Hong Kong Hosts Seminar in Helsinki to Attract Global Talent Through Top Talent Pass Scheme

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) and Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) supported the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme seminar held at the University of Helsinki on October 3 (Helsinki time). The event was organised by LearnInFinland Oy and Helsinki Alumni.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered the welcome remarks. Mr Law said, "Talent is the cornerstone of our future. At the end of 2022, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government introduced new talent admission programmes and enhanced existing ones. For example, the Top Talent Pass Scheme, which welcomes graduates from global top universities to explore opportunities in the city. We are eager to expand Hong Kong's talent pool with bright minds from Finland, enriching the cosmopolitan energy of our city."

Also speaking virtually at the seminar, the Director of HKTE, Mr Anthony Lau, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and enormous opportunities as well as various talent admission schemes to attract talent with diverse backgrounds from around the world to pursue development in Hong Kong.

"HKTE aims to develop strategic engagement plans to trawl for talent worldwide, and provide comprehensive one-stop support services to assist talent in their long-term development in Hong Kong," Mr Lau said. He added that HKTE will continue to step up the global promotion of Hong Kong's dual role as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talent to attract more high-calibre talent from all over the world to Hong Kong.

The seminar also featured a sharing session by the Vice-Chairman of the Finland-Hong Kong Business Association, Mr Pertti Jalasvirta, on his experience of working in Hong Kong as an expat. A reception was held following the seminar for around 60 guests including students and graduates attending the seminar, representatives from the University of Helsinki, as well as professionals from the business and education sectors.

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and Hong Kong Talent Engage promote talent initiatives in Helsinki Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) presented a Special Hong Kong Award to an Italian company at the 19th China Awards in Milan, Italy on December 4 (Milan time).

The China Awards, organised by the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) annually, is one of the most influential business events in Italy. It recognises Italian companies that have grasped the opportunities in the Chinese market and vice versa, Chinese companies that have invested in Italy and engaged in strategic and innovative collaboration with Italian counterparts.

Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels Miss Fiona Li, commended the recipient of the Special Hong Kong Award, Venchi. This Italian confectionery company has expedited its expansion in Asia, leveraging Hong Kong's vibrant culinary landscape, strategic location and unmatched connectivity with Mainland China. "Its success in Hong Kong and in Asia speaks for itself that establishing a presence in Hong Kong is conducive to its market expansion. It is the testimony of the strengths of Hong Kong - our low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, business-friendly environment, and advanced logistics and supply-chain management", Miss Li said.

The event offered an opportunity to put a quartet comprising of Hong Kong's musicians in the spotlight before 300 executives and senior representatives of top Italian and Chinese companies. The quartet, which was brought to the event by HKETO, Brussels to help give Hong Kong talents international exposure and to showcase Hong Kong as an international cultural exchange hub, had Grace Chan, double bass player; Isaac Lam, pianist; Melody Lau, violinist; and Emily Chan, soprano. Grace Chan was selected to participate in the Rome Chamber Music Festival's Young Artist Programme in June 2024.

Miss Li also highlighted the latest measures in the Policy Address to the Italian audiences on enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, including lowering the tariff on liquor. She elaborated that Hong Kong's distinctive advantages including an independent judiciary, a free trade and investment regime, and an efficient and clean government are kept under the "one country, two systems" principle as she encouraged Italian companies and talents to come to Hong Kong. "Hong Kong is and will remain your prime gateway to China and your most preferred partner in Asia", she added.

The ICCF is the largest Italy-China business association in Italy that facilitates collaboration between Italian and Chinese companies. The ICCF organises the annual China Awards in partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China and with the support of the China Chamber of Commerce in Italy.

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels presents award to Italian company with deep business ties in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases