Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The total gross value of construction works (GVCW) performed by main contractors in the second quarter of 2025 remained virtually unchanged in nominal terms compared to the same period a year earlier, standing at $68.9 billion, according to the provisional results of the Quarterly Survey of Construction Output released today (September 11) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).
 
     After discounting the effect of price changes, the provisional results showed that the total GVCW performed by main contractors decreased by 3.5% in real terms over the same period. GVCW in real terms is derived by deflating the corresponding nominal value with an appropriate price index to the price level in the base period of 2000.
 
     Analysed by type of construction works, the GVCW performed at private sector sites totalled $17.2 billion in the second quarter of 2025, down by 18.6% in nominal terms over a year earlier. In real terms, it decreased by 20.9%. The GVCW performed at public sector sites increased by 15.0% in nominal terms over a year earlier to $31.2 billion in the second quarter of 2025. In real terms, it increased by 11.6%.
 
     The GVCW performed by main contractors at locations other than construction sites amounted to $20.5 billion in the second quarter of 2025, slightly down by 0.7% in nominal terms compared with a year earlier. In real terms, it decreased by 3.6%.  Construction works at locations other than construction sites included minor new construction activities and decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings; and electrical equipment installation and maintenance works at locations other than construction sites.
 
     Analysed by major end-use group, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of residential buildings projects amounted to $21.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up by 3.2% in nominal terms over a year earlier. Over the same period, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of transport projects down by 16.5% in nominal terms to $8.1 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
 
     On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, the GVCW performed by main contractors decreased by 2.9% in nominal terms and 3.6% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2025.
 
     Table 1 shows the provisional figures on the GVCW performed by main contractors in the second quarter of 2025. Table 2 shows the revised figures for the first quarter of 2025.
 
     Owing to the widespread sub-contracting practices in the construction industry, a construction establishment can be a main contractor for one contract and a sub-contractor for another contract at the same time. The GVCW performed by main contractors covers only those projects in which the construction establishment takes the role of a main contractor, but not projects in which it takes only the role of a sub-contractor. However, sub-contractors’ contribution to projects should have been included in the GVCW performed by main contractors for whom they worked.
 
     The classification of construction establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
 
     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on the Quarterly Survey of Construction Output”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1090002&scode=330).
 
     For enquiries about the survey results, please contact the Construction and Miscellaneous Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 6965; email: building@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme Showcase Seminar today (September 11):
 
Eric (Chief Public Mission Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Eric Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you today at the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme Showcase Seminar for celebrating the results of the Scheme and exchanging views on the development of green and sustainable fintech. First of all, I would like to thank Cyberport for their efforts in promoting the development of a green fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong, which includes a well-supported green fintech community to mutually share expertise and knowledge, with various opportunities for companies to test out innovative ideas and concepts as well as cross-sector collaborations. Today’s Seminar exactly provides a vibrant platform bringing together key stakeholders and market participants to chart the way forward for further accelerating the development of green fintech in Hong Kong.
 
Hong Kong as Asia’s leading green finance centre
 
     The financial market serves as a vital conduit for channelling international capital towards sustainable initiatives that support the green transition. As Asia’s leading sustainable finance hub, Hong Kong has a significant role to play in this endeavour. In 2024, the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong amounted to around US$43 billion, capturing around 45 per cent of the regional total and ranking first in the Asian market for seven consecutive years since 2018. Besides, as of June 2025, the number of environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission was over 200 with assets under management of over HK$1.1 trillion. The number of ESG funds and assets under management recorded an increase of 51 per cent and 18 per cent respectively from three years ago.
 
     To further strengthen our competitive advantage, a key priority is to position Hong Kong as a green fintech hub. Green fintech, which seamlessly combines our strengths in green finance and fintech, has immense potential to drive the transformation of the green economy. Over years of development, Hong Kong has developed a dynamic fintech ecosystem, with over 1 100 fintech companies, many of which are engaged in green or ESG-related businesses.
 
Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme
 
     The Government is keen to support the development of green fintech and launched the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme in June last year. This initiative provides early-stage funding to technology companies and research institutes engaged in green fintech activities, enabling them to collaborate with local enterprises on new projects that address industry pain points. The Scheme supports the commercialisation of solutions and the completion of proof-of-concept stages, facilitating the wider adoption of green and sustainable fintech solutions within Hong Kong’s business landscape. We are glad that 60 projects, covering a wide range of areas including green and digital finance and investment; ESG disclosure; compliance and regulatory reporting; carbon trading, analytics and technology; ESG data, intelligence and analytics; and ESG/climate risk modelling and assessment, have been approved under the Scheme. Stay tuned for the showcase sessions today, which will highlight the innovative green and sustainable fintech solutions funded under this Scheme.
 
Hong Kong Green Fintech Map
 
     Apart from funding support, we also see the need to raise the profile and visibility of our green fintech companies. In March last year, we published the Prototype Hong Kong Green Fintech Map, which serves as a one-stop resource for information on the current status of green fintech companies in Hong Kong and the services they offer. An updated version of the Map was released in June this year, with an increase in the total number of green fintech companies from around 50 to over 60.
 
Innovative green investment products
 
     In parallel with cultivating the green fintech ecosystem, we also well utilise green fintech to foster product innovation and development. Among the green bonds issued by the Government, we introduced two batches of tokenised green bonds, which represented the world’s first government tokenised green bond and the world’s first multi-currency digital bond respectively. These initiatives highlight Hong Kong’s strengths in integrating the bond market, green and sustainable finance, and fintech. Both issuances featured multiple innovations, including a shortened settlement cycle to T+1. The second issuance also broadened investor access, supported interoperability, and improved transparency and efficiency. These initiatives provide benchmarks and references for potential issuers in the market. The Government will regularise the issuance of tokenised bonds, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is preparing to assist the Government in issuing its third tokenised bond.
 
     Regarding the carbon market, the HKMA and the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited) are collaborating on Project Ensemble to experiment with the feasibility of using tokenised deposits and central bank digital currency for interbank settlements, and to explore the feasibility of tokenising real-world assets, including carbon credits, using blockchain technology.
 
Technology to support sustainability reporting
 
     As global awareness of sustainable development continues to rise, we are keen to support enterprises in utilising data and technology tools for sustainability reporting. We launched a free-for-use greenhouse gas emissions calculation and estimation tool in February last year, which aims to help corporations in need to manage their environmental footprint while encouraging market participants to enhance their sustainable practices. The tool outlines its methodology and data sources, incorporating elements from both Hong Kong and the Mainland. To further encourage sustainability disclosures and improve data applicability, we will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders to facilitate better sustainability disclosures through the use of this tool.
 
Use of artificial intelligence to address sustainability challenges
 
     Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently a trending topic. A study last year found that the adoption of GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) is progressing steadily across the financial services industry in Hong Kong, with 75 per cent of the surveyed financial institutions having already implemented at least one GenAI use case, or currently piloting and designing use cases and exploring potential investment areas. One example of the applications is using AI to manage greenwashing risk. They attempt to achieve this by conducting thorough analyses of the climate impact of their activities, tracking progress towards emission targets, and generating evidence-based climate reports that encompass progress, engagements, and outcomes.
 
     In view of the trending application of AI technology, we issued a policy statement in October last year to introduce our policy stance towards the responsible application of AI in the financial market. Since the policy statement was issued, we have introduced various initiatives to assist the financial institutions in seizing the opportunities and adopting AI responsibly, including publishing practical guidelines, launching sandbox schemes, as well as organising seminars and talks for practitioners.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, we are committed to working closely with tech firms, research institutes, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to foster co-creation partnerships, accelerate commercial adoption, and strengthen Hong Kong’s sustainable finance ecosystem. Together, we can embrace innovation and create a sustainable future. I wish you all a fruitful and inspiring day. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (September 11) held the Desistance from Crime: Correctional Research and Practice Professional Seminar to disseminate the latest research findings in correctional psychology and to explore strategic directions for future rehabilitation and crime prevention work, with the participation of over 100 members of the rehabilitation services sector and scholars.

Since February 2024, the Correctional Rehabilitation Research Unit of the CSD, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has commenced a research initiative on desistance from crime. The research involved interviews and focus group discussions with 51 rehabilitated persons and 60 persons in custody, covering different groups including adults, adolescents, males and females. Through in-depth analysis, the research summarised desistance journeys of local rehabilitated persons and key factors to desist from crime.

The Research Professor of the Department of Psychology of the CUHK, Professor Patrick Leung, presented the research findings at the seminar. He said that, through rehabilitation services, addressing rehabilitated persons’ inner needs for care and personal competence with a positive approach was found conducive to their rehabilitation and supportive of their desistance from crime. The research identified three key factors in rehabilitation, namely offering diverse learning opportunities, expanding positive social support networks, and nurturing and sustaining personal competence, self-identity and constructive interpersonal relationships. The research also indicated that the CSD’s rehabilitation programmes not only help reduce recidivism among rehabilitated persons, rebuild their law-abiding identity and reconnect them with society, but also support them in giving back to society, thereby gradually transforming their lives.

Senior Clinical Psychologist of the CSD Dr Yvonne Lee stated that the research findings affirmed the effectiveness of the rehabilitation work of the CSD and brought insights for future development. Drawing on the findings, the CSD will advance strength-based rehabilitation strategies and reinforce the role of correctional officers as rehabilitation facilitators, while actively extending its rehabilitation services from correctional institutions to the community and supporting rehabilitated persons in giving back to society.

At the seminar, a clinical psychologist of the CSD introduced an innovative community-based rehabilitation initiative based on the theory of desistance from crime – “Human Library: Desistance from Crime”. This pioneering initiative combines narrative therapy with a four-panel comic to showcase the life stories of rehabilitated persons, encouraging reflections on their past, disengagement from criminal behaviours and the cultivation of a positive lifestyle, thereby rewriting their futures. Furthermore, the Department arranged for a rehabilitated person to share his experiences in participating in psychological treatment programmes and his desistance journey. Dr Lee and Professor Leung also exchanged views with participants on the research findings, rehabilitation services and the directions for future development.

Upholding the spirit of moving with the times and evidence-based practice, the CSD will continue to organise academic events to actively promote collaboration and exchanges with members of the rehabilitation services sector and scholars to advance professional development and innovation of rehabilitation work through scientific research.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the special remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the 10th Belt and Road Summit – Business Networking Luncheon on “Connecting Growth Corridors – ASEAN and the Belt and Road” today (September 11):
 
Luanne (Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Ms Luanne Lim), Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), Professor Frederick Ma (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It is my great pleasure to join you at this exclusive luncheon hosted by HSBC during the Belt and Road Summit. My heartfelt congratulations to HSBC for convening this distinguished gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and local business leaders under the theme “Connecting Growth Corridors – ASEAN and the Belt and Road”. This occasion exemplifies Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a super connector, fostering open dialogue and forging partnerships to drive the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forward.
 
     Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has been guided by the core principles of connectivity, openness, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. Over the past decade, its scope has expanded remarkably, fostering co-operation across continents through physical infrastructure, trade networks, and increasingly, technological collaboration. This dynamic evolution positions the BRI as a powerful platform for sustainable growth, with Hong Kong as a key contributor, facilitating seamless connections between Mainland China, ASEAN, and global markets. Our strategic location, robust financial systems and world-class professional services make Hong Kong the ideal hub for BRI-related investments and partnerships. In fact, we have signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements with 37 Belt and Road jurisdictions, facilitating business expansion and investment.
 
     Hong Kong’s financial markets are thriving, reflecting the confidence and resilience that underpin our role in the BRI. In the first eight months of this year, our stock market achieved an average daily turnover of US$31.9 billion, a 132 per cent increase over the same period of last year. Funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) soared to US$17.3 billion, up 579 per cent. These figures highlight Hong Kong’s status as a premier global IPO hub, offering BRI enterprises unparalleled access to capital, underpinned by our rule of law, simple tax regime, and deep market connectivity. Earlier in August, a mining company rooted in Kazakhstan successfully listed on in our market, showcasing the results of co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia in advancing the BRI initiative. This also marks the Central Asia’s first case of an IPO financed in RMB (Renminbi).
 
     Besides the stellar performance of our stock market, we have also proudly launched a company redomiciliation regime this year, and some leading international insurance companies have already taken advantage of that. This initiative provides a secure and efficient pathway for overseas companies to redomicile to Hong Kong, enabling them to leverage our financial ecosystem to support more expansion initiatives including BRI projects. With the Companies Registry’s efficient approval process and our collaboration with offshore jurisdictions to streamline deregistration, we invite businesses to make Hong Kong their strategic base for navigating global uncertainties and driving BRI growth.
 
     And on the risk management front, Hong Kong is solidifying its position as Asia’s leading insurance hub, critical for BRI enterprises managing complex cross-border projects. With some 160 authorised insurers and last year’s gross premiums of HK$637.8 billion, Hong Kong ranks first in Asia for insurance density and globally for penetration at 18.2 per cent. Captive insurance, offering tailored risk solutions, is gaining momentum, with new entrants like HSBC bringing our total to six captive insurers. Our incentives, including a 50 per cent profits tax reduction, simplified capital requirements and a robust pool of insurance professionals, make Hong Kong the ideal base for managing BRI-related risks, from infrastructure to cybersecurity.
 
     Looking ahead, Hong Kong is committed to deepening BRI co-operation. Through initiatives like mutual market access with the Greater Bay Area, proactive outreach to global enterprises, and promotion of our insurance and financial strengths, we are empowering ASEAN and BRI partners to seize opportunities, manage risks, and achieve shared prosperity.
 
     In closing, I commend HSBC for hosting this platform to strengthen ties and drive collaboration. Let us harness Hong Kong’s unique advantages to advance the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting growth corridors and building a sustainable future together. Thank you, and I wish you a productive and inspiring luncheon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) announced today (September 11) that the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) hotline service under the Special Preventive Programme of the Centre for Health Protection will be temporarily suspended tomorrow (September 12) from 5.15pm to 11pm due to a maintenance check.
 
The free and anonymous AIDS hotline (2780 2211) provides the public with information about AIDS and sexually transmitted infections as well as a Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody testing booking service.
 
The public may also visit relevant websites for more information on HIV antibody testing, namely the Virtual AIDS Office (www.aids.gov.hk), the Red Ribbon Centre (www.rrc.gov.hk), the HIV Testing Service website (www.hivtest.gov.hk) and the Gay Men HIV Information website (www.21171069.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the launch of Oman’s First Energy Transition Fund: A Strategic Partnership between Future Fund Oman and Templewater co-hosted by the Oman Investment Authority and Templewater today (September 11):

His Excellency, Nasser Al-Busaidi (Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to China), Sheikh Nasser Al Harthy (Deputy President for Operations, Oman Investment Authority), Cliff (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Templewater, Mr Cliff Zhang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. It is an honour and privilege to stand before you today, and I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Templewater for cohosting this exclusive ancillary event. This gathering is an excellent complement to the 10th Belt and Road Summit. Your initiative exemplifies the proactive spirit of international collaboration, and I applaud your efforts in bringing together senior executives, investors, and decision-makers to delve into strategic investment opportunities, cross-border partnerships, and innovative pathways for economic growth.
 
     The Belt and Road Summit itself, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, stands as a premier global platform for advancing co-operation across the Belt and Road economies. Discussions in the Summit span critical sectors including finance and investment, innovation and technology, professional services, and infrastructure, all aimed at harnessing the immense opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
 
     Hong Kong’s role in this initiative is pivotal: we serve as the primary platform and super connector, leveraging our economic strengths, world-class talent, and unique position under “one country, two systems” to bridge East and West. By hosting this ancillary event, the OIA and Templewater are not only amplifying these dialogues but also highlighting Hong Kong’s function as a gateway for capital flows and innovation between regions like Oman and Mainland China.
 
     Now, allow me to turn our attention to the remarkable progress in Oman-China relations, which deserves our warmest congratulations. Oman has emerged as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening its strategic partnership with China in ways that align perfectly with Oman’s Vision 2040 for economic diversification and China’s BRI objectives. In recent years, this collaboration has expanded across trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and emerging sectors such as renewables, technology, and digital economy.
 
     As we envision the next phase of this collaboration, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to further facilitate and elevate Oman-China economic ties, drawing on our status as a leading international financial centre. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong boasts a robust legal system, free capital flows, simple taxation, and a well-respected regulatory environment that attracts global investors. We are the world’s largest offshore Renminbi (RMB) centre, facilitating seamless cross-border settlements and promoting RMB internationalisation along BRI routes. This is especially pertinent for Oman-China projects, where Hong Kong can bridge financing needs for infrastructure, green energy, and technology ventures, enabling efficient capital allocation and risk management.
 
     Our financial markets are experiencing great vitality, as reflected in the latest statistics. For the first eight months of this year, the Hong Kong stock market’s average daily turnover reached US$31.9 billion, a remarkable 132 per cent increase from the same period last year. Funds raised through initial public offerings totalled US$17.3 billion, surging 579 per cent. These figures underscore growing investor confidence and our market’s remarkable financing capability. There are now more than 100 Belt and Road companies listed on our stock exchange, and we expect more to come.
 
