Hong Kong – A key link for the Belt & Road

On September 11, Hong Kong will host the Belt and Road Summit 2017 under the theme “From Vision to Action” (www.beltandroadsummit.hk). Senior government officials, representatives of international institutions, business leaders and industry experts from countries along and beyond the Belt and Road will exchange views on multilateral co-operation and explore new business opportunities including an investment and business matching session. The inaugural edition in 2016 attracted more than 2 400 participants.

Enjoying the unique dual advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong serves as a key link for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. With its unique strengths, including preferential access to the massive Mainland market and internationally compatible trade, commercial and legal systems, together with its strategic location, infrastructure, networks, talent pools and other competitive advantages, Hong Kong is well-placed to play the role of a “super-connector” for the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in the field of professional services. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to promoting exchanges in the areas of business, culture and tourism with countries along the Belt and Road.

In April, HKETO Berlin co-organised a Belt and Road seminar under the theme "Hong Kong – Slovenia: Opportunities in Hong Kong for the Slovenian Business". Then-Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Gregory So, delivered a keynote speech and invited Slovenian companies to go to Hong Kong and make full use of the city's advantages in tapping the massive Belt & Road markets. A Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in wine-related businesses between Hong Kong and Slovenia was also signed to facilitate co-operation in wine-related trading and investment promotion, education and training, tourism and prevention of counterfeiting.

In Poland, HKETO Berlin joined hands with the Polish National Bar of Attorneys, the Gdansk Bar Association and the Hong Kong Law Society in organising a “China – Hong Kong – Poland towards the Belt and Road Initiative” seminar on June 29. The seminar provided sector-specific information on legal services for Polish businesses planning to go East. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Gdansk Bar Association and the Hong Kong Law Society to enhance future collaboration.

Under the Funding Scheme for Exchange in Belt and Road Countries, the Chinese YMCA College is awarded resources for visiting Hungary and the Czech Republic in August; and the Hong Kong Young Leaders Development Association for visiting Poland and Hungary in October. HKETO Berlin has expressed support to both programmes.