Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO) reaffirmed Hong Kong’s unique role as a global business gateway at the 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference, held on January 28 (Hong Kong time).

The Conference, themed “TransPacific Economic Diversification: New Investment Opportunities,” was held in a hybrid format connecting Hong Kong, Canada, and Asia, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore emerging trade and investment prospects between Asia and Canada. The annual Conference is a signature initiative of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, jointly presented with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and supported by HKETO and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK).

In his opening speech, the Director of the HKETO, Mr Bill Wong, described Hong Kong as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, highlighting the city’s distinct advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle. These include its highly internationalised business environment, world-class professional services, common law system aligned with international practices, and simple and competitive tax regime, all of which position Hong Kong as a natural bridge between the Chinese Mainland and global markets.

Mr Wong noted that, despite global trade challenges, during the first 11 months of 2025, Hong Kong’s exports and imports of goods both grew by over 14 per cent. Hong Kong also reclaimed its position as the world’s leading initial public offering venue, raising approximately US$35 billion, contributing to a year of economic growth expected to reach 3.2 per cent.

He also pointed out that Hong Kong’s competitiveness continues to receive strong international recognition. In 2025, Hong Kong was ranked the world’s freest economy by the Canadian-based Fraser Institute, third globally in terms of competitiveness, as well as among the global financial centres.

Looking ahead, Mr Wong highlighted initiatives announced in the latest Policy Address to further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector”. These include the establishment of a new task force to support Mainland enterprises in expanding overseas through Hong Kong, and the launch of the “Economic and Trade Express” platform, which brings together the efforts of the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to assist overseas companies in accessing Asian and Chinese Mainland markets via Hong Kong.

As Hong Kong will help create more opportunities for businesses, he encouraged Canadian and international entrepreneurs to leverage the strengths of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for growth, innovation, and transpacific economic diversification.

The 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference included six panel discussions with over 30 speakers from leading companies in different sectors. The Deputy Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Toronto Office, Ms Grace Lau, shared insights at the panel themed “Diversified Entrepreneurs - New Investment Opportunities”.