Updates from Hong Kong: September 2023

From our new Senior Commercial Consul, Geoffrey Parish

Greetings everyone, I am thrilled to be back in Hong Kong after serving at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi as this feels like a homecoming in many ways. Since arriving in mid-August, I commenced on a busy schedule of meetings and events. It has been wonderful to connect and reconnect with contacts with whom we can work together to further the U.S.-Hong Kong commercial relationship! 

We had a good meeting with leadership of AmCham and HKGCC where we discussed ways to continue the great partnership that Brad and the team had cultivated. We also had the pleasure of welcoming many of our SelectUSA Summit delegates for a reception at the Consul General’s Residence, and meet with business leaders who are considering investing in the U.S.

Hosting the Themed Entertainment Association roundtable was a real highlight, and the opportunities to assist TEA’s membership in both Hong Kong and Macau seems nearly limitless given the growth potential across the entertainment, retail, sports, and gaming sectors.   

As we round the corner towards autumn and await cooler weather (and fewer typhoons!), we look forward to connecting with you, so please reach out if you plan to be in the region.

We hope you find this month’s update insightful and interesting, and as always, our team stands ready to assist as we strengthen business ties between the United States, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Upcoming Commercial Service Events

Hong Kong Medical Technologies Webinar, September 13, 2023

We are launching a recruitment drive for of U.S. medical technologies companies to participate in our upcoming 2023-2024 Hong Kong U.S. Medical Technologies Pitchbook.

Join this virtual webinar to gain in-depth insights about Hong Kong’s US$14.9 billion-dollar healthcare market. We will be focusing on geriatrics, physical therapy, and chronic disease management such as oncology, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Hear from key industry business leaders and Hong Kong’s largest distributors regarding market entry strategies and key trends in Hong Kong and Macau. Register via this link.

ReThink Hong Kong, September 14-15, 2023

ReThink HK is Hong Kong’s most talked-about annual event on sustainability and development.  Organizers are anticipating an attendance of 6,000 as the conference is curated for business leaders, sustainability practitioners, and those responsible in researching, resourcing, and implementing net-zero and ESG strategies.  

The two-day conference and expo will feature successful green transition cases, along with customized solutions that are geared to help accelerate Hong Kong towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

If you would like more information about sustainability in Hong Kong, please see our Country Commercial Guide and contact Maggie Lau at maggie.lau@trade.gov

WEFTEC, September 30-October 4, 2023

Between September 30- October 4, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) is scheduled to take place in Chicago, Illinois.  As the largest conference of its kind in North America, this event brings together more than 20,000 water quality specialists, thought leaders, and 1,000 exhibitors from various countries to deliver essential industry insights.  This is a great opportunity to discover the latest technologies and solutions, connect with peers and key decision makers, and expand your media presence.

The 2023 expo and conference will feature innovative products, specialized equipment, and services.  The exhibition section will host product pavilions, workshops, live demonstrations, and competitions like the Operations Challenge.  The conference program will deliver insights through forums, interactive presentations, panel discussions and learning exchanges.

If you would like more information about WEFTEC or are interested in attending, please contact Maggie Lau at maggie.lau@trade.gov.

Hong Kong FinTech Week, October 30 – November 5, 2023

Hong Kong FinTech Week is one of the most anticipated fintech conferences in Asia. Now, in its 7^th year, the HK Fintech Week is a week-long event featuring the most well-known industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and regulators globally.  High on the agenda list is Hong Kong’s push in playing a pivotal role in the global digital ecosystem and cryptocurrency hub.  This year’s conference attendees can also apply to join a special cross-boundary event in Shenzhen to help them learn more about the ecosystem in China.  Our office in Hong Kong will be hosting a few events during that week.

To learn more about this show, or to learn about fintech in Hong Kong, please contact Nicole Yan at nicole.yan@trade.gov and read about fintech in our Country Commercial Guide.

Cosmoprof Asia, November 14-17, 2023

After a 3-year hiatus, Cosmoprof Asia is returning to Hong Kong. The U.S. Commercial Service will be partnering with show organizers to recruit for qualified buyers  to participate in this year’s Buyer Program, and to organize promotional opportunities for participating U.S. exporters.

Last year, Cosmoprof’s Buyer Program hosted 210 buyers from 30 countries and successfully conducted 1,300 meetings with exhibitors.  The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong is working with our colleagues from Australia, China, Dubai, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand to nominate key buyers from their respective markets to attend Cosmoprof.

To learn more about our activities during Cosmoprof, please contact Natalie Tong. Also, read about the cosmetics sector in our Country Commercial Guide.

Medica, Dusseldorf, November 13-16, 2023

Medica 2023 is one of the largest medical B2B fairs globally with 4,500 exhibitors and 81,000 attendees.  The U.S. Commercial has developed the Corporate Executive Officer (CEO) Center Program, a turnkey program specific to this conference to help U.S. companies maximize business prospects.

Participating companies can enjoy a long list of benefits from booth space, counselling and market research, business matchmaking, inclusion in the CEO Center Program brochure and access to the International Trade Center.

Attendees can expect to see the unleashing of a wide range of innovative products and services from the fields of medical imaging, laboratory technology, diagnostics, health IT, mobile health, and physiotherapy/orthopedics, and medical consumables. For more information about Medica, please contact Natalie Tong at Natalie.Tong@trade.gov

The Greater New York Dental Meeting, November 24-29,2023

The Greater New York Dental Meeting 2023 (GNYDM) is the biggest conference in dentistry that attracts more than 30,000 industry practitioners.  The six-day conference will feature 1,600 exhibitors ready to unveil their latest equipment and innovations. 

This year’s GNYDM has been expanded to include other industry related shows such as World Implant Expo, Annual Global Orthodontic Conference, 3D Printing Conference, Oral Health Symposium, Pediatric Summit, Women's Program, Public Health Program. Special Needs programs and Dental Laboratory Education.

Last year in 2022, the U.S.  Commercial successfully recruited delegations from 8 countries and facilitated more than 70 business to government (B2G) counselling sessions. We are looking to repeat last year’s success. If you are interested to attend GNYDM, please contact Natalie Tong at natalie.tong@trade.gov.

INTERNATIONAL WORKBOAT SHOW, New Orleans, November 29 – December 1, 2023

The International Workboat Show (IWBS), held every year In New Orleans attracts 15,000 attendees from the commercial marine industry globally. With 800 specialized exhibitors participating, this event is a must-go if you are a vessel operator, boat builder, engineer, marine architect, marine surveyor or whether you represent a shipyard, an equipment manufacturer, a distributor, or port authority.  

IWBS is partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service for the first time to bring delegates to the show this year. Enjoy access to the key buyer lounge area, networking reception, business matching opportunities, education sessions, and an exclusive site visit organized by the Port of New Orleans.

With Hong Kong being one of the busiest maritime hubs in Asia, for goods and now for passengers with the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and home to over 2500 ships registered under the Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR), Hong Kong companies and operators should take advantage of this tradeshow to keep up with the newest marine technologies and maritime trends.

If you are interested in attending IWBS, please contact Michael Wajntal at Michael.Wajntal@trade.gov

CES 2024, Las Vegas, January 9-12, 2024

We are starting to recruit for the biggest consumer electronic shows globally, The Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2024).  Happening from January 9 till 12, CES is deemed as the most influential event for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.  The organizer has once again reaffirmed their partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service.  Join our Hong Kong delegation and enjoy an elevated list of benefits that only our delegates get to enjoy.

If you are in the business of consumer electronic manufacturing, development, suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems, please contact Boris Meyer at boris.meyer@trade.gov for more information.  

Recent Highlights

Meeting with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, August 30, 2023

The U.S. Commercial team recently visited the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) to officially introduce Mr. Geoffrey Parish, our new Chief Commercial Consul to Mr. Patrick Yeung, the new CEO of HKGCC and its Americas Committee.  

