Updates from Hong Kong: February 2024
From our Senior Commercial Officer, Geoffrey Parish
Greetings to our friends and colleagues from around Hong Kong and Macau – and across the wider APAC region and beyond! We’re settling into a rhythm for 2024, and I can say it’s absolutely flat out. The period between the calendar New Year and Chinese New Year has proven to be extremely busy. Along with providing a range of services for U.S. companies seeking to enter the market, we’re deep into our 2024-2025 strategic planning cycle.
We’ve held insightful meetings with our counterparts at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and InvestHK, as well as with the American Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce to discuss our strategy going forward and anchor events in which to partner and engage. These include supporting HKTDC’s FILMART event happening in a few weeks time, at which we understand over 20 U.S. companies plan to exhibit. We’re also putting the finishing touches on trade mission proposals we hope will receive approval from Commerce HQ in the design and construction, fintech, and environmental tech sectors. Additionally, we’re excited to pull together a trade mission slated for later this year in the themed entertainment sector, partnering with the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). More to come on these programs as they shape up!
We were thrilled to join a reception for nominees for the 20th anniversary of AmCham’s Women of Influence awards, which will take place in March. Being invited to the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce’s 10th anniversary reception was another highlight – not just for the amazing food, but for the opportunity to network and meet so many businesspeople utilizing Hong Kong as a regional hub for the ASEAN region.
SelectUSA outreach is ramping up in earnest now too as we gear up for the 2024 SelectUSA Summit to be held in Maryland June 23-26. More information on the Summit can be found here, and we encourage any Hong Kong and Macau companies looking to expand operations in the U.S. market to reach out and join our delegation. We’re beginning a series of outreach events with industry associations, chambers, and with business services providers to speak about investment opportunities in the United States. The U.S. is very much open for business, and we hope you can join!
As I write this, the cold snap enveloping Hong Kong for the last week and a half seems to finally be lifting. We hope a beautiful Spring is just around the corner, and we want to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends and colleagues a healthy, prosperous, and happy Year of the Dragon!
Upcoming Commercial Service Events
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 discounted 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.
 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.
NAB Show, April 13 - 17, 2024
The NAB Show, also known as National Association of Broadcasters Show, is an annual event that brings together professionals from the media, entertainment, and technologies industries. This premier industry gathering features a wide range of exhibitions, conferences, and networking opportunities for you to explore the latest advancements in broadcasting and content creation.
With over 100,000 attendees, and 1,700 exhibitors across the show floor, NAB showcases cutting-edge technology together with keynote presentations by industry leaders who share their insights and experiences on emerging trends shaping the future of media production.
If you would like to join the U.S. Commercial Service delegation, please reach out to Nicole at nicole.yan@trade.gov for details.
HKMHDIA Medtech Forum 2024, April 17,2024
The U.S. Commercial Service is working with the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association to identify export ready Medtech companies who are keen to introduce their products to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay area to participate in this year’s HKMHDIA Medtech Forum 2024. Companies will have an opportunity to showcase their new solutions in the Medtech & Innovation Session during the 1-day event.
This year’s theme is Automation and Big Data Informatics in Clinical Settings. The conference is expected to draw 300 industry professionals, hospitals and clinics, service providers, government officers, medical, media, and investors. Jointly organized with the Hong Kong Science Park, this is a great opportunity for companies to present their latest innovations to the Hong Kong healthcare sector.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please get in touch with Natalie Tong, Healthcare Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service
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 Natalie Tong at natalie.tong@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 Michael Wajntal at michael.wajntal@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 Timothy Zee at timothy.zee@trade.gov to help optimize your trip. For more information on education in Hong Kong, please visit our Country Commercial Guide.
Consensus 2024, May 29-31, 2024
The Consensus 2024 event, presented by CoinDesk, is scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas from May 29-31, 2024. It is the world’s largest and most influential gathering that brings together all sides of the cryptocurrency, blockchain, traditional finance, AI and Web3 community to share the latest insights and debate the future of the industry.
The U.S. Commercial Service is recruiting a delegation of Hong Kong and Macau companies to attend the show. As a delegate, the registrant is entitled to a free pass worth USD2,800 (Pro Pass). To express your interest, please fill out the following form.
 G2E Asia 2024, June 04-06, 2024
G2E Asia is the leading event for the gaming and entertainment industry in Asia. It offers suppliers an excellent platform for marketing and networking to drive business, showcase innovations, create brand awareness and connect with gaming operators in the Asian market. Last year, the event attracted over 100 exhibitors and sponsors, and more than 8,000 visitors.
This year, there will be an additional event called Esports Connect Asia, which will serve as a platform for networking and business engagement with the entire international esports value chain. It will provide industry leaders and the esports community with an opportunity to view and share the latest products and trends, while conducting business.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please get in touch with Timothy Zee at timothy.zee@trade.gov.
 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. Register today and take advantage of the Early Bird Rate: USD $1,100.00. The deadline to apply is Apply by 11:59 p.m. ET, March 15, 2024.
To help you prepare for the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a training session on March 15 in Hong Kong. The session will feature experts in immigration, tax, and policy regulations who will provide valuable insights and guidance on how to develop effective U.S. investment strategies. Contact boris.meyer@trade.gov for more details about the event.
Recent Highlights
SantoLubes: Breakfast Reception at the American Club, Central on January 9, 2024
It was a full house event with 50 company representatives attending the morning reception hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service in conjunction with SantoLubes, an American manufacturer of high-end lubricants, greases and fluids for the Aviation, Elevator, Electronics, Industrial sectors (and more). It was the first event of the year, and we were extremely happy to have been able to gather companies ranging from the Aviation to the Maritime and Manufacturing sectors. Stay tuned as we are preparing more events!
American Technology in Recruitment on January 10,2024
On January 10th, CS Hong Kong executed a single company promotion for Vantage Labs, an American technology company. The seminar drew more than 40 registrations, representing HR professionals from a wide range of industries such as fashion, sports, law, finance, telecommunications, and recruitment. With a seminar on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the interactive session drew high engagement and thought-provoking questions.
NBA China Office Visit on January 23, 2024
We were invited to visit the NBA China office which was organized by American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong. The meeting was to understand NBA China operation in Hong Kong and networking with key players within the sports sector.
We want to encourage U.S. sporting companies and equipment makers to contact us to learn more about Hong Kong’s sports sector. Email Timothy Zee who is leading the sector.
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