Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) 60th Anniversary Banquet tonight (September 18):

Director-General Zhu Xiaodong (Director-General of the Kowloon Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), President Andrew Leung (Legislative Council President), Mr Suttipong Damrongsakul (President, ASEAN Gems and Jewellery Trade Association), Mr Victor Chan (Chairman, HKJJA), Mr Benedict Sin (President & Director, HKJJA), ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you tonight to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association and the inauguration of the new-term Council of Management. 

     Let me first congratulate HKJJA on reaching an important milestone, celebrating six decades of leading and serving Hong Kong's jewellery and jade industry. In the modern market, where consumer taste keeps changing, technology keeps advancing, product life cycle keeps shortening, and profit margin keeps shrinking, it is no easy feat for the jewellery and jade industry to stay competitive. In these regards, HKJJA is adept at helping members expand into different markets, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in overseas markets, and providing quality assurance and authentication services for the industry, thereby leading the industry to rise to different challenges and establishing Hong Kong as a world-renowned hub for the jewellery trade.

     Apart from business, HKJJA has demonstrated a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. Since 2005, HKJJA has been the pilot of the Adopt-A-School Project, which provides learning opportunities and pre-vocational training on jewellery for underprivileged and ethnic minority students, to broaden their horizons through absorbing off-campus knowledge. I am delighted to learn that, this summer, HKJJA launched a three-day summer workshop for high school students to gain experience in creative design and digital media marketing, which would help their exploration of future education and career paths. I hope that HKJJA would continue to work together with the Government to build a stronger talent pool to meet the needs of Hong Kong and the industry in the long run.

     The pandemic a few years back significantly impacted Hong Kong's economy. While the economy is steadily recovering, it remains clear that Hong Kong needs to upgrade ourselves, develop new industries, and extend our network to the up-and-coming markets. Just yesterday, the Chief Executive announced his Policy Address, and set out his vision of boosting the economy and enhancing people's livelihood, credibly underpinned by over 700 measures across different sectors. I am confident that the economy will continue to bounce back and go forward, and high value-added businesses like the jewellery and jade industry, led by HKJJA, will make important contributions to and stand to benefit from our economic growth.

     In closing, I congratulate HKJJA for successfully hosting the 2025 ASEAN Gems and Jewellery Trade Association Conference this morning and wish you all an enjoyable and memorable evening. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:55

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