Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, made the opening remarks on the first day of the Hong Kong Forum, saying that Hong Kong is characterised by its adaptability and resilience, and that the city’s fundamentals remain strong.

Dennis Chiu, Chairman of the Federation said the Federation represents the unique global network of Hong Kong and will continue to render its support in fostering business collaboration

Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Honorary Patron of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, gave the keynote speech at the luncheon on 4 Dec

Federation Office Holders met with Chief Executive Carrie Lam to share the perspectives of the overseas business community about Hong Kong and their views on how to regain global confidence in Hong Kong platform.

The first day’s luncheon examined Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation and cultural development.

Young entrepreneurs and start-ups from various Hong Kong Business Associations had a fruitful interactive networking session with their local counterparts at Young Executive Programme.

“Hong Kong plays a very important role in the financial market, especially with the new rule in the HKEX a-year-and-half ago, a dozen of companies has gone for IPO in the tech side, as well bio-technology.  We believe that Hong Kong will continue to play a role in allowing tech & bio-tech companies to list and be able to access to the international fund.”

Nisa Leung, Managing Partner, Qiming Venture Partners

“Hong Kong has a number of advantages in becoming a smart city. First of all, we got very nice connectivity, for instance one of the best cellular mobile connectivity in the world. Besides, we have a wide range of innovation institutions, e.g. Cyberport, HKSTP, for developing new applications which could ride on the 5G network to enable a lot of new industry-specific solutions for smart city.”

Paul Berriman, Group Chief Technology Officer, PCCW Limited

“Hong Kong is the perfect position to be the world's leading arts and cultural hub in the 21st Century. It’s the perfect hub, with access to Southeast Asia, China, Australia, etc, making it the centre of future. With this geographical advantage, Hong Kong is perfectly poised to be the arts and cultural centre of future.

“Hong Kong is a vibrant cultural space.”

Alison Friedman, Acting Executive Director, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

“Hong Kong is an international hub, a place where people meet, to exchange ideas and do businesses, forming a nice community.”

“Hong Kong's future is bright because we are resilient people and we love being out there to do business and do good together.”

Bonnie Chan Woo, Chairperson and CEO, Icicle Group

“When I think of business, Hong Kong is the first thing that comes into my mind. Hong Kong possesses the most professional business environment where it is actually a pleasure to do business in.”

“This year’s Hong Kong Forum was just perfect. I was happy to see so many delegates attended and not being stopped by any obstacles. This proves how committed business people are to the HKTDC platform.”

“Once again both the Forum and the Side trip has been great and very successful. I made many new contacts and seen several new ideas. It is always worthy to attend the Forum!”

Laszlo Bakonyi, Chairman, Hungary-Hong Kong Business Association

“Hong Kong is a resilient city. We have gone through very tough situations. With the strong persistence, we will be able to solve the problem and continue the businesses. Businesspeople all over the world are used to doing businesses in Hong Kong, as it is the best place in terms of internationalisation and for enterprises to expand their businesses to China and the rest of the world.  I'm very optimistic.”

“Despite the challenging time over the last 6 months, the turnout of Hong Kong Forum is encouraging with almost 300 participants flying to Hong Kong.  The confidence for Hong Kong is still there.”

“The 20th Hong Kong Forum is attractive because we are able to get insights from speakers about Greater Bay Area (GBA). The potential of GBA is huge, and Hong Kong Forum is a good platform to share this information to worldwide Federation members. With a deeper understanding towards GBA, I'm sure that there will be more investment into Hong Kong and to the GBA.”

Dixon Chew, President, The Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association

“Hong Kong still has the advantage of One-Country-Two-Systems, and a very good legal and financial system.  The geographical location of Hong Kong is nice, as most of other the Asian countries are within 5-hour flight time.”

“It is always recommended to set up headquarters in Hong Kong before expanding into Mainland China or Asia, because Hong Kong is definitely the perfect platform to do business in Asia.”

Dennis Lee, Former Vice Chairman of the Federation (2016-2018)

Immediate Past President and Executive Vice President, Hong Kong Association of Southern California

“Hong Kong Forum is a rare occasion to have so many countries to gather at one place and one time.

“It is important to give opportunities to young people.  I appreciate the Young Executive Programme (YEP) which helps young people to grow, expand and understand their advantages. YEP helps nurture the young people and provide them excitements of the business world.”

“The future is with young people.  When I look at the young people I feel hope.  They are at a strategic location of Hong Kong.”

Chris Leu, Former Chairman of the Federation (2002-2006)

Board Member, Hong Kong Association of Southern California

“Hong Kong Forum is valuable. It provides a great opportunity to know and network with other chambers of commerce.  The Forum also provides up-to-date market information and latest policies implemented by the HKSAR government, allowing the Chamber to share first-hand information to businesses in Portugal, helps to connect people in different sectors, and to facilitate foreign enterprises to enter new market.”

“Hong Kong is a final market for agricultural sector in Portugal, as well as a market for Portuguese enterprises to enter the Mainland Chinese and other Asian markets.  In addition, the legal and financial framework of Hong Kong are very business-friendly.”

“The future of Hong Kong is bright for sure. We will continue to promote the business ties between Portugal and Hong Kong.”

Bernardo Mendia, Chairman, Portugal Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“Joining the Hong Kong Forum is all about the connectivity.  The Forum is a good international community; members can build good networks through Hong Kong.”

“From a long-term perspective, Hong Kong has faced similar problems in the past but can always find a way to go back and restore the good growth.  I'm quite confident that Hong Kong will find a solution and Hong Kong people will eventually solve the problems.  Hong Kong will remain to be the international hub and maintain its advantages.  I'm positive about Hong Kong's future.”

Bartosz Michalak, Chairman, Poland Hong Kong Business Association

“Every year, Hong Kong Forum has a lot of good speakers, so I come every year to learn and later share with my members back in the US.  I can learn from different speakers and government officials on the latest issues.”

“The Forum provides members with different opportunities to invest in Hong Kong. I hope members could join hands in building a stronger Hong Kong in the future.”

Derek Ng, Board Member, Hong Kong Business Association of Southern California

“The network of the Federation has grown over the years, creating a sense of belonging, which is good for Hong Kong."

Jacques Pelletier, Former Hon. Secretary of the Federation (2008-2010)

Board Member, Association France Hong Kong

“Hong Kong is still the same in terms of business perspective, and we have enough motivation to provide to our members in convincing them to continue work with Hong Kong."

“Speakers of the Hong Kong Forum are great.  Many young people gathered here to discuss the future of Hong Kong.”

Hans Poulis, Vice Chairman of the Federation

Chairman, Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association

“Hong Kong is the business centre of Asia, in terms of finance, trade and logistics, etc.

“Hong Kong is very dynamic in terms of transaction and financing. The role of Hong Kong as the financial hub will continue to develop.  Though the situation is getting complicated, Hong Kong can always find the solution for new businesses.”

“Hong Kong Forum provides important information in different aspects, e.g. information of local / mainland Chinese and Asian markets.”

Masahiro Sato, Vice Chairman, The Japan Hong Kong Society - National