To strengthen the economic and trade ties between the industry and the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and Hong Kong Brand Development Council (BDC) for the first time organised a cocktail reception to receive members of consular corps of Belt and Road countries in Hong Kong on 12 November 2018.
The Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan Pak-li, and Deputy Director of Department of International Organizations and Conferences of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR Mr Zhang Jian Xin and Division Chief of the Consular Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR Mr Jiang Yang were invited to officiate at the cocktail reception. The event brought together around 20 consul-generals and 100 local industry representatives to explore cooperation opportunities.
BDC Chairman Emeritus cum Chairlady of CMA International Affairs Committee Ms Shirley Chan said, “The escalation of Sino-US trade war will hurt all economies and businesses around the world. In these times of uncertainty, stronger bonds between trading economies have become all the more important.” She hopes that the networking event could inspire ideas for joint actions to tackle the common challenges.
Shirley also noted in her speech that China has clearly shown its determination in further opening up, and the national initiatives of Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area will bring the global economy enormous opportunities, CMA and BDC, as a major chamber of commerce in Hong Kong, will continue to work with other countries to seize these opportunities.
Guests attending the event also included CMA First Vice President Dr Allen Shi, Chairman of BDC cum Vice President Mr Simon Wong, Second Vice President of CMA cum International Affairs Committee Advisor of the BDC Mr Marvin Hsu, Permanent Honorary President of CMA cum Chairman Emeritus of the BDC Dr Eddy Li, Vice President of CMA cum Vice Chairman of the BDC Mr Ng Ching Wun, Vice President cum Vice Chairman of BDC Dr Edward Chan, Vice Presidents Mr Dennis Ng, Dr Ma Kai Yum, as well as other general committee members and members of CMA and BDC.
