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| Hong Kong maintains free trade policies | |
In response to the escalating risks of international trade conflicts, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said (Apr 6) openness and cooperation are the historical trend, and achieving mutual benefit is a common aspiration. He stressed that Hong Kong will continue to maintain its status as a free port, implement free trade policies, and ensure the free and convenient movement of goods, capital and information, all of which are safeguarded by the Basic Law. The HKSAR Government has been closely monitoring and assessing the relevant situation and developments, and will provide support to local enterprises on various fronts, he added.
Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has made significant strides to spur the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, expediting the creation of a new development momentum for the city. In this historical moment, marked by both challenges and opportunities, Hong Kong will strengthen its connections with traditional markets while increasing its engagement with emerging markets in the Global South. It will also enhance its efforts in attracting investments, encouraging enterprises from the Mainland and around the world to leverage the city as an international platform that connects domestic and international markets.
He reiterated that with the strong backing of the Motherland and the unique advantages of the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong stands out as a more stable and attractive place amid the current global market uncertainties, and will surely be able to open up new horizons under more favorable conditions in this changing landscape.
| | Hong Kong welcomes new batch of strategic enterprises | A new batch of 18 strategic enterprises, including two from the US, committed to establish global headquarters, regional headquarters or research and development centres in Hong Kong during a ceremony held by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises on Apr 8. These firms come from high-tech industries such as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology, artificial intelligence and data science, fintech, and life and health technology. Speaking at the ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the strategic enterprises support Hong Kong’s vision of becoming an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Together with the 66 companies previously attracted to the city, the strategic enterprises will invest about HK$50 billion (US$6.4 billion) in total in the years to come, creating over 20,000 jobs. | |
| New York ETO celebrates Hong Kong films and talents in Chicago | |
The Spotlight on Hong Kong Cinema at Season 19 of Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) returns to Chicago and reached its climax with the US premiere of THE LAST DANCE on Apr 4. Michelle Wai, the lead actress of the film, was honored with the Extraordinary Actors Award in recognition of her outstanding performance. She was joined by the film’s director Anselm Chan at the post-screening Q&A session, where they shared insights into the making of this record-breaking blockbuster.
Sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), this year’s APUC also welcomed four Hong Kong filmmakers, who presented their works and engaged with audiences. They included directors Ho Miu-ki (LOVE LIES) and Albert Mak (HIT N FUN), as well as producers Chan Hing-ka (LOVE LIES) and Paul Chan (TO BE CONTINUED).
Addressing the award ceremony, Director of New York ETO Maisie Ho praised the filmmakers, noting that they exemplify the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong’s vibrant film industry. She highlighted that the HKSAR Government continues to support and nurture the growth of the creative industry, ensuring its presence on the global stage. By fostering talent, enhancing local production, and expanding audiences, Hong Kong remains committed to bringing the best of Hong Kong cinema to the world, she added. Before returning to New York, Ms Ho also attended the APUC’s 10th anniversary gala dinner.
| | Friends of Hong Kong welcome spring in Chicago | |
New York ETO continued to strengthen Hong Kong–Chicago ties with a spring reception in the Windy City on Apr 3. Co-hosted with Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event welcomed over 100 guests from Chicago’s business, legal, academic, and cultural communities.
In her welcome remarks, New York ETO Director Maisie Ho highlighted that the Year of the Snake—symbolising wisdom, adaptability, and transformation—mirrors Hong Kong’s continued evolution and resilience as a global hub for finance and trade. The event also featured a Hong Kong-themed cocktail and showcased the works of Chicago-based Hong Kong artist Cherry Tung.
While in Chicago, Ms Ho also met with Devora Grynspan, Vice President for International Relations at Northwestern University, to explore potential areas of collaboration and introduce Hong Kong’s talent admission schemes for university graduates.