     Beyond traditional finance, Hong Kong excels in green and sustainable finance, ESG (environmental, social and governance) investments, and carbon markets that align with Oman’s renewables ambitions and China’s digital-green BRI focus. For instance, we can connect the OIA’s sovereign wealth with Chinese enterprises through joint ventures, co-investments, and innovative financing structures.
 
     Furthermore, Hong Kong’s role extends to digital innovation and professional services, where we support BRI projects through fintech solutions, legal arbitration, and talent exchanges. By strengthening linkages with Oman and China, we can unlock new avenues in areas like smart logistics, e-commerce, and renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring that collaborations are not just transactional but transformative.
 
     In essence, Hong Kong is more than a facilitator – we are a catalyst for deeper, more resilient Oman-China co-operation. Through our financial prowess, innovative ecosystems and unwavering commitment to the BRI, we can help shape a shared future of inclusive growth, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.
 
     Thank you once again to the OIA and Templewater for this gracious invitation. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to forge even stronger ties that will benefit our economies and peoples for generations to come. Thank you.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 11) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Province of Guadalajara of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 50 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 50 000 poultry eggs from Spain in the first six months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Spanish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 11) that Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia’s leading financial conglomerates, has established a representative office in Hong Kong. This was approved by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and marks a significant step in strengthening the economic ties between Hong Kong and Cambodia, as well as between the city and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
 
     This milestone follows the pivotal meeting in Cambodia in July 2024 between a delegation led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Chairman of Canadia Integrated Group, Dr Pung Kheav Se. The meeting centred on the unique advantages of Hong Kong as Asia’s leading international financial centre and opportunities to deepen collaboration between the two places. These considerations laid the foundation for this new establishment, which aims to foster mutual growth and prosperity.
 
     Founded in 1991, Canadia Bank is part of the Canadia Integrated Group, and offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations. With total assets of US$8.6 billion, Canadia Bank Plc currently has 69 operating branches and 430 self-service digital devices in Cambodia, as well as a subsidiary in Laos.
 
     Canadia Integrated Group comprises a financial and non-financial group with total assets of US$15 billion and a total of 17 500 employees. The financial group is led by Canadia Investment Holding, which offers a number of financial services including banking, microfinance, life and general insurance, securities, and trusts. The non-financial group is led by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation, and its primary business activities are infrastructure, construction and property development, education, hotel and medical services. Established in 2003, the company is the largest and leading infrastructure and property developer in Cambodia by investment size and number of projects developed, with notable projects such as the Techo International Airport (a new airport near the capital city of Phnom Penh), Diamond Island Satellite City, Norea Island Satellite City, Chroy Changvar Satellite City and the Olympia City Complex.
 
     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “We are delighted to welcome Canadia Bank to Hong Kong as they establish their representative office here. Hong Kong continues to be the preferred hub for ASEAN companies seeking to access global markets. We look forward to supporting Cambodian companies in expanding their business through leveraging Hong Kong’s capital markets and connecting with strategic partners in the region.”
 
     “Hong Kong has a world-class financial system and professional services that can contribute to Cambodia’s economic development, while Hong Kong can also gain many business opportunities during the process. InvestHK will continue to work closely with the HKMA to attract more banks to set up in Hong Kong and enrich the city’s financial market,” she added.
 
     Dr Pung, who is also the Chairman of Canadia Bank, said, “The opening of our first representative office in the the city marks a significant step in our expansion plan via Hong Kong. We appreciate the support from InvestHK during the process, including setting up meetings with the regulators in Hong Kong, providing us with useful information about the licensing requirements and procedures, and connecting us with service providers.”
 
     “In commencing operations of the new world-class Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh on September 9, we will strive to continue strengthening economic ties between Cambodia and Hong Kong through our representative office as well as leveraging Belt and Road Initiative opportunities,” he added.
 
     The Belt and Road Initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering closer economic integration between Hong Kong and Cambodia. The establishment of Canadia Bank’s representative office contributes to advancing trade and investment co-operation and bringing long-term benefits to both economies.
 
     In 2024, China was Cambodia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing US$18 billion, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to 2023. This strong growth trend underscores the importance of building an efficient financial network to support the increasing volume of cross-border trade and investment activities, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a regional financial hub.
 
     To download the event photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328947976/.