Updates from Hong Kong: January 2024
From our Senior Commercial Officer, Geoffrey Parish
Happy New Year, everyone!! We hope you, your families, and your teams had a great holiday season and that 2024 is off to a great start. After taking time through the holidays to catch our breath. Our team is busy planning and executing on our major initiatives in 2024!
During January 8-11, we hosted leading U.S. firms Vantage Labs and SantoLubes. We organized promotional events for both companies, who had a great experience meeting dozens of prospective business partners here. We also want to note the highly successful visit in December by Red Phoenix Entertainment, a sports marketing company, to Hong Kong and Macau. As part of that visit, we had a wonderful time meeting with leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce in Macau.
Medical and life sciences are priority sectors for us. Consequently, we will visit Arab Health in Dubai, which has over 115 U.S. exhibitors, giving us a chance to tell U.S. firms about the stellar opportunities in Hong Kong and Macau, which is a gateway into mainland China and Asian markets.
Financial services is another priority sector for us, and we’re excited for the annual Asian Financial Forum happening January 24-25. Each year AFF brings together 160 speakers from 70 countries to connect with global experts, academics, and industry leaders to discuss fintech, innovation, and other emerging topics.
Finally, we’re busy ramping up our recruitment efforts for the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit, taking place near Washington, D.C. on June 23-26. We anticipate strong demand this year from Hong Kong and Macau companies looking to set up U.S. operations to be closer to customers and supply chains, while also tapping into the vast talent pool in the United States and leveraging the U.S. as a platform to go global. We encourage Hong Kong and Macau companies to apply to attend the SelectUSA Summit today!
Thank you for your continued support as we head into the New Year, and we look forward to working with you throughout 2024!
Upcoming Commercial Service Events
Asian Financial Forum, January 24-25, 2024
The Asian Financial Forum (AFF), January 24-25, 2024, is one of the key events for the financial industry in the region. It brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and experts to discuss the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the global economy. The forum is a must-attend event for companies who want to gain insights into the future of finance, fintech, green finance, sustainable development, or innovation.
The U.S. Commercial Service will be present to engage with American exhibitors and concurrently, will assist and guide Hong Kong companies with their expansion strategies into the U.S. market.
If you want to learn more about the AFF and how it can benefit your business, please contact Boris at boris.meyer@trade.gov. He will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with more details.
Arab Health, January 29- February 1, 2024
It is still not too late to attend one of the biggest medical conferences in the world, Arab Health. At this year’s conference, 50,000 healthcare professionals from 180 countries are expected to play a proactive role in shaping new industry demands and trends.
As a long-time partner Kallman Worldwide, who manages the USA Pavilion, the U.S. Commercial Service is helping to promote the USA Partnership Pavilion and to drive business matching opportunities for U.S. exporters. Last year in 2023, 270 U.S. exporters exhibited at Arab Health including small businesses that received STEP Funding from various states.
If you are interested in attending Arab Health as part of our delegation, please e-mail Natalie Tong at natalie.tong@trade.gov
 Singapore Airshow 2024, February 20 – 25, 2024
As Asia’s most influential airshow, the Singapore Airshow allows aerospace exhibitors to forge strategic alliances with all stakeholders. The event offers a unique platform for industry thought leadership through its strategic forums, exhibition and events. More than 90 U.S. companies will exhibit, within the U.S. Pavilion.
If you are a Hong Kong-based company, and planning to go to the Singapore Airshow, please consider joining the HK delegation for exclusive perks such as complimentary passes for delegation members.
If you want to be part of the U.S. Commercial Service delegation, please contact Michael.Wajntal@trade.gov 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.
Join IPW, the U.S’ largest inbound travel trade show, May 3-7, 2024
With wanderlust on high gear again, it makes perfect sense to attend the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2024 in Los Angeles, California next May 3-7. IPW 2024 has confirmed the participation of more than 1,200 travel exhibitors and destination organizations.
