Updates from Hong Kong: June and July 2024
From our Senior Commercial Officer, Geoffrey Parish
I am fast approaching my one-year anniversary here in Hong Kong – I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone, and reviewing our calendar of events, I’m amazed by all that our team has accomplished these last few months. The summer has been good to us, with a ramp up in client services for U.S. companies and some fantastic successes on the inbound investment side, and with several Hong Kong companies signaling their plans to set up offices in the United States with support from our SelectUSA team.
On that front, I was honored to join U.S. Consul General Gregory May, who led our delegation of Hong Kong companies to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in June. We had a vibrant and diverse delegation, comprising of everything from tech startups to multinationals. We were thrilled to see leading Hong Kong manufacturer Lee Kum Khee announce plans to set up a manufacturing unit in Georgia, a $288 million investment that will create numerous U.S. jobs and help drive growth for this important Hong Kong company.
Following a fabulous reception at Sky100, at which the U.S. Consulate invited friends and partners to celebrate the 248th anniversary of U.S. independence, our team hunkered down to focus on the recruitment phase for three major trade missions scheduled to come to Hong Kong this autumn.
We’re thrilled to be organizing a trade mission of U.S. fintech companies to come to the market on October 28-30, timed to coincide with Hong Kong Fintech Week. That same week, we’ll bring a delegation of U.S. companies in the Design & Construction sector, with a nexus on Green Building, to Hong Kong to meet with prospective clients and partners. We’re also partnering with the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) to bring a trade mission of U.S. companies that work in the ecosystems around theme parks and entertainment venues, slated for mid-September. Finally, we’re gearing up for Cosmoprof Asia, the largest beauty trade show in the region, taking place in November. We’re expecting dozens of U.S. companies to exhibit at the show, and this will be an ideal opportunity for them to showcase their innovative and unique products to buyers from across Asia. More information on all of these activities is below, and please reach out if you have any questions.
We here at the U.S. Commercial Service wish all of you the very best and hope you’re beating the heat and humidity and managing to find a little down time with family and friends this summer. Cooler days are just around the corner (we hope!), and we look forward to working with you as we ramp up our activities for the remainder of the year!
Upcoming Commercial Service Events
 Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Certified Trade Mission to Hong Kong, September 11, 2024
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is an international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences - worldwide.
Coming on Sep 11, a trade summit will provide a platform to showcase TEA members’ latest products and services, engage in networking opportunities, and spark new ideas and stay updated on market trends. If you would like to expand your network in this industry and are looking for partners to enhance customer experience, seize this opportunity and secure your spot by filling out this form or writing to Nicole Yan at nicole.yan@trade.gov .
ReThink, September 12 – 13, 2024
The U.S. Commercial Service is proud to be a supporting organization of ReThink, Hong Kong’s best-attended Sustainable Business Forum & Solutions Expo. Last year (2023 – 4th edition) saw over 6000 attendees and this 5th edition will be bigger, with two full days of conferences and expo, demonstrating how a sustainable transition is possible, by showcasing real solutions and the companies behind them. Consul General May will also be speaking at a September 12 panel on International Cooperation’s Role in Climate Transition. We encourage you to check out the details here, and to register. See you there!
TOKEN2049 Singapore, September 18-19,2024
TOKEN2049 Singapore, one of Asia’s premier crypto events, is scheduled for September 18-19, 2024, at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. With an expected attendance of over 20,000 participants from 7,000 companies and 100 countries, it’s the largest crypto gathering globally. Notable speakers include Anatoly Yakovenko (Co-Founder, Solana), Richard Teng (CEO, Binance), and Arthur Hayes (CIO, Maelstrom).
The U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with TOKEN2049 to offer an exclusive 15% discount on event tickets. Use the code USCS2049 to take advantage of this offer and be part of the crypto ecosystem’s defining event!
ULI Hong Kong Annual Conference, October 23, 2024
The ULI Hong Kong Annual Conference is the signature annual real estate event in Hong Kong that attracts over 200 of Hong Kong’s key real estate leaders, including attendees from Asia Pacific and beyond. Taking place on 23rd Oct 2024, this year’s conference will focus on Hong Kong as a global city.
Click here to learn more about this event and the U.S. Commercial Service looks forward to seeing you there.
AIA International Conference in Hong Kong, October 24 – 26, 2024
The American Institute of Architects (or AIA) - Hong Kong Chapter – is hosting their annual international conference in Hong Kong and will span 3 days. It will be full of conferences, city tours, networking events and learning units, with a thematic on how past and new technologies are impacting ‘architectural intelligence’. If you want to know more, please check out their website here. The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong is proud to be involved in this endeavor and we are thrilled with the opportunity to meet and interact with local architects and designers, as well as experts hailing from across the world.
 Design & Construction Trade Mission to Southeast Asia, Oct 28 – 29, 2024 (Hong Kong Stop)
The U.S. Commercial Service is planning a Design & Construction Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Taipei, and Ho Chi Minh City (Oct 28th – Nov 1st, 2024). Although space is limited, there are still a few spots left for U.S. companies to join. This ‘packed’ week, with plenty of meetings, receptions, site visits will be sure to enhance your competitivity in the region.
If you are a Hong Kong based company in the Design & Construction sector and you want to get involved, please feel free to reach out to Michael.Wajntal@trade.gov (located in HK).
 Fintech Trade Mission to Hong Kong and Bangkok, Thailand, October 28 – November 1, 2024
This U.S. Fintech Trade Mission is aimed at promoting and expanding the international presence of U.S. financial technology companies, and fostering bilateral partnerships between U.S. fintech companies and financial institutions in Hong Kong and Thailand. Centered around Hong Kong Fintech Week, it is an influential fintech event which gathers top leaders in finance and technology.
Participating in this mission will provide delegates with invaluable insights into the local market landscape and the opportunity to establish relationships with key stakeholders, including local banks, financial institutions, and investors. This experience will enhance delegates' understanding of market dynamics and facilitate connections that may lead to promising business opportunities.
Whether you are a Hong Kong company looking to connect with more U.S. fintech companies or a U.S. company interested in joining this delegation, please reach out to Nicole Yan for more information.
Cosmoprof Asia, November 29 – December 4, 2024
We recently launched this year’s Buyer Program for Cosmoprof Asia 2024. This year we are helping Informa Markets recruit qualified buyers from 11 countries across Asia Pacific including Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Cosmoprof Asia is the leading B2B beauty industry in Asia. Started in 1997, Cosmoprof Asia attracts more than 80,000 fair visitors and 3,000 exhibitors annually. Since coming to Hong Kong last year after a 3-year hiatus, the show has returned to Hong Kong with resounding success. Last year, 227 hosted buyers mostly C level executives attended the show.
Once again, we look forward to supporting U.S. exporters who are exhibiting at the show. For those who wish to join some of our Cosmoprof related activities, please contact Natalie Tong.
Greater New York Dental Meeting, November 29- December 4,2024
Celebrating a century of dentistry excellence! The Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) is the United States’ largest dental convention and event. Happening from November 29 till December 4, GNYDM is back at the Jacobs Javits Convention Center in New York.
Attracting dental professionals from more than 160 countries globally, this show features best-in-class in the industry. With over 265 seminars and hands-on workshops, the event is intended to cater to all diverse needs, multi languages, and skill levels. As many as 1,000 exhibitors have committed to the show, ready to unveil new treatments and innovative products.
If you are in the practice, please consider joining our U.S. Commercial Service delegation to the show. Contact Natalie Tong for more information.
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) Conference, December 4-7,2024
The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) hosts an annual conference, and this year's theme, "Navigating the Future of International Enrollment Management," highlights the complexity and dynamism of global student mobility. It emphasizes the need for professionals in this education field to continuously innovate and adapt to ensure their competitiveness and relevance in attracting and serving international students. AIRC is a non-profit membership association comprising accredited post-secondary institutions, student educational recruitment agencies, and service providers. AIRC aims to advance standards-based international student recruitment and enrollment practices.
For more information, please contact Commercial Assistant Timothy Zee.
Recent Highlights
Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group Chooses Georgia for New Manufacturing Facility
Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, a global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, has selected Georgia as the location for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility! This significant project, facilitated by SelectUSA and the U.S. Commercial Service, underscores Georgia’s appeal to international businesses seeking a robust ecosystem for growth.
The new facility, set to be established in LaGrange, Georgia, represents Lee Kum Kee’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for Asian cuisines in the Americas. With an investment of up to $288 million, the project is expected to create up to 267 jobs in Troup County over the next several years.
The collaboration between SelectUSA, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development was instrumental in attracting this major investment. By leveraging their combined expertise, these agencies ensured that Lee Kum Kee’s facility will not only enhance production capacity, but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
This project exemplifies the importance of strategic planning and interagency cooperation, and Georgia’s appeal as an ideal destination for global investors.
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