Secretary Yau Promotes Hong Kong's Trade Opportunities for French Businesses at Paris Forum

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to France on June 24 (France time). He attended the China Forum organised by Business France in Paris to share with the business sector Hong Kong's advantages and unique role as a gateway to the Asian and Mainland markets.

Speaking at the forum, Mr Yau remarked that Asia is currently contributing 60 per cent to global growth, and that the Asian market, in particular the Mainland market, presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to expand their horizons across the global trade landscape. As a "super connector" between foreign investors and the Mainland market, Hong Kong serves as a perfect springboard for French businesses to tap into the Mainland market.

Mr Yau said that in2024, Hong Kong's total trade amounted to US$1,350 billion, and was the world's fifth-largest trading entity. Every year Hong Kong channels a massive volume of trade between the Mainland and the rest of the world. Meanwhile, under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the most liberal free trade agreement ever offered by the Mainland, Hong Kong enterprises and professionals can enjoy the most preferential access to the Mainland market. CEPA is also nationality neutral and does not impose any restrictions on the source of investments. He encouraged the French business sector to set up company in Hong Kong to enjoy the preferential treatment under CEPA to enter the Mainland market.

Mr Yau added that Hong Kong has a simple and low tax system and there is no restriction on the flow of capital. In addition to the Mainland market, French businesses can also access the Southeast Asian market by using Hong Kong as a base for their regional operations in Asia. Hong Kong is also deepening its trade ties with the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, and is reaching out to Central Asia to explore new markets.

Mr Yau concluded that Hong Kong already has strong links with France, adding that the French community is one of the largest and most successful in Hong Kong. Among the European Union member states, France is the third largest in merchandise trade with Hong Kong and second largest in services trade. He believes that there is still significant trade potential between Hong Kong and France that would bring better synergy and mutual benefits.

During his stay in Paris, Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in France Mr Chen Dong to update him on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade developments, and new initiatives such as the reduction of liquor duty to promote liquor trading.

Mr Yau also visited the headquarters of Elior Group SA and its facilities to learn about the company's operation and business development. He then hosted a dinner for representatives of theFrance Hong Kong Business Associationto learn about the latest development directions of local enterprises and exchange views on enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and France.

Before proceeding to Paris, Mr Yau visited a wine cellar in Armagnac and met with representatives of the Armagnac trade on June 23 (France time) to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as a liquor trading hub.

Mr Yau will depart for Hong Kong on June 25 (France time).

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCED attends China Forum in Paris, France Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

Mr Chan Kin-por, Photo source: reference image

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post