Speech by Acting CE at Hong Kong Exporters' Association 70th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration (English only) (with photos/video)
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Mr Eric Sun (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exporters' Association), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight for the 70th anniversary of the Hong Kong Exporters' Association.
As Eric just said, turning 70 is more than a number. It's a story. A story of resilience and innovation. A story of highs and lows over seven decades.
You have pursued opportunities around the world. You have believed in the power of trade.
The Association and its members are at the heart of this success. You have helped make Hong Kong a global centre for business.
And your hard work has delivered real results. Hong Kong is now a world-leading trade hub. We rank first in global air cargo. We are the world's fourth-largest maritime centre.
Continual upgrading is essential to any business, industry or sector. And I'm pleased to note that the Association has long encouraged local manufacturers and exporters to transform from "original equipment manufacturing" to "original design manufacturing" and "original brand manufacturing".
The Association has also been active in promoting an innovative culture in Hong Kong.
Over the years, the "Hong Kong Smart Design Awards" and "Hong Kong Innovation & Invention", organised by the Association, have brought Hong Kong original designs and I&T products to the international stage. Your goal - helping build Hong Kong into the region's most influential design force - is making a decided difference.
The Association works closely with the Government, and we're working together to promote industrial and economic diversification - and Hong Kong's high-value-added development.
Globally, we see challenges. We see tariffs, growing unilateralism and uncertainties.
But Hong Kong's economy remains steady. Our economy has recorded positive growth for 10 consecutive quarters since 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 3.1 per cent in the second quarter. And our exports have grown for 19 months in a row.
Ladies and gentlemen, your determined and continuing efforts, together with our country's full support, are showing encouraging results.
The momentum of our import and export sectors is expected to continue to strengthen. And you can count on the Government to help you, our exporters, and every sector and industry of our economy, in seizing the opportunities on the Mainland and in markets throughout the region and around the world.
Allow me now, for a moment, to speak about the upcoming Legislative Council election. A strong partnership between the Government and the legislature is key to building a better Hong Kong, and that partnership begins with your vote. I therefore encourage every registered voter here to support this important election and cast your vote on December 7.
Once again, my warmest congratulations to the Hong Kong Exporters' Association on 70 remarkable years. I know you will enjoy this very special evening. And I look forward to working with you in the coming year and long down the export road.
Thank you.
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:29
Issued at HKT 19:29
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Acting CE attends Hong Kong Exporters' Association 70th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration