HKETO Newsletter March 2020
Dear friends,
Greetings from Hong Kong.
The new year has begun with a public health crisis that has affected people across the world. With the lessons learned from previous epidemic outbreaks, Hong Kong is one of the places in the world which is most prepared for epidemics. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has adopted a comprehensive approach to contain the spread of COVID-19, to protect our citizens as well as maintain its position as an international city and aviation hub.
Amongst a multitude of challenges, Hong Kong has proven that resilience and versatility are in its DNA. Fundamentals and institutional strengths remained strong. Guided by the principle of “one country, two systems”, the HKSAR Government is determined to safeguard our core values at all times. The extensive media coverage on Hong Kong about the situation of the protests in 2019 and now the development of the novel coronavirus is testimony that Hong Kong’s citizens continue to enjoy the free flow of information and civil liberties enshrined in the law.
In fact, Hong Kong continues to thrive as Asia’s world city. In the beginning of January, the 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) was held featuring policymakers, financial regulators, business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs alike to discuss strategies on how best to redefine and reshape economic growth. To assure the world’s leaders that Hong Kong persists as a globally significant city, Chief Executive Carrie Lam led a high-powered TeamHK delegation to the 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in the same month. The 2020-21 Budget released by the Financial Secretary Paul Chan on 26 February further outlined concrete policy initiatives to develop and diversity the economy.
Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing crisis, our ETO Berlin office has this year hosted a number of Chinese New Year receptions to gather with local contacts and inform them about the latest situation in Hong Kong. For those we could not meet as yet, we hope this newsletter will give you an insightful overview of the recent developments in Hong Kong and my office’s activities. In this digital age, we also cordially invite you to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and stay in touch with us.
As the lunar calendar brings in the Year of the Rat, we wish you good health and success in the year ahead and beyond!
Enjoy reading,
Bill C P Li
Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin