Hong Kong Promoted as Gateway for UK Luxury Brands at Walpole APAC Forum in London

London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) supported the Walpole APAC Forum (the Forum) in London on June 15 (London time), promoting Hong Kong’s role as an ideal springboard for United Kingdom (UK) luxury brands seeking to expand across Asia.

Organised by Walpole, an organisation representing British luxury brands, the Forum brought together senior executives and industry leaders from the retail, travel, marketing and professional services sectors. The programme covered market trends, consumer insights and branding strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum was attended by about 60 participants from the relevant sectors.

In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a natural starting point for brands seeking to enter and scale in Asia. She said Hong Kong thrives on a robust common law system, strong intellectual property protection, free flow of capital, a simple and competitive tax regime, world-class logistics, and a diverse talent pool. She also promoted the launch of The Festival of Connoisseurs in Hong Kong later this year.

The Head of Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, spoke at the discussion panel, she said, “Hong Kong remains a competitive and resilient luxury market, underpinned by steady wealth growth, a growing ultra-high-net-worth population and a gradual recovery in retail performance. As an international gateway between Chinese Mainland and the international market, Hong Kong brings together a diverse and discerning consumer base. Coupled with its proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city provides an ideal platform for UK luxury brands to enter, test and scale their presence across Asia, supported by strong market fundamentals and excellent regional connectivity.”

During the Forum, the London ETO and InvestHK exchanged views with representatives of British luxury brands and other industry stakeholders, introducing Hong Kong’s latest business environment and development opportunities, and encouraging companies to leverage Hong Kong as an important base for expanding into Asian markets and further developing their business in the region.

Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong concludes inspection visit to Hong Kong (with photos/video)

The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, today (June 17) conducted the second day of his inspection visit to Hong Kong.

Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, Mr Xia this morning visited the new Huanggang Port to learn about the redevelopment of the port.

Mr Xia then visited Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8 to understand the latest development of the shipping industry in Hong Kong. The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international shipping centre. During his visit, Mr Xia was briefed by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, on the situation of the ports. He also exchanged views with the industry practitioners.

Mr Xia later met with Mr Lee and Principal Officials at Government House, where he also held discussions to exchange views with community representatives.

Mr Xia concluded his two-day inspection visit and departed Hong Kong in the afternoon.