Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office

No 3 / 2020 Issue

Dear friends,

Here is the latest issue of Hong Kong Files, the newsletter published by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta that contains major news on Hong Kong and our office.

You are welcome to share the information with colleagues and interested parties.

Upcoming activities highlights

Unlock the Tips for ASEAN Companies to Enter the Emerging Market in the Greater Bay Area

[20 November, 2020]

With a wide range of trade facilitating measures made available under the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and the ASEAN, there is never a better timing for ASEAN investors to extend their business reach to Hong Kong or even the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Join this webinar hosted by InvestHK to discover the practical strategies for the ASEAN companies to expand their business by tapping into the emerging opportunities brought by the GBA development, and why Hong Kong plays a key role in your expansion plan.

Register now.

Belt and Road Summit 2020

[30 November, 2020]

The Belt and Road Summit is a premier international platform for promoting business collaboration along the Belt and Road. The Summit gathers senior government officials and business leaders from countries and regions along and beyond the Belt and Road to exchange insights on multilateral co-operation and explore concrete business opportunities.

Asia Financial Forum 2021

[18-19 January, 2021]

Asian Financial Forum brings together influential members of the global financial and business community for groundbreaking discussions and exchange of insights on the global economy from an Asian perspective. More than 3,500 C-suite financial and business leaders gathered at AFF 2020 for thought leadership and business networking, as well as to experience the latest fintech innovations and next-generation business ideas.

Latest Developments and updates

Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble set to kick off from Nov 22

Longing for a trip to Hong Kong after being grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic for months? Here's the good news. Detailed arrangements of the bilateral Air Travel Bubble (ATB) between Hong Kong and Singapore have been announced.

This is the very first ATB for Hong Kong. It reflects the Government's hope to progressively restore the city's economic activities amid the long-drawn battle against COVID-19. The arrangement also highlights the close connection between Hong Kong and the ASEAN.

Before booking your flight, please refer to the Tourism Commission's dedicated website.

NPCSC's decision on qualification of HKSAR legislators

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on 11 November made a decision on the qualification of members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The HKSAR Government accordingly announced that four members of the sixth-term LegCo were disqualified from being LegCo members. The decision was constitutional and conducive to the full implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

HKSAR Government announces disqualification of legislators concerned in accordance with NPCSC's decision on qualification of HKSAR legislators

CE stresses that NPCSC's decision is constitutional, lawful, reasonable and conducive to resolute, full and faithful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems"

HKSARG's response to Law Society of Hong Kong's statement on disqualification of legislative councillors

HKSAR Government vehemently condemns groundless accusations by foreign governments against NPCSC decision

"Reconnect: Hong Kong-Malaysia Partnership" webinar

The HKSAR Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia jointly held a webinar entitled "Reconnect: Hong Kong-Malaysia Partnership" on 24 September to reinforce collaboration between the two places in a wide range of areas including trade, investment, economic co-operation, project financing and technology. Watch the webinar here.

Financial Secretary attends APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2020

In the first virtual APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting held on 25 September, Financial Secretary Paul Chan described Hong Kong's policy response to COVID19 and underlined the importance of international co-operation and free trade and investment in global economic recovery. He called on all APEC member economies to act in unity and focus efforts on reigniting trade and investment as engines for growth. Read more here.

Hong Kong tops Global Financial Centres Index

Hong Kong was ranked among the leading financial centres in the world in the Global Financial Centres Index Report, and ranked among the top five in all five areas of competitiveness. The city has the institutional strengths of an international financial centre and robust underlying fundamentals with effective and transparent regulations that are in line with international standards. Hong Kong also have a large pool of financial talents and a full range of financial products. Read the report here.

"Maintaining Business Relevance During the Pandemic" Webinar

The HKETO, Invest Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce co-organised a webinar titled "Maintaining Business Relevance During the Pandemic" on 22 October. The webinar shared the supportive measures from the HKSAR Government towards businesses under the pandemic, and explored areas of further cooperation between Malaysia and Hong Kong. Watch the webinar here.

HKETO visits Bandung

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office visited Bandung in 26 & 27 October to meet with the key business and industry associations including the Bandung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Bandung), Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association for West Java (HIPMI West Java) and Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, Bandung Office (PERPIT Bandung), to continue efforts to promote Hong Kong to the business community.

Hong Kong COVID updates

Hong Kong has been making steps to welcome visitors to our city under the pandemic, including the Hong Kong-Singapore air travel bubble and a standardised hygiene protocol to boost visitors' confidence. Read more in our special newsletter on COVID-19 which shares exciting buzzes of how our city moves forward.

Hong Kong @WRLDCTY Festival

As Asia's world city, Hong Kong took part in the inaugural WRLDCTY Festival, the world's largest virtual cities festival celebrating urban culture and innovation in different time zones, from 22 to 24 October. Here is some of the excellent programmes for your enjoyment!

Panel discussion:

Coping with COVID: Hard Lessons, Best Practice

Hong Kong's Unique Role as Asia's Financial Powerhouse

Hong Kong experience

Experience Hong Kong's Bountiful Nature with Classical Music

Embark on a Restorative Journey in Hong Kong's Great Outdoors

A Taste of Hong Kong to Take Home