SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau,proceeded to Sydney today (August 13) to start his visit to Australia to deepen collaboration in trade and investment between Hong Kong and Australia.
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SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
Upon arrival, Mr Yau attended a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its establishment.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Yau remarked that the Sydney ETO was set up in 1995 with an important mission to promote and strengthen Hong Kong's economic, trade and cultural ties with Australia and New Zealand as well as foster a better understanding of Hong Kong in the two countries. Over the last three decades, the Sydney ETO has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia, serving as a vital connector that brings together the two communities and laying a strong foundation for even deeper co-operation in the years ahead.
Mr Yau noted that in 2024, Hong Kong was Australia's 10th-largest export market, with bilateral trade in goods between the two places reaching approximately AUD8 billion. Australia was also Hong Kong's eighth-largest trading partner in services in 2023. These figures reflect the deepening of the relationship, fuelled by increased bilateral exchanges, shared commitment to free trade, and the innovative spirit that defines both economies.
He further noted the strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism and connectivity, citing the growing flow of visitors to Hong Kong and vibrant expatriate communities between Hong Kong and Australia as a testament to the enduring strength of bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Mr Yau outlined Hong Kong's ongoing initiatives to enhance its business environment and regional competitiveness, such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme to attract global talent and foster innovation, and the recent reduction of the duty rate on liquor to promote liquor trade. He also highlighted Hong Kong's abundant opportunities for Australian businesses and its role as a key entry point into the fast-growing markets of the Mainland and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
On regional trade, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is actively seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and its accession to RCEP will enhance regional value chains and create new synergies in various areas, benefitting Australian exporters, service providers and investors alike.
Today's reception brought together over 300 distinguished guests from various sectors, including political and business circles, media, academia, community groups and government representatives. A special exhibition highlighted the Sydney ETO's diverse engagements over the past three decades, ranging from hosting high-level visits and leading business delegations to organising economic forums and staging cultural performances, demonstrating the growing depth and breadth of Hong Kong's ties with Australia and New Zealand. Another section of the showcase spotlighted Hong Kong's unique strengths as Asia's world city and a dynamic hub for global business.
In addition, before proceeding to Sydney today from Auckland, New Zealand, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie, to update him on the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong.
Mr Yau will continue his visit to Sydney tomorrow (August 14).
Source: AI-found images
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
