Hong Kong Trade Director Promotes Business Opportunities and Talent in Atlanta Visit

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Ms Maisie Ho, visited Atlanta, Georgia, the United States, from September 5 to 8 (Atlanta time) to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities and talent attraction measures.

During a luncheon on September 6 with representatives of European American chambers of commerce in Atlanta, Ms Ho highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and the abundant opportunities available for companies worldwide.

"Hong Kong is currently home to a total of nearly 15 000 non-Hong Kong companies, an all-time high figure. This signifies the unwavering importance of Hong Kong as an international business hub," she said.

"Hong Kong uniquely embodies the 'one country, two systems' principle, making it the only city that combines advantages from both China and the international community. As of 2023, 60 per cent of Mainland China's accumulated foreign investment had originated from or passed through Hong Kong. This signifies how Hong Kong continue to position itself as a crucial 'super connector' between Mainland China and the rest of the world," she added.

On the same day, Ms Ho cohosted with the Hong Kong Association of Atlanta two career-sharing sessions at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology. She provided an overview of various talent admission schemes in Hong Kong and encouraged attendees to explore the city's dynamic career opportunities. Both universities are on the list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme.

"Through various talent admission schemes, we have since 2022 received over 320 000 applications from around the world. Nearly 200000 of them have been approved, and over 130 000 talents have already settled in Hong Kong," Ms Ho remarked.

On September 7, Ms Ho officiated at the Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, kicking off the festivities for this largest Hong Kong cultural event in Georgia, which the HKETONY introduced to the region in 1995.

This year's festival was joined by 75 teams, comprising paddlers from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Among them was the HKETONY Dragon Riders team. The HKETONY also set up a festival booth to promote Hong Kong to spectators.

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETONY promotes Hong Kong's opportunities in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) concluded their inaugural Joint Climate Finance Conference today (September 16). The hybrid conference, which took place in Hong Kong, brought together more than 240 participants from financial institutions, industry associations, and international organisations across both regions.

Under the theme "Building a Net-Zero Asia – Middle East Corridor", the event discussed the demand for, and the gap in, transition finance, and explored the opportunity for greater collaboration between Hong Kong and Dubai. It highlighted the vision for the net-zero transition in each market, and for encouraging investment into the transition.

The HKMA and the DFSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further deepen their strategic partnership on sustainable finance. Through this partnership, both authorities will engage in enhanced cross-border dialogue, deepen the exchange of information on recent trends, and conduct joint research and events to further drive progress in this crucial area.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "Climate change is a global challenge that requires a collaborative response. Hong Kong and Dubai, as the sustainable finance hubs in Asia and the Middle East, and the key gateways between East and West, can and should do more together. The inaugural conference is our first effort to build a 'Net-zero Asia – Middle East Corridor'. I look forward to many more fruitful collaborations between the HKMA and the DFSA."

The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Ian Johnston, said, "As we strive to achieve net-zero targets, it is crucial to establish strong partnerships that allow for the exchange of expertise, regulatory alignment, and the promotion of sustainable investment opportunities. The signing of this MOU with the HKMA represents a pivotal step in reinforcing the co-operation between Dubai and Hong Kong in climate finance. Through its ambitious Economic Agenda D33, Dubai is committed to leading the charge on environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Today's signing is a testament to our shared ambition with Hong Kong to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy."

The HKMA and the DFSA will continue working closely to promote sustainable finance, including transition finance. The enhanced partnership will support both regions in exploring opportunities to mobilise capital to support the green and sustainable growth of the wider economies.

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA and DFSA hold joint conference to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases