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SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). He attended the China Forum organised by Business France in Paris to share with the business sector Hong Kong's advantages and unique role as a gateway to the Asian and Mainland markets.
 
     Speaking at the forum, Mr Yau remarked that Asia is currently contributing 60 per cent to global growth, and that the Asian market, in particular the Mainland market, presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to expand their horizons across the global trade landscape. As a "super connector" between foreign investors and the Mainland market, Hong Kong serves as a perfect springboard for French businesses to tap into the Mainland market.
 
     Mr Yau said that in 2024, Hong Kong's total trade amounted to US$1,350 billion, and was the world's fifth-largest trading entity. Every year Hong Kong channels a massive volume of trade between the Mainland and the rest of the world. Meanwhile, under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the most liberal free trade agreement ever offered by the Mainland, Hong Kong enterprises and professionals can enjoy the most preferential access to the Mainland market. CEPA is also nationality neutral and does not impose any restrictions on the source of investments. He encouraged the French business sector to set up company in Hong Kong to enjoy the preferential treatment under CEPA to enter the Mainland market.
 
     Mr Yau added that Hong Kong has a simple and low tax system and there is no restriction on the flow of capital. In addition to the Mainland market, French businesses can also access the Southeast Asian market by using Hong Kong as a base for their regional operations in Asia. Hong Kong is also deepening its trade ties with the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, and is reaching out to Central Asia to explore new markets. 
 
     Mr Yau concluded that Hong Kong already has strong links with France, adding that the French community is one of the largest and most successful in Hong Kong. Among the European Union member states, France is the third largest in merchandise trade with Hong Kong and second largest in services trade. He believes that there is still significant trade potential between Hong Kong and France that would bring better synergy and mutual benefits.
 
     During his stay in Paris, Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in France Mr Chen Dong to update him on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade developments, and new initiatives such as the reduction of liquor duty to promote liquor trading.
 
     Mr Yau also visited the headquarters of Elior Group SA and its facilities to learn about the company's operation and business development. He then hosted a dinner for representatives of the France Hong Kong Business Association to learn about the latest development directions of local enterprises and exchange views on enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and France.
 
     Before proceeding to Paris, Mr Yau visited a wine cellar in Armagnac and met with representatives of the Armagnac trade on June 23 (France time) to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as a liquor trading hub.
 
     Mr Yau will depart for Hong Kong on June 25 (France time). 
 
Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 9:00
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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau speaking at the China Forum organised by Business France in Paris.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau (left) speaking at the China Forum organised by Business France in Paris.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau (second left) paying a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in France Mr Chen Dong (centre) to update him on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade developments, and new initiatives such as the reduction of liquor duty to promote liquor trading. Also present are the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma (second right), and the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (first left).
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau (third left) visiting the headquarters of Elior Group SA to learn about the company's operation and business development. Looking on are the Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group SA, Mr Daniel Derichebourg (third right); the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (first right); and Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng (first left).
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau (second left) visiting a wine cellar in Armagnac and meeting with representatives of the Armagnac trade on June 23 (France time) to exchange views on promoting Hong Kong as a liquor trading hub.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). Photo shows Mr Yau (centre) visiting a wine cellar in Armagnac on June 23 (France time) to learn about its operation. Looking on is Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng (left).