimed writers’ seminars, book launches and multicultural activities, creating a literary feast and promoting a culture of reading.
Sophia Chong, HKTDCDeputy Executive Director, said: “The Hong Kong Book Fair Cultural Events Advisory Panel selecting ‘Food Cultureï½¥Future Living’ as the theme of the year is truly meaningful. Both food and reading serve as carriers of culture. Food literature works not only document local culinary traditions but also narrate stories through recipes, making them more intriguing. As a renowned food paradise where east meets west, Hong Kong offers a unique platform for promoting international cultural exchange through food literature. We hope the theme of the year will encourage people to explore diverse aspects of food culture through reading, savouring the cultural nuances and lifestyle attitudes behind the texts and delving into new food cultures shaped by future technologies. We invite everyone to relish the joy and flavour of reading.”
Ms Chong added that Hong Kong Book Fair, as a Hong Kong spotlight event and a feature of the Hong Kong Summer Viva in July, will present a wide array of engaging experiences for locals and tourists alike. To celebrate the 35th edition of the Book Fair, three special offers will be rolled out to allow citizens and tourists to fully immerse themselves in the three major cultural and leisure events of reading, sports and leisure, and snacks. First, visitors born in 1990, when the Book Fair was first held, can enjoy free entry by presenting valid identification. Second, a limited edition of 500 35th-edition special packages will be available, allowing five visitors to enter for the price of three tickets. Third, visitors who spend over HK$500 at the Book Fair will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition commemorative tote bag and a special gift.
World of Art & Culture presents a cross-cultural feast The Book Fair continues to be supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to stage the World of Art & Culture and industry-focused activities such as the International Publishing Forum and the IP Roundtable.
To further promote Hong Kong as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange, the World of Art & Culture echoes the theme of the year with an exhibition titled “Book a Table ï½¥ Food for Thought” that uses food as a bridge to connect cultures and offers visitors a chance to savour life and explore the world through the dining table. The exhibition is a collaboration between eight artists and the consulates general of various countries in Hong Kong. It features eight tables curated by eight artists, each exploring themes related to food and healthy living, surplus and future, table etiquette, lifestyle and culture, process, experience, music, art, and more. The consulates general will showcase related books and exhibits from around the world while an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) device onsite will recommend books to visitors. In addition, more than 30 events, including talks and workshops, will be held to provide a multifaceted exploration of food culture. Ray Lok, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hong Kong agritech company Full Nature Farms, will share insights on the latest sustainable diets and future farming.
This year’s Book Fair features the Cultural and Creative Products Zone for the first time, offering interactive experiences related to Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and showcasing a curated selection of cultural and creative products from Macao and the Palace Museum in Beijing. This year’s Mainland China Pavilion will spotlight Sichuan, the home of pandas, as the thematic province.
Under the theme “Sichuan and Hong Kong: Weaving Culture, Crafting Tomorrow”, the pavilion will showcase Sichuan’s lifestyle through iconic elements such as food, wine, tea, opera and embroidery, all rooted in the province’s rich heritage. There will be a display of award-winning Sichuan publications, foreign publishing achievements, and a variety of panda-themed books and cultural and creative products. There will also be a series of industry exchange activities such as the International Publishing Forum, the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards and the Launch Ceremony of Publishing 3.0. The IP Roundtable will include a business matching session to help industry players explore business opportunities. (to be confirmed by branch office)
The 2025-26 Budget from the HKSAR Government mentioned plans to provide local technology companies with more physical displays for their products. In support of this initiative, the Book Fair will introduce the Hong Kong Tech Showcase area that will showcase innovative technology products in various areas including edtech, healthtech, sportstech, foodtech and more.
Eight Seminar Series explores the inspiration and wisdom of life The Book Fair will continue to feature the Eight Seminar Series, inviting authors from around the world to share and exchange ideas with readers on topics including Theme of the Year, Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Personal Development and Spiritual Growth and Hong Kong Cultural and Historical and Lifestyle. The Theme of the YearSeminar Series will invite notable writers related to food literature, including Andrew Chui, the fifth-generation heir of Tai Ping Koon Restaurant; Benny Li, a food review author; Yim Ho, a renowned director and dietary therapy expert; and Sian “Leo” Proctor, the first American woman to become a commercial spaceship pilot. Together, they will explore food culture, lifestyle and future technology, offering the audience fresh insights on life through the world of cuisine.
The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised by the HKTDC along with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, will feature a lineup of highly influential Chinese-language writers who will share and interact with readers onsite. The heavyweight speakers include Lung Ying-tai, making a return to the Hong Kong Book Fair; Xu Ze-chen, Mao Dun Literature Prize winner for his novel Northward; Xu Zi-dong, former Chair of the Department of Chinese at Lingnan University; business management expert Feng Tang; and Zhu Jia-ming, one of the “four gentlemen of China’s market reform” and an expert on AI.
The English and International Reading Seminar Series brings international authors to Hong Kong every year, highlighting the city’s position as an international metropolis. The star-studded authors in 2025 include Japanese author Rie Qudan, who won the Akutagawa Prize in 2024 for her AI-themed novel; Cheon Seon-ran, selected as the “Young Writer Who Will Become the Future of Korean Literature”; Kim Bo-young, one of Korea’s leading science fiction authors; Nguyen Hanh Phuong (aka Rosy Black), a 16-year-old Vietnamese writer of English fiction stories; and Osamu Okamura, a Czech architect focusing on human-centred urban design. Speakers at other seminars include Jack So, former Chairman of the HKTDC; Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair of the Hang Lung Properties Limited; Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong; and polar researcher Rebecca Lee. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session, meanwhile, will feature Vivian Kong, Olympic fencing gold medallist, Vicky Lau, the first female Michelin star chef in Hong Kong, and artists Carlos Chan and Grace Chan. For more details on the seminars and the lineup of speakers, please visit: https://shorturl.at/TRdAw )
Sports and Leisure Expo runs concurrently with the FIBA 3×3 World Tour The 15th National Games will be held this year with several events set to take place in Hong Kong. The Sports and Leisure Expo will feature an exhibition area where visitors can take photos with the mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, and learn more about the competitive events and mass participation events that are being hosted in Hong Kong. To tie in with the current basketball craze, the HKTDC is collaborating with M1 Group Limited to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2025 international event to the HKCEC, where it will be held indoors for the first time on 19 and 20 July during the Sports and Leisure Expo. Ticket holders for the Book Fair can access the carnival-style 3×3 Village from 16 to 22 July, where they can enjoy various sports booth games and visit sports product showcases.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-B02) will once again set up a cheering zone and an exhibition area showcasing some of the precious items belonging to elite athletes, with visitors able to show their support for the Hong Kong stars as they prepare for the National Games. The popular Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02 &5C-E02) will also participate in the expo again. In addition to its signature mobile rope nets, the Association will introduce a new multi-sports experience zone, offering various sports experiences over the course of the seven-day exhibition period. Sports experiences include pickleball, rope skipping and running will feature on 16 and 17 July; street workouts will feature on 18 and 19 July; HADO AR dodgeball will be showcased on 20 and 21 July; and drone soccer features on 22 July. Making its debut at the event, Gymetaverse Company Limited (Booth 5C-C02) will promote the sport-finance concept through the LIVE4WELL sports rewards platform, encouraging the public to exercise more.
A new Travel Zone will debut this year, featuring the ever-popular Japan Pavilion along with the newly added Taiwan Pavilion and Thailand Pavilion. The Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong will team up with 17 Japanese prefectures including Kagoshima, Okinawa, Shizuoka and Iwate, to participate in the Japan Pavilion, with a special focus on the Tohoku region’s popular local snacks beloved by tourists (Booth 5B-E23). Moreover, this zone highlights the Hong Kong attractions include GO PARK Sports (Booth 5B-E02) and the Sai Yuen Camping Adventure Park in Cheung Chau (Booth 5C-A05), offering visitors information on water and land sports, adventure activities and camping.
Discover Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand treats at the World of Snacks This year’s World of Snacks will bring together more than 1,300 different treats featuring a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and handcrafted snacks from around the world. They include the stone-ground black sesame snacks that were selected for the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand 2025 (Heartwarming: Booth 5B-A21) as well as handcrafted sodas in special flavours such as ginger lemon honey and salted plum lemon honey (City Carbonation: Booth 5B-A10).
Cultural July brings the community together to promote the love of reading In addition to the Book Fair, the HKTDC is once again organising Cultural July in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR Government, publishers, and various educational, cultural and arts institutions. From 24 June to 31 July Cultural July will feature nearly 400 cultural activities including a food and culture tour, author sharing sessions, parent-child reading workshops, storytelling theatre, art exhibitions and handicraft workshops, all designed to promote a city-wide love of reading across each of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.
The Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks will continue to offer a single ticket for entry to all three events. This year, the adult ticket price remains at HK$30, while special discounts such as Morning Admission Tickets, Special re-entry, and Tourist Tickets will continue to be available. More details can be found below.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media enquiries Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks Yuan Tung Financial Relations: Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk Salina Cheng Tel: (852) 3428 2362 Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Stanley So Tel: (852)2584 4049 Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Hong Kong is still on course for export growth of 3% this year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) confirmed today. This timely assessment came as the HKTDC announced the findings of two of its key metrics namely the 2025 Mid-Year Export Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q25.
Strong frontloading amid tariff uncertainties The city’s 2025 export performance is navigating a period of almost unprecedented turbulence in the global trade arena. Much of this uncertainty has stemmed from the radical shift in US trade policy – particularly the heavy reliance on substantial import tariffs – adopted by President Trump’s administration.
In anticipation of a hefty tariff regime, many of Hong Kong’s exporters opted to “frontload” their orders in the early months of 2025 before the new tariffs were implemented. This helped bolster the city’s export figures in the early months of the year and resulted in a number of other positive factors.
Low exposure to US market First, Hong Kong has low exposure to the US market when compared with other economies. For instance, US-bound exports in 2024 accounted for just 6.5% of Hong Kong’s total exports.
By learning the lessons of previous tariff regimes, notably during the first term of President Trump (2017 to 2021), Hong Kong successfully reconfigured its trading base to reduce its exposure to uncertainties in the US market. Since 2017, Hong Kong has bolstered its trade ties with other economies, with exports to the ASEAN bloc up 38.5% and to the Middle East increasing by 58.1%. The upshot of this is that, despite a 10.5% drop in Hong Kong’s exports to the US over the last eight years, Hong Kong’s total exports for the period recorded a 17.2% increase.
This vulnerability has been further reduced by many Hong Kong exporters prioritizing the diversification of their sourcing locations in line with China+1 or China+N strategies. As a consequence, many of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports are now sourced from different locations than they were in 2017. In fact, in 2024, nearly half of Hong Kong’s US-bound exports originated from a variety of international sources, notably up from the comparable figure of 15% eight years ago.
Taken together, should a high level of US tariffs be reinstated, only about 3.4% of Hong Kong’s total exports would be affected. Any impact would then be further diminished once the products eligible for tariff exemptions were also taken into account. Collectively, these factors underpin HKTDC Research’s expectation that, even in such adverse trading conditions, Hong Kong’s exports will still expand by 3% as predicted earlier in the year.
Commenting on the HKTDC’s decision to confirm its earlier forecast, Director of Research, Irina Fan, said: “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing trade negotiations, our low exposure to the US market, robust trade ties with other markets and diversified sourcing networks are the key underlying factors that should allow Hong Kong exporters to weather the US tariffs relatively unscathed.”
Weaker export performance expected in 2H In line with the overall expectation that export performance would weaken as 2025 progresses, the overall reading for the HKTDC Export Confidence Index in the second quarter fell below 50 for the first time in a year. This moderate decline in Hong Kong exporter confidence can be taken as aligning with the escalation in global trade uncertainty.
With the survey conducted at the height of the China-US tariff trade war (28 April-15 May), this downbeat outcome was widely anticipated. In specific terms, this saw the Current Performance Index fall to 49.6 (down from 52.1), while the Expectation Index stood at 49.0 (down from 51.0). Subsequent to the completion of the survey, new trade negotiations have emerged between Mainland China (including Hong Kong) and the US; an outcome expected to be reflected in the findings of the 3Q25 Index.
In other findings, Hong Kong exporter confidence remained high regarding prospects in both the ASEAN bloc (59.9) and Mainland China (52.6), while the corresponding reading for the US plummeted to 31.6 (down from 46.7)
The Current Performance of three of the six key Hong Kong industry sectors tracked by the Index remained positive with Jewellery at 51.6, Timepieces at 52.1 and Equipment/Materials at 50.4. In the case of the other three sectors, Electronics and Clothing (both 48.9) were marginally below the watershed level while Toys (43.1) continued its recent decline.
Putting the findings into context, Kenneth Lee, Special Project and Business Advisory Section Head, HKTDC Research, said: “Overall, the findings for the second quarter align with earlier expectations of weaker exporter confidence amid US tariff uncertainties. It is, however, heartening to see Hong Kong exporters maintain a largely positive outlook with regard to all of the city’s major markets, except for the US.”
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
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