HKETO Newsletter December 2022

Dear friends,

An eventful and challenging year is drawing to a close. We have all witnessed soaring inflation, geopolitical rifts, uncertainties in regard to the global economic outlook and more.

On the other hand, this year is also a year to remember for Hong Kong as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 1 July. Our Office celebrated this very special occasion with a series of events including gala dinners in Berlin and Zurich, a reception in Vienna, physical and virtual photo exhibitions on the past 25 years of Hong Kong cinema, as well as participation in dragon boat racing events and film festivals. Perhaps we have already met in person at one of these events and if so, I hope you had some fond memories as I did.

An important recent update is that our new Chief Executive Mr John Lee, who assumed office on 1 July, delivered his maiden Policy Address on 19 October. In this address, he mapped out the way forward for Hong Kong in the years to come, charging our city forward to become an even more vibrant, caring and liveable place. The city will make itself more attractive to foreign talent and enterprises, and reinforce its status as a global business and financial hub. The Government will further strive to reduce the total carbon emissions by 50 per cent before 2035 from the level of 2005 to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050. You can read more highlights of the address on the ensuing pages in this newsletter.

Another piece of good news is the lifting of compulsory quarantine requirement for inbound travellers from overseas places starting from 26 September. In the course of relaxation of measures against the pandemic, Hong Kong already hosted two major international events last month, namely the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the world-famous rugby event Hong Kong Sevens. Hong Kong is back at the forefront of the international stage, and we cannot wait to welcome you all in the near future.

These positive developments, together with the Chief Executive new agenda for the city, are just the beginning of a new chapter for Hong Kong. I very much look forward to sharing more good news with you in the coming year.

Enjoy reading,

Jenny Szeto
Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin

Charting a brighter tomorrow for Hong Kong On 19 October, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered his maiden Policy Address. Amidst a plethora of global challenges, including the pandemic, high inflation, interest rate hikes, tightening monetary policies, trade disputes and geopolitical tensions, the Chief Executive outlined in his first Policy Address his governing beliefs and visions for Hong Kong, and announced a series of bold measures that aim at improving Hong Kong’s competitiveness, reinforcing its role as a global business and financial hub and attracting more overseas talents and enterprises, while underscoring the need to strengthen national security. READ ARTICLE

HKETO Berlin’s celebrations under the 25th Anniversary In celebration of the 25th Anniversary (25A) of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China this year, HKETO Berlin presented a broad range of celebration activities under the theme of “A New Era – Stability. Prosperity. Opportunity”, displaying Hong Kong’s remarkable achievements over the past quarter century and its aspirations for a better future. READ ARTICLE

Hong Kong’s movies screened at Europe’s top-notch film festivals On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, HKETO Berlin sponsored a series of top-notch film festivals in different European cities. To kick things off, HKETO Berlin supported the “Hong Kong Window” at the 18th Zurich Film Festival, Switzerland’s largest autumn festival. READ ARTICLE

Hungarian and Polish ventures to explore business opportunities in Hong Kong Hungary and Poland have all along been important partners of Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we see great potential to further unlock business potential with these regions through deepened cooperation. With the lifting of quarantine requirement, Hong Kong has once again opened its door to international visitors and is keen to revive international business exchange with countries in Central and Eastern Europe. READ ARTICLE