As part of the delegation, attendees will get up to 42 prescheduled appointments with exhibitors representing destinations, hotels, attractions, and transportation companies. The U.S Travel Association will provide lodging at the assigned hotel for five nights. Additionally, your registration includes all meals and networking functions, which are an official part of IPW.
If you are a travel agent interested in promotion U.S. as a holiday destination or travel media wanting to rediscover the U.S., please contact Maggie Lau at maggie.lau@trade.gov to learn about the conference.
Be Part of the Delegation for WasteExpo, May 6-9, 2024
WasteExpo is North America’s largest solid waste, recycling, organics and sustainability tradeshow serving both the private and public sectors. It will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 6-9, 2024. From connecting with 13,000 of your peers to doing business with 600+ exhibitors, it’s an event that cannot be missed.
We are actively recruiting companies to be a part of the Hong Kong delegation. Benefits of joining the delegation include complimentary exhibition hall admission, discounted premium package education program fees, complimentary ticket to the International Reception WasteExpo, complimentary ticket to the Welcome Reception, pre-arranged and facilitated briefings and meetings with U.S. exhibitors, and complimentary use of the International Business Center for B2B meetings.
If you are interested in being a part of this meaningful delegation, please contact Maggie Lau at maggie.lau@trade.gov to learn.
 NAFSA 2023 Annual Conference & Expo, May 28-31, 2024
NAFSA, the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, is holding the 2024 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo from May 28-31, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. International educators from more than 100 nations will discover the latest innovations, proven strategies, and best practices at NAFSA 2023.
If you are planning to attend or have already registered for NAFSA 2024, please connect with Maggie at maggie.lau@trade.gov to help optimize your trip. For more information on education in Hong Kong, please visit our Country Commercial Guide.
 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit, On June 23-26, 2024
The 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit returns to National Harbor, Maryland from June 23 – 26, 2024. It is the highest profile event in the United States that facilitates business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations (EDOs), and industry experts to make deals happen. Participants can expect to:
- Gather advice and information from policy and industry experts in 100+ sessions providing you with actionable instruction on everything from developing a workforce to understanding incentives.
- Explore the exhibition hall featuring hundreds of EDOs, service providers, industry experts, and international tech startups.
- Connect with representatives from 50+ states and territories, companies from 80+ markets, industry experts, and government officials to make your investment deals happen.
Register today and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Rate: USD $960.00. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EST, January 31, 2024. Contact boris.meyer@trade.gov for a free consultation on your U.S. investment strategy.
Recent Highlights
Hong Kong International Boat Show Networking Reception, December 1, 2023.
Hong Kong is Asia’s top pleasure boat hubs with more than 10,000 boat owners. Returning to the pristine surroundings of Club Marina Cove in Sai Kung, the Hong Kong International Boat Show recently make a return to stage a successful four day show after a long absence of six years. We were invited to join the networking cocktail to connect with exhibitors and the larger boating community which included boating management, maintenance, enthusiasts, owners and third-party providers.
The event boosted latest designs from various countries including the U.S. and as well boat accessories and water sports equipment. According to HKBIA, the event was supported by 90% of current member companies who found the event extremely beneficial at connecting with old and new customers.
We would like to encourage U.S. boating companies and equipment makers to reach out to us to learn more about the unique opportunities for Hong Kong’s pleasure boat sector. Email Natalie Tong who is leading the sector.
IBS Global Consulting Certified Trade Mission to Hong Kong, December 4 – 8, 2023
The Certified Trade Mission (CTM) was led by IBS Global Consulting, in conjunction with the 24th Hong Kong Forum, the annual flagship event of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations worldwide. This CTM provided a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration with industry peers and stakeholders in Hong Kong.
9 U.S. companies, from Technology, Food & Beverage, Healthcare to Professional Services industry sector, participated the delegation. It begun with a market briefing arranged by our team in the morning, which gave the delegates an overview of the business environment in Hong Kong and Macau, and a welcome reception in the evening to establish connections between the delegates and Hong Kong guests, before the busy week kick started.
If you are planning to be in Hong Kong, our team stands ready to assist. Please reach us at office.hongkong@trade.gov
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