HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as international centre for finance and trade (with photos)
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The event, presented under the Economic and Trade Express platform, brought together members and representatives of the US-China Business Council, as well as a cross-section of private sector representatives, US federal and local government officials, business consultancies, think tanks, higher education institutions, diplomats, media, and professionals from various sectors.
The Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, welcomed attendees, and remarked on Hong Kong's unique ability and competitiveness to weather global headwinds. "Hong Kong will continue to do what it has done best: adapt". She stated that in response to past challenges, Hong Kong had embraced change and leveraged its core strengths, namely commitment to a free-market philosophy; a simple, low tax regime; prudent fiscal policies; and the free flow of capital, information, goods, and talent.
Ms Luk shared the news that Hong Kong moved up from third place to be ranked the second-most competitive economy in the world in the International Institute for Management Development's World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026.
She also noted that five of Hong Kong's universities are in the world's top 100, according to the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2027 World University Rankings. Ms Luk noted that while the University of Hong Kong held on to the 11th position, the Chinese University of Hong Kong rose an astonishing 14 places to 18th. "The rise of our universities within the ranking demonstrates our city's growing appeal for international talent and its stature as a global higher-education hub," Ms Luk said.
Following her remarks, Ms Luk moderated a panel discussion featuring the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Mr David Butts; the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Dr Eden Woon; Partner at the Asia Group Mr George Chen; Managing Director of Peak Capital Mr John Ying; and the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong, Ms Xie Yi.
The panellists offered their assessments of Hong Kong's business environment and the hallmarks of the city's resiliency. They are in general optimistic about Hong Kong's outlook, core advantages and business environment. They also discussed how the American business community can leverage Hong Kong’s value proposition.
The event coincided with AmCham's annual doorknock to Washington, DC. Mr Butts spoke of the importance of the annual doorknock, saying its mission was two-fold. "To share stories of American businesses operating in Hong Kong and to learn about Washington’s current thinking about Hong Kong," Mr Butts said.
Ends/Friday, June 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:00
Issued at HKT 10:00
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