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| Hong Kong documentary producer shares insights on heritage conservation | Movie lovers in New York attended a private screening of the Hong Kong documentary TO BE CONTINUED on Apr 2. Co-organised by New York ETO and Hong Kong Association of New York, the event featured the film producer Paul Chan, who was in town after attending the APUC where the documentary was screened. During the post-screening Q&A session, Paul shared insights into this captivating documentary about the grassroots effort to save the iconic State Theatre in North Point, Hong Kong, and the legendary life of its founder Harry Odell. He also explored how heritage can be linked to cultural tourism in Hong Kong. Co-produced by Hong Kong Community Heritage Foundation and Walk in Hong Kong, the documentary celebrates the city’s vibrant cultural history and resilient spirit. Since its premiere at the Hong Kong International Film Festival in 2023, it has been screened worldwide to critical acclaim. | | INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY | | Hong Kong wins 300 innovation prizes in Geneva | Hong Kong teams participating in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva won about 300 prizes, including two Grand Awards, seven Special Awards, about 55 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury and about 80 Gold Medals. In particular, the Prize of the Republic & Canton of Geneva, one of the Grand Awards, went to the “Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation” jointly developed by the Civil Aviation Department and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department. This prize marks the first time for departments of the HKSAR Government to receive this prestigious award. Congratulating the Hong Kong teams on their remarkable achievements, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said these awards are not only a significant recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlight Hong Kong’s strong I&T capabilities as well as its rich pool of talent. | |
| World Internet Conference highlights Hong Kong's I&T hub status | The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit opened in Hong Kong on Apr 14. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong’s rise as an I&T hub has been fast-tracked by its vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world’s third-largest financial centre. He is confident that Hong Kong’s collaborative efforts with Shenzhen, and throughout the Greater Bay Area, will see the rise of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone as a world-class I&T hub, creating a critical source of new quality productive forces for the country. Being held in Hong Kong for the first time, the event attracts nearly 1,000 local and overseas participants from governments, political and business sectors, international organisations, the management of leading corporations, authoritative experts and scholars. | |
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| InnoEX showcases Hong Kong's achievements in I&T | The third InnoEX kicked off (Apr 13) at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, bringing together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications. A large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion was set up at the event to showcase over 100 technology solutions, including those developed by different government departments to enhance public services, as well as award-winning I&T projects by local innovators and students. Speaking at the event (Apr 13), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong said that with internationally acclaimed research capabilities, a vibrant start-up ecosystem, and the dynamic flow of ideas, capital and entrepreneurship, Hong Kong is the ideal destination for innovators, investors and decision-makers. | | Financial Secretary: Hong Kong is pro-Web3 | Speaking at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival (Apr 7), Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong is pro-Web3, highlighting that the city is among the first in the world to have established clear licensing frameworks for virtual asset trading platforms, and currently hosts the largest virtual asset exchange-traded funds market in the Asia Pacific. He added that later this year, Hong Kong will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets, covering how to make use of Web3 to fast-track the development of traditional financial services, empower the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies. He stressed that Hong Kong is committed to collaborate with innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world to push the boundaries of what is possible, and leverage the transformative power of Web3 for the greater good. | |
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| HKIA named world's busiest cargo airport | Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has once again topped the global league of airports in handling cargo, according to the latest data released by Airports Council International. In 2024, the HKIA transported a total of 4.9 million metric tonnes of cargo. The airport has been named the busiest cargo airport in the world for the 14th time since 2010. Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Vivian Cheung said this achievement is a great demonstration of AAHK’s commitment in enhancing its cargo services by striving for innovation and seizing opportunities. She added that AAHK will continue to strengthen its resilience amid the economic uncertainties and challenges, and reinforce HKIA as the world’s leading aviation hub. | | Hong Kong soars in global airport rankings | HKIA has jumped five places to No. 6 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025, a major leap from No. 11 last year! Adding to the celebration, Hong Kong was also named the World’s Best Airport for Immigration Services, marking the fifth time the city’s Immigration Department has received this prestigious honor. HKIA also ranked 3rd for Best Airport Staff, 5th for Cleanest Airport, and 9th for Airport Shopping. Voted by 13 million travelers from over 100 jurisdictions worldwide, these achievements highlight HKIA’s continued commitment to service excellence, efficiency, and hospitality. | |
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| Hong Kong tourist arrivals up 9% in Q1
| Hong Kong welcomed around 12.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 9% and the largest year-on-year quarterly growth in arrivals since travel resumed in the city. Mainland and non-Mainland visitors accounted for 9.25 million and 2.98 million arrivals respectively, year-on-year increases of 6% and 18%. In long-haul markets, double-digit year-on-year growth was recorded for both the US and Canada. The increase is attributed to the spectacular lineup of major events in the first three months, including the pop culture showcase ComplexCon, art fairs Art Basel and Art Central, and sports events like the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and the LIV Golf Hong Kong tour. | | ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS | | Tariff on Hong Kong products illogical and ungrounded | The HKSAR Government (Apr 9) expressed strong disapproval of and discontent with the US' imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariff on Hong Kong products, that has never implemented any tariffs, and commented it as illogical and ungrounded. In a statement, it said the US’ measures have seriously impeded the multilateral trading system and disrupted the global supply chain. Concerning the elimination of the duty-free de minimis treatment for postal items despatched from Hong Kong to the US from May 2, it added that the unilateral policy change has caused a lot of confusion and inconvenience to the public. The HKSAR Government will continue to closely monitor and assess any unilateral measures of the US that are inconsistent with fair trade and take actions to defend Hong Kong's legitimate interests. | |
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| US policy report rejected | The HKSAR Government (Apr 1) strongly disapproved of and rejected the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the United States (US)'s so-called 2025 Hong Kong Policy Act Report. It reiterated that the HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of 'one country, two systems'. It will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people. | | |
The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.
Q: What does the Basic Law prescribe regarding Hong Kong’s status as a free port and a separate customs territory?
A: According to Articles 114-116 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR shall maintain the status of a free port and shall not impose any tariff unless otherwise prescribed by law. The HKSAR shall pursue the policy of free trade and safeguard the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital. In addition, it shall be a separate customs territory. It may, using the name "Hong Kong, China", participate in relevant international organisations and international trade agreements (including preferential trade arrangements). Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements, which are obtained or made by the HKSAR or which were obtained or made and remain valid, shall be enjoyed exclusively by the HKSAR.
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