Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The 2026 National Conference, hosted by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), was held in Edmonton on May 8.

In his welcome remarks, the Director of the HKETO, Mr Bill Wong, said that despite an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, Hong Kong can promise security and development.  With its commitment to free trade, a robust legal system, and a transparent regulatory environment that ensures free flow of goods and capital, Hong Kong provides a level of stability and security that few other international hubs can match.

He noted that the number of foreign companies setting up regional headquarters or regional offices in Hong Kong reached a record high of 11 000 in 2025.  

Mr Wong emphasised that Hong Kong has always been the springboard to the vast Chinese Mainland market.  China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan highlights advancing high-level, two-way opening up of the economy.  This means more Mainland enterprises will be encouraged to go global, while the country welcomes more high-quality foreign goods and services to enter its domestic market.

“Under the unique ‘One country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong is best positioned to connect the world to Chinese Mainland,” he said, adding that “Hong Kong is the key to more opportunities to Asia”.

The 2026 National Conference, themed “Global Growth Starts Here: Leveraging Hong Kong for Canadian Success”, featured a keynote address by the President of ChemBioPower, Dr Antonio Anselmo, along with two panel discussions on Hong Kong’s advantages on market developments. Mr Christopher Chen, Head of Business and Talent Attraction at Invest Hong Kong in Canada, was among the panel speakers briefing participants on the business opportunities in Hong Kong and the support available both locally and in Hong Kong.  The event brought together 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across Canada and Hong Kong.