Updates from Hong Kong: October 2023 

From our Senior Commercial Consul, Geoffrey Parish

Although I just returned to Hong Kong a few weeks ago, my time here has been an absolute whirlwind of activity, as this month’s newsletter will show. 

A highlight of the last month was the Blockchain Roundtable event that we held at the American Club.  Special thanks to PwC’s Peter Brewin and Tribe Capital’s       Boris Revsin for the enlightening discussion about this the future of blockchain and what it means for the financial services industry, both in Hong Kong and across the globe.  Special thanks as well to Expeditors for inviting Consul General Gregory May and our own Paul Frost to speak at this year’s Global Logistics Conference (GLC). 

Our team’s visits to Cyberport and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Park were excellent opportunities to rekindle relationships with these institutions.  As we welcome more visitors to Hong Kong and Macau, I anticipate more opportunities to expand other partnerships.  And I also want to thank all those partners, counterparts, and friends who joined us for welcome receptions as I settled back into life in Hong Kong. 

As we round the corner into the last quarter of 2023, we have a few action-packed weeks ahead.  That includes Cosmoprof Asia, which will bring our colleagues and buyer delegations from across the region to meet with U.S. exhibitors, and Hong Kong FinTech Week, an anchor event in the annual calendar that always garners interest from U.S. firms. We also have a couple of trade missions to Hong Kong on the horizon and more in the planning phase as we prepare for 2024.

We look forward to connecting with all of you as we continue to expand commercial and business ties between the United States and Hong Kong!

Upcoming Commercial Service Events

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 global industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and regulators. 

High on the agenda list this year is Hong Kong’s push in launching itself in the global digital ecosystem and cryptocurrency hub.  Exclusively for this year’s show, attendees are invited 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.

If you want to learn more about our activities in conjunction with Fintech Week, please email Nicole Yan and learn more the Hong Kong  Fintech industry in our Country Commercial Guide.

Cosmoprof Asia, November 14-17, 2023

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

For this year, the organizer is expecting more than 60,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors, making it the largest B2B marketplace for the beauty trade in APAC.  The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong is working with our colleagues from Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea to nominate key buyers from their respective markets to attend Cosmoprof.

More than 40 U.S. companies have confirmed their participation, and they will be featured in the U.S. pavilion.  The State of California has also secured a booth and will feature five up and coming Californian brands.

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

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.

Certified Trade Mission to Hong Kong, December 4-8, 2023

The U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with IBS Global Consulting for a Certified Trade Mission to Hong Kong.  Held in conjunction with the 24th Hong Kong Forum, this annual flagship event will be organized by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide.  Participating U.S. exporters will learn about the unique opportunities waiting for them in one of the world’s leading commercial hubs, while enjoying cultural immersion activities that showcase the best of Hong Kong.  Companies in Construction Tech, PropTech, Emerging Technology & Innovation, Healthcare and Financial Services are especially encouraged to participate.

To learn more about this trade mission, please visit our website for more details and submit your application by October 15. Get in touch with  Commercial Specialists Nicole Yan or Michael Wajntal for more details.

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

We are starting our recruitment for the biggest consumer electronic shows globally, The Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2024).  Happening January 9 - 12, CES is deemed as the most influential event globally for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.  

The organizer has once again reaffirmed their partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service.  Our delegates from Hong Kong and Macau will enjoy an elevated list of exclusive benefits including: complimentary registration, deluxe conference pass discount, access to the International Business Centers, assistance from Trade Specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce for matchmaking and export trade counseling, and a special invitation to the CES 2024 International Reception to network and create effective business connections.

Those interested in joining the Hong Kong delegation may fill out the form here.

World of Concrete, Las Vegas, January 22-25, 2024

We are kicking off our recruitment for World of Concrete (WOC) 2024, the industry’s only annual international tradeshow dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries.

WOC attracts 1,500 exhibitors and 60,000 attendees globally and from different segments of the construction industry including concrete repair and demolition, information technology, material handling.  Conference attendees get to learn about the full spectrum of concrete production including decorative concrete, precast, and masonry.

Next year’s show marks the 50^th year for WOC and through this partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, Hong Kong delegates can get to enjoy exclusive benefits.  If you are heading to the show, please consider going as part of our delegation. Please Email Michael Wajntal for more information.  

Recent Highlights

Asia Fruit Logistica Event, September 6, 2023

The U.S. Commercial team recently attended the Asia Fruit Logistica Conference at the AsiaWorld-Expo.  Organized by the U.S. Consulate’s Agricultural Trade Office, 15 U.S. exporters were featured in the U.S. Pavilion.  The 2-day conference attracted more than 700 exhibitors from 43 countries and was attended by more than 13,000 people.  

In 2022, the U.S. was Hong Kong’s biggest supplier for tree nuts and second biggest supplier for processed fruits, and vegetables and oranges.  This show marked its return to Hong Kong since 2019, and was a resounding success as U.S. exporters benefitted from connecting with old and new business contacts. Participants also enjoyed getting market updates on fresh produce trends throughout the Asian region.

To learn more about our offerings to support U.S. companies’ entry in the F&B sector, please contact  Timothy Zee.

Virtual Education Fairs, September 6 & 12, 2023

The U.S. Commercial Service successfully organized two virtual Education Fair last month to showcase six universities and colleges with focused programs in health sciences and six U.S. boarding schools and high schools.

The recruitment partners invited to the fair showed enthusiasm towards American education and interest in working with US education institutions.  Additionally, we also invited our colleagues at the Consular section to give an update regarding student visas. We are always looking to extend our partnerships with additional education consultants.  For more information, please contact Commercial Specialist, Maggie Lau. 

Welcome Reception for Senior Commercial Officer, Geoffrey Parish, September 12, 2023

The U.S. Commercial team recently hosted a welcome reception at the American Club  to introduce Geoff Parish, our new Senior Commercial Officer to the business community in Hong Kong.   Fortunately for our office, Geoff is not new to Hong Kong.  In 2017-2020 he was the Deputy Senior Commercial Officer here, after which he served in New Delhi for three years. Welcome, Geoff!

ReThink HK, September 14-15, 2023

Consul General Gregory May and the U.S. Commercial team attended ReThink HK  last month.  At the event, Consul General May visited American exhibitors, such as Uber and Spare-It, to reiterate our support for American exports.

More than 6,000 attendees attended the two-day conference and featured successful green transition cases, along with customized solutions that are geared to help accelerate Hong Kong towards a more sustainable and resilient future.  To learn more about our research on sustainability in Hong Kong, please see our Country Commercial Guide and contact Maggie Lau at maggie.lau@trade.gov.

Consulate Counterparts Reception, September 18, 2023

We recently hosted an inter-consulate reception for our 40 trade sector peers from the various consulates across town.  As Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant trading and cultural hubs, it was interesting to learn about the priorities of various missions.  It was also enlightening to share ideas, strengthen ties and learn about their highlights and challenges through the year.

We look forward to a closer working relationship with our trade counterparts and future joint collaborations.  At the end of the day, we feel that we have a role to play in helping to promote Hong Kong as one of the most favorable commerce centers.  

Blockchain Roundtable, September 19, 2023.

We recently partnered with Trademissions.org to host a breakfast roundtable for family offices and institutional investors.  Themed, “Shaping the Future: The Evolving Landscape of Blockchain Technology in the United States”, this informative session engaged the attendees with an insightful discussion on the current state of blockchain technology.

We invited Peter Brewin, Partner of PwC Hong Kong and Boris Revsin, the Managing Partner of San Francisco based Tribe Capital. The event covered topics ranging from the regulatory environment, risk management strategies associated with investments, and area of opportunities and future growth.  This was a prelude to our upcoming 2-day Certified Trade Mission on November 6 – 7. To learn more, please contact Boris Meyer or Nicole Yan.

Expeditors’ Global Logistics Conference, September 21, 2023.

U.S. Consul General Gregory May and Paul Frost, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer of the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) were invited to speak at Expeditors’ Global Logistics Conference (GLC). Held annually, the GLC is a great way for Expeditors – a Fortune 500 worldwide logistics and freight forwarding company based in Seattle, WA – to thank its top customers and share insights on current topics such as the value of sustainable logistics, the importance of supply chain flexibility and more.

Consul General May took the stage and made a briefing on the U.S. & Hong Kong Trade and Economic Outlook while Paul Frost took the opportunity to describe the missions of the U.S. Consulate and of the U.S. Commercial Service – describing its services and how the bureaus can be of great resources for Hong Kong and American firms.     

If you are in the Logistics business, please contact Michael Wajntal to discuss how the USCS and your company can work together.

Healthcare Roundtable, September 21, 2023.

The U.S. Commercial Service recently hosted a roundtable for U.S. medical and healthcare companies to catch-up on latest industry updates.  During the discussion, we addressed a plethora of topics which includes the companies’ desire to have more dialogue with various government agencies and to understand their priorities and strategy towards current policies in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area of southern China.

We will organize similar discussions after the Chief Executive’s Policy Address in October, to assess next steps and collect feedback to present to various health agencies.  

If you are interested in attending future events, please email Natalie Tong, Commercial Specialist for Healthcare.

Cyberport Visit, September 25, 2023.

We recently met with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, one of Hong Kong’s premier startup hubs.  As they celebrate their 20^th anniversary, they have a lot to be proud of having helped support 400 fintech startups or 66% of total fintech start-ups in Hong Kong.

As part of their next phase of growth, they recently launched their Web3 Living Lab space and a co-working space in the northern part of Hong Kong in partnership with the Hong Kong Housing Authority.  This initiative is to help support property technology companies.  CyberPort is currently building Phase 5 to support green tech companies.  

U.S. companies that are interested in learning more about Cyberport and their programs to support startups can contact Maggie Lau, Commercial Specialist (Environmental Technologies and Edtech), or Nicole Yan, Commercial Specialist (Fintech &  Web3).

Science Park Visit, September 27, 2023.

We recently met with the management of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) to explore ways to partner with Hong Kong’s largest Research & Development hub.  HKSTP leadership briefed us on their core strategic areas, which include Fintech, Biomedical Technology, ICT, Green Technology and Material & Precision Engineering.  They have three Innoparks in Tseung Kwan O, Yuen Long and Tai Po, where the focus is to develop the advanced manufacturing, ICT, pharmaceutical and biomedical production and food manufacturing sectors.  

Their Innocentre at Kowloon Tong houses co-working spaces for HKSTP’s Incubation Program for Graduates and an extension of the Shatin Science Park.  To help start-ups access opportunities in China, HKSTP is building a new campus between Lok Ma Chau and Futien.

U.S. companies that are interested in learning more about partnering with HKSTP, please contact Nicole Yan or Boris Meyer.