Updates from Hong Kong: November 2023
From our Deputy Senior Commercial Consul, Paul Frost
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October was another action-packed month with visits from Governor Gavin Newsom of California, six mayors from America’s heartland, and U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for China Scott Shaw. The Hong Kong business community strongly welcomed each of these visitors, with very substantive discussions and interactions on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the U.S.-China commercial relationship. DAS Shaw will participate in industry-specific working groups in the mainland around areas of common interest for the U.S. and China, initiating greater communication and momentum in the relationship. We look forward to watching these working groups unfold.
It's full throttle ahead for the rest of 2023 with cornerstone events happening in Hong Kong, including Cosmoprof Asia, StartmeupHK Festival, and the Hong Kong Forum. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are excited about what is in store for 2024. Our team is already working on activities for next year, including the events below, so please contact one of us for further U.S / Hong Kong and Macau trade or investment assistance. Enjoy this newsletter and happy Thanksgiving!
Upcoming Commercial Service Events
Hong Kong Medical Technologies Pitch Book
We are looking for 15 innovative U.S. medical device companies to participate in our upcoming Medical Technologies Pitchbook to be marketed to more than 20 distributors in Hong Kong and Macau. With a GDP per capita of US$49,464, Hong Kong has one of the highest GDP per capita in Asia. Along with its rapidly ageing society, there is potential for U.S. companies to take advantage of its growing US$14.9 billion healthcare market.
Participating companies will receive a customized market assessment report, along with distributor feedback and recommendations on the market potential of their products. The target sub-sectors for this initiative are geriatric care, physical therapy/rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
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 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 50th 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.
 Go West Summit, February 26-29, 2024
The Go West Summit, happening on February 26-29, 2024 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, is dedicated to connecting tourism industry suppliers with buyers and media from all over the world. In its 35th year, the event focuses on business-building with buyers from the 2023 event expected to bring 4.7 million visitors to the U.S. over the next 18 months. The Go West Summit is designed to unite top-notch global tour operators with niche suppliers who offer tourism-related products or services in the American West.
If you are planning to attend the show, please consider joining the 2024 Hosted Buyer Program. This exclusive program offers free registration to meet with suppliers from the American West, entrance to all events, main meals, and hotel accommodations on February 25-28, 2024. Buyers also have complimentary access to FAM trips and Adventure Day. Email Maggie Lau, Commercial Specialist, for more information.
 MODEX 2024, Atlanta, March 11 – 14, 2024
We are starting to gather attention from Hong Kong companies to attend MODEX 2024 as it is one of the most important supply chain tradeshows worldwide, rallying the entire supply chain ecosystem together to showcase all the end-to-end solutions and innovations for your manufacturing, logistics and warehousing operations.
With over 900 exhibitors participating, 150 educational seminars, and now with the full support of the U.S. Commercial Service offering exclusive perks and access, this expo is a MUST if you want your supply chain operations to be more agile and efficient.
To join our delegation and enjoy exclusive benefits, please contact Michael Wajntal for more information.
 Natural Expo West, March 12-16, 2024
Calling out to all natural and organic product buyers as we commence recruitment for the Natural Expo West show next March at the Anaheim Convention Center. After years of successful collaboration, the U.S. Commercial Service is once again confirming our partnership with conference organizer to attract buyers globally to meet with U.S. manufacturers.
Rated as one of the top trade shows in the U.S., the show will feature more than 50,000 products from 2,800 exhibitors. Last year’s show attracted more than 68,000 attendees as buyers clamored to introduce and launch new products for their markets. The Natural and Organic industry was valued at US$ 25.1 billion in 2022 with a CAGR of 8.7%. This trend continued to rise through COVID_19, creating a new consumer demographic and preference for high quality products.
Join our delegation to enjoy benefits that are reserved for U.S. Commercial Service, please email Natalie Tong for more information.
Recent Highlights
AIMA APAC Annual Forum 2023, On October 19, 2023
CS Hong Kong participated at AIMA’s (Alternative Investment Management Association) flagship regional event, which brought over 600 policy and regulatory figures, hedge fund and alternative investment managers, and other Asia-Pacific thought leaders. The forum addressed the key regulatory, policy, and operational focus areas anticipated for Asia-Pacific managers in the coming year. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to discuss the challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry.
For more information about upcoming financial events in Hong Kong, please reach out to Boris Meyer at boris.meyer@trade.gov.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California Visits Hong Kong, October 23, 2023
On October 23rd, Governor Newsom visited Hong Kong. The governor’s economic development team met with Paul Frost, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, Jennifer Clever, Director of Agricultural Trade Office, and Doug Ostertag, Economic Unit Chief for a briefing about the business climate in Hong Kong and Macau and the SelectUSA program.
Scott Shaw Meeting with HKTDC, October 27, 2023
The U.S. Commercial Service Team in Hong Kong recently organized a meeting for Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Shaw to meet with leaders at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Having served in Hong Kong between 2010 till 2013, DAS Shaw took this opportunity to catch up with Sophia Chong, the Deputy Executive Director and her team.
We discussed new ways for our organizations to continue our longstanding collaboration on annual events such as Filmart, Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, Eco Expo and the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference. The meeting also provided us with new perspective on how HKTDC has been working to improve their shows during COVID_19 through their user platform and A.I enabled business matching platform to help enhance business matching for buyers and exhibitors.
We also learned that HKTDC has updated their online business matching platform to enhance business matching for buyers and exhibitors. We look forward to working with HKTDC to help U.S. companies access high quality partners and market visibility in Hong Kong.
Scott Shaw’s briefing to AmCham Members, October 27, 2023
On October 26, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Scott Shaw gave briefing for members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). The focus of his talk was the recent visit to China by Secretary for Commerce, Gina Raimondo.
DAS Shaw shared valuable insights from the trip, stating that an informal working group will be created to address key trade issues between the U.S. and China, marking a positive step towards improved bilateral trade relations.
DAS Shaw also provided some perspectives from Washington DC, offering a viewpoint on the current political climate. He engaged in an interactive session with the audience, addressing their questions and concerns about the present state of U.S.-China relations.
US Heartland China Association Mayors Delegation, October 30, 2023
On October 30, a delegation of 6 mayors from the United States visited Hong Kong as part of the U.S. Heartland China Association’s Yangtze-Mississippi Municipality Energy Transition Exchange program. During their visit, the mayors heard a briefing from Consul General Gregory May about the current economic and political policies in Hong Kong. Additionally, they participated in a fruitful business matchmaking session where they were introduced to 15 Hong Kong companies, followed by a networking reception. The Hong Kong companies covered environmental technologies, medical technologies, smart cities, and more.
Fintech Networking Reception, October 30, 2023
The U.S. Commercial Service Hong Kong worked with the American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong to co-host a Fintech networking mixer as we are preparing for the Hong Kong Fintech Week 2023. Hong Kong Fintech Week is an annual flagship event that brings together global industry leaders, innovators, and fintech enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and developments in the financial technology sector.
The landscape of the fintech industry in the USA is undergoing rapid evolution, from digital payment solutions to cutting-edge trading platforms and blockchain solutions, the fintech market in ths U.S. hosts abundance dynamic and disruptive companies at the forefront of global finance. As we witness the continuous growth and development of the fintech industry, this reception brought together 50 players in this industry and served as a unique platform for thought-provoking discussions on trends, technologies, and challenges.
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