Updates from Hong Kong: September 2022
The famed Peak Tram, located opposite the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong & Macau, is finally reopening after months of upgrade work.
Here some fun facts about the Peak Tram:
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Alexander Findlay Smith conceived the idea of the Peak Tram in the early 1860s. When Sir Richard MacDonnell, the Governor of Hong Kong, built his first summer house in summit in 1868, this spurred a construction flurry of many upscale homes and the need for an alternative transport option. Before that, the only way up to the peak was to be carried in a sedan chair!
- The Peak is one of the most expensive housing areas globally. In December 2021, a 4,543 square feet house was sold at US$82 million, or US$18,050 per square foot.
Latest COVID Updates
On August 8, the Hong Kong government announced the easing of its 7-days hotel quarantine rule. All inbound travelers are now required to spend to 3 days in a designated quarantine hotel followed by 4 days of additional testing and some restrictions. To learn more about the new regulations, please refer to this news article. Some are predicting that the hotel quarantine requirement could end by November 2022, prior to the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. The removal of the hotel quarantine requirement will hugely benefit Hong Kong’s economy.
Upcoming Commercial Service Events
SelectUSA Partner Reception at AmCham Hong Kong
On September 26 at the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, our office will organize a reception for the many partners that have helped spread the word about the SelectUSA program in Hong Kong. We will also share some about our experience at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in the Washington, D.C. area on June 26-29, 2022 (see photo above).
Later this year, our office will organize an inaugural Startup Pitching Competition for Hong Kong technology companies that are interested in expanding to the United States. The event will feature heavyweights of the start-up world including venture capitalists, incubators, accelerators, and governmental bodies. All local and regional start-ups will be invited to participate. Successful applicants will be given a platform to pitch in front of an experienced panel. Prizes will include in-kind services and an opportunity to attend the SelectUSA Summit in May 2023.
Edtech Pitch Fest
The U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Pitch Fest for U.S. edtech companies to showcase their products and solutions to leading education institutions and distributors in Hong Kong. The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong is actively inviting Hong Kong schools, universities, and technology distributors to participate.
For Hong Kong companies in the education industry that are interested to participate, please contact Joanna Lam at Joanna.Lam@trade.gov.
The Hong Kong Edtech Pitch Fest details:
Date:
Tuesday, September 13 (EST time) /
Wednesday, September 14,2022 (HKT time)
Time:
9.00 am HKT/ 9.00 pm EST time
Upcoming Industry Events
Macau International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF)
The Commercial Service Hong Kong team will attend the upcoming Macau International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition(MIECF) hosted virtually by the Macau government on December 9-11, 2022.
Under the “Commitment to Green Development, Moving Towards the Dual Carbon Goals” theme, MIECF will organize a series of forums, exhibitions, business matching and networking activities to help advance the environmental protection sector. Although Macau has largely been inaccessible to outside travelers since 2019, there are opportunities for engagement.
U.S. firms that are interested in tapping into green projects in the Greater Bay Area are welcome to contact us at office.hongkong@trade.gov.
Recent Industry Events
Revive Tech Asia
On August 24-25, the Hong Kong Commercial Service attended in the Revive Tech Asia Technology Conference and Exhibition to meet industry leaders and learn about current trends.
Key topics included the adoption of cloud technology, A.I., and connecting with the Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong and China Green Build Webinar
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