John Lee to lead Hong Kong task force to promote global trade in Shanghai

Hong Kong’s task force to support mainland enterprises going global will hold its first major event in Shanghai next week, the city’s leader has said, while pledging to push for stronger regional trade at this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in South Korea.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also revealed on Tuesday that a record 350 Hong Kong enterprises would take part in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, highlighting how the event provided local businesses with valuable opportunities to access the mainland market and promote the “Hong Kong brand.”

Lee is set to lead a delegation to Shanghai on November 4 and host the first large-scale promotion event by the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global.

“Cross-sector speakers will introduce Hong Kong’s advantages as an international platform for businesses to go global, with key enterprises sharing their successful experiences in utilising Hong Kong to expand overseas,” Lee said ahead of his meeting with the city’s top decision-making Executive Council.

He said the event would discuss how mainland China and Hong Kong complement each other’s strengths in areas such as innovative technology, finance and professional services, with sessions “themed on innovation and technology and global expansion”.

Unveiled in Lee’s policy address and launched earlier this month, the task force aims to provide one-stop, tailor-made professional services to help mainland firms enter global markets.