"The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) mega promotion event, ‘In Style Hong Kong’, is underway in Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Two of the campaign’s highlight events are: In Style Hong Kong Symposium and In Style Hong Kong Expo. Y B Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia; Rimsky Yuen, Secretary, Justice, Hong Kong SAR; and Vincent HS Lo, Chairman, HKTDC, each delivered speeches at the opening ceremony."

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) mega promotion event, ‘In Style Hong Kong’, is underway in Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Two of the campaign’s highlight events are: In Style Hong Kong Symposium and In Style Hong Kong Expo. Y B Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia; Rimsky Yuen, Secretary, Justice, Hong Kong SAR; and Vincent HS Lo, Chairman, HKTDC, each delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

“The eagerly anticipated free trade agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN will be signed soon,” said Lo. “The pact is a momentous one, as the world’s focus now falls on Asia to drive economic growth. Against this backdrop, the relationship between Malaysia and Hong Kong is taking on new significance.” He said China’s Belt and Road Initiative spans more than 60 countries, covering 30 per cent of the world’s GDP, presenting massive business opportunities for infrastructure investment, financial and trade integration, as well as social and cultural exchange. “A plan of this scale also needs us to work together. To mine the potential, Malaysian enterprises can work with Hong Kong, which offers unmatched advantages,” he said.

Trend-setting city

Rimsky Yuen, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a trendsetting city in the region, he said he is confident ‘In Style Hong Kong’ will foster even closer and stronger links between Malaysia and Hong Kong. Building on the flourishing relationship between Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and related investment agreement will be signed very soon. He went on to say “We are grateful to all the members of ASEAN, including Malaysia, for their contribution in attaining our shared goal. Not only will the free trade agreement provide an appropriate forum to further enhance the flows of trade and investment between Hong Kong and ASEAN, it will further strengthen Hong Kong’s role facilitating mainland China business to go global and overseas enterprises to enter the mega mainland market.”

YB Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, put the spotlight on FTA when he said “To further strengthen our relationship within ASEAN with Hong Kong, our government has agreed to ratify a free trade agreement and investment agreement between ASEAN and Hong Kong. Among other measures under this FTA, Malaysia will abolish import duties on certain trade goods and streamline our import regulations with those of the WTO.” He added the FTA will facilitate more effective and efficient trade links between the region and Hong Kong. This is significant for Malaysia, too, to take part in the ASEAN-Hong Kong trade, which generated $106.8 billion in total merchandise trade in 2016.

Showcasing advantages

This campaign seeks to promote Hong Kong’s multi-faceted advantages. Key events include a symposium on Hong Kong’s professional services, and the expo, which showcases products from Hong Kong’s leading brands. The symposium invited a number of Hong Kong and Malaysian business leaders and government officials to promote Hong Kong’s professional services. The speakers examined how Hong Kong’s service companies can help Malaysian companies expand their business. Five thematic sessions followed the main symposium, covering topics like e-commerce, Fintech, Smart City, Innovative Design and Marketing, and Legal Risk Management in International Trade.

The two-day expo was designed for buyers and representatives, from importers, distributors, retailers, brand agents, franchisees, department stores and specialty stores in Malaysia and neighbouring countries, to source stylish products created by Hong Kong companies. The expo featured 40 exhibitors showcasing Hong Kong brands in such sectors as home electronics, gifts and premium, fashion accessories and watches, and eco-friendly products. In addition, the Expo also displayed a range of award-winning products of the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards to showcase Hong Kong’s creative and design capabilities.