In expanding the scope of its work, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association (HKCIEA) strives to come up with new ideas. Under the coordination of Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan Hang-ping, HKCIEA hosts the Political and Business Talk every month after the HKCIEA Council meeting. The recently introduced exchange event invites prominent political and business figures, such as government officials, business leaders and renowned scholars, as keynote speakers to share their insight into government policies or future development plans, the current development and future prospects of the import-export sector, as well as important social issues. Such guests also exchange views with and address questions raised by HKCIEA board members and general members. Through the exchange, HKCIEA aims at providing yet another important channel facilitating communication between the import-export sector in Hong Kong and different industries.

Algernon Yau Ying-wah, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, was the first government official to appear as a keynote speaker at the Political and Business Talk. On 27 February 2023, he was invited to deliver a keynote speech. He pointed out that Hong Kong’s economic activities should resume following the Covid-19 pandemic and strive to create a diversity of trading opportunities. Recently, Yau joined Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to visit the Middle East. During the trip, they gleaned a better understanding of the diversified nature of the region’s economy. In the future, the Middle East and Hong Kong should be able to complement each other in many ways. The government will strive to attract more companies from countries in the Middle East and other regions to Hong Kong to explore possibilities of collaborating with their Hong Kong counterparts.

Secretary Yau also pointed out that the government hopes to continue to promote mutual recognition of qualifications with the mainland, so that more people with professional qualifications in Hong Kong can obtain accreditations in the mainland and capture more opportunities. In addition, Director Yau and attendees of the event exchanged their views on luring talents, attracting investment, and helping to match business partners in the import-export sector.

During the sharing event, HKCIEA President Pui Kwan-kay gave a welcome speech. About 80 people, including Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan, legislator Kennedy Wong Ying-ho (import-export sector), Vice Presidents Jimmy Wong Chi-ho, Tony Pang Chor-fu, Paul Leung Yuk-hung, Ho Chi-ho, Eddy Li Sau-hung and Andrew Chan Shiu-shan, Honorary President Chan King, Vice Honorary Secretaries Edmond Lee Man-bun and Sophia Lee Shuk-woon, and various council members and HKCIEA members attended the event. During the Q&A session, the council members enthusiastically had in-depth exchange with Secretary Yau.