The meeting provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on bilateral trade and investment, and to lay the groundwork for a deeper collaboration between the two organizations. We foresee more future joint collaborations and co-operations especially in the ESG, medical technology, design, and construction sectors.

The U.S. Commercial team is also looking forward to attending more of HKGCC events particularly the one currently being organized by the Americas committee reuniting all North and South American Consuls General in Hong Kong.

Travel & Tourism Networking Reception, August 3, 2023

The U.S. Commercial Service team welcomed 45 industry leaders at a Travel and Tourism Networking Reception hosted by Consul General Gregory May at his residence last month.

Organized jointly with Brand USA and United Airlines, the reception celebrated the return of the travel industry in Hong Kong and Macau.   Earlier this year, United Airlines resumed direct service between Hong Kong and San Francisco, and in October 2023 United will resume daily flights between Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

The reception was attended by travel agents, online travel agents, travel technology providers, airlines, destination tourism boards, attractions, and more.

If you are interested in learning more about travel and tourism to the United States, please visit the  Brand USA website or contact Maggie Lau at Maggie.Lau@trade.gov.

Hong Kong Aviation Day, August 2 – 3, 2023

We recently attended the Hong Kong Aviation Day organized by the International Airport Association (IATA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The event was attended by more 1,000 aviation industry professionals from Hong Kong, Southern China, and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam and Thailand.  

The highlight of the 2-day event reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub.  Representatives from HKIA showcased the airport’s expansion projects, such as the Three-Runway System and the renovation of Terminal 2. With the completion of these projects, HKIA’s capacity will increase by 50%, serving 120 million passengers and up to 10 million tons of cargo annually.  To learn more about the logistics sector in Hong Kong, please refer to our Country Commercial Guide.

Roundtable Discussion with the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Hong Kong, 21 August 2023

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) board of directors recently visited Hong Kong.  TEA is an international non-profit association representing creators, developers, designers and producers of creative places and experiences.  Our office gave TEA a commercial briefing about Hong Kong and Macau, and then facilitated a roundtable discussion with industry leaders in the cultural, retail, gaming, and entertainment sectors.  This event helped generate good business leads for TEA members who specialized in themed attractions and experiences.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong welcomes more U.S. industry delegates like the TEA to visit Hong Kong, to see its dynamism and seize commercial opportunities.  To get in touch with the Commercial Specialist covering your industry, please visit our website. 

2023 Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) 2023, 25 August 2023

This year’s edition of the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum (DELF) is themed “Power Up! When Entertainment Goes Beyond 3oundaries”.

DELF is Hong Kong’s media entertainment extravaganza across Web 3.0, immersive digital entertainment, metaverse, sports entertainment, and beyond. The event featured cutting-edge digital technologies developed by local tech companies in their respective regions.

Hong Kong’s media entertainment industry has undergone a huge transformative journey and witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. With a population that embraces digital media consumption, there is a vast untapped potential waiting to be explored, especially an additional US$6.4 million will be earmarked by the Hong Kong Government to support a thriving Web 3.0 ecosystem in Hong Kong.  Please contact Nicole Yan for more information.

SelectUSA Investment Summit Reception, 28 August 2023

This year’s 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit was the largest and most successful summit to date, with record levels of participation from over 4,900 attendees from 83 international markets and 55 states and territories.  Our Hong Kong delegation took advantage of the in-person networking and informative programming on key industry topics from the Foreign Direct Investment community.

To celebrate this milestone, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong & Macau and SelectUSA hosted a networking reception at our Consul General Gregory May’s Residence on August 28. In attendance were the Hong Kong delegates and partners that went to the Investment Summit as well as other companies looking at expanding their footprint in the U.S.

We look forward to bringing a large delegation of Hong Kong companies at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit - June 23-26, 2024. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date news: https://www.selectusasummit.us.

To schedule a free consultation about your U.S. expansion strategies, please contact Boris Meyer for more information.