Newsletter

March 2021

Dear friends,

Here is the latest issue of Hong Kong Files, a newsletter published by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 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

The 45th Hong Kong International Film Festival (1–12 April 2021) The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of Asia’s oldest and most reputable platforms for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world. The festival will be a blend of both in-theatre and online screenings this year. Audiences can enjoy watching new work and experience outstanding films as they choose

Art Basel in Hong Kong (21-23 May, 2021) The world-renowned Art Basel Hong Kong edition will be presented at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. More details here.

Latest Developments and updates

Improving electoral system of Hong Kong The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress amended the Annexes to the Basic Law so as to improve the electoral system of the HKSAR. The amendments established a political structure that upholds the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures "patriots administering Hong Kong". The amendments will enhance the governance capability of the HKSAR and enable us to leverage our unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities to develop the economy and improve the livelihood of our citizens. Read more here.
A Bright Prospect for Hong Kong under the National 14th Five-Year Plan The "Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035" (the 14th Five-Year Plan) was recently approved. The Plan continues to incorporate Hong Kong in various areas, demonstrating the Central Government's strong support for maintaining our city’s long-term prosperity and stability and providing an historic opportunity for the future development of Hong Kong. It also enables Hong Kong to complement the overall national development strategies under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Learn more here.
Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre – Facts over Myths How is Hong Kong’s financial system doing recently? Get the facts from Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Chief Executive Eddie Yue in his article. Our city has been recording net inflow of capital, our private wealth management industry keeps growing, and we are seeing more jobs in the finance and insurance industry despite the pandemic.
The 2021-2022 Budget In his Budget speech, Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, unveiled wide-ranging measures to revive Hong Kong's economy and help people overcome financial difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Counter-cyclical measures in the Budget aimed to ease financial burden on people and businesses while ensuring that essential public services as well as infrastructure development are maintained. The continued investment in innovation and technology will sustain momentum built up in recent years. It will help position Hong Kong well in the development of an international innovation and technology centre in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
SFST promotes Hong Kong's strengths in financial services to Indonesian business community The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and the Financial Services Development Council co-organised a webinar “Resilience in the post-COVID era: Indonesian enterprises to leverage on Hong Kong's leading financial infrastructure” to promote HK's strengths in financial services. Our Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, spoke on the latest developments and initiatives in Hong Kong's financial arena, highlighting the city's competitive edge in initial public offering fundraising, green and sustainable finance and fintech innovations. He also pointed out the new opportunities arising from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and how Hong Kong can help Indonesian enterprises in spurring economic development in the post-pandemic era. Learn more here.
HK COVID updates Hong Kong has continued our vaccination drive, with about 430,000 people have received at least the first dose of vaccine. Two recent rebounds of case caused by clusters were contained in a short period of time through continuously enhancing our anti-epidemic measures, including carrying out testing and tracing of close contacts swiftly and intensively. Read more details in our Chief Executive’s article.
HKETO visits Medan Our office visited Medan, Indonesia, from 3 to 5 March, 2021 to meet with local prominent business leaders and business chambers, including North Sumatra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (North Sumatra KADIN), The Employers’ Association of Indonesia (APINDO), Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), and Indonesian Advocate Association (PERADI) to strengthen bilateral relationship and enhance economic cooperation and business exchanges between the two economies.
HKETO visits Yogyakarta and Solo Our office visited Yogyakarta and Solo, Indonesia on 9-11 February 2021 to meet with local prominent business leaders and business chambers, including Surakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Surakarta KADIN), Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yogyakarta Special Region (Yogyakarta KADIN), and Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), to strengthen bilateral relationships and enhance economic cooperation and business exchanges between the two economies.
Hong Kong welcomes you! Hong Kong is ever changing and progressing. As Asia's world city, Hong Kong's transformation to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world is legendary. Have you ever thought of coming here to see this dynamic city? Our city offers a wide variety of admissions schemes for Talent, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. You can also learn more about working, studying, doing business and living in Hong Kong here. Also, in anticipation of the resumption of international travel, keep an eye on the “Open House Hong Kong” campaign to be launched by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which will include promotions and incentives for overseas visitors. At the meantime get some travel ideas from our Discover Hong Kong page.
Hong Kong Celebrates Spring Lantern Festival While the pandemic still around us, Hong Kong people had celebrated the spring lantern festival for good wishes! Share the joy